Date: 28 Feb 1996
From: "JosephP. Chin +" <jchin01@kepler.poly.edu>

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" & "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" are
    copyrighted, and a trademark of Paramount.
"Battlestar Galactica" is copyrighted and a trademark of Universal Studios.
"Highlander" is copyrighted, and a trademark of Rysher Studios.
"Star Wars" is copyrighted, and a trademark of Fox.
"Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" is copyrighted, and a trademark of Warner Bros.

1990's, California

Detectives Peter Caine and MaryMargaret Skalany were both looking around in the 
messed up apartment. "There were signs of a struggle, Peter."
  "Yes, and he just- vanished," pointed out Peter. "Just like the other two. 
Signs of a major struggle. With one of them, it looked like that he fell forty 
stories from his office window, but no body was recovered. Another of them had 
blood stains all over the room, but again, no body was recovered."
  Skalany looked on the wall and saw an old English-style sword sheath 
precariously lying on the floor. "Take a look at this, Peter."
  Peter said, "It looks like it's from the eighteenth century. Yes, all three 
also had authentic artifacts dating back as far as centuries. One of the others 
also had a scabbard lying on the floor, dating back to the sixteen-hundreds."
  "Perhaps we should have this taken to the lab and have it tested."
  Kermit, the computer whiz, came running in with a piece of paper, yelling, 
"Peter, I got information on this guy."
  "Well, Kermit. What did you find?"
  "There is no traces of an Arthur Blacksmith. No birth records or anything. 
The only Arthur Blacksmiths known were killed fighting the Confederate army in 
the Civil war in 1861, and another one killed in the American Revolution."
  "Huh???"
  "Pete, that was all I was able to come up with."
  "Well, that was everything, Detective Caine. I could not find any police 
records, or even any records of his birth or records of him coming into this 
country. And, yes. It was the same with the other two. Besides your point that 
they were in the upper middle class region."
  "Tell me about it."
  "Well, there was Jacques Pierre, whose name also was one of the leaders in 
the French Revolution. He, too was a general who came from France to help in 
the American Revolution before the French Revolution. There was William 
Smith, who was killed trying to save his men during the American Revolution. He 
was also a British Colonel held in a German prison in during World War I and 
 released at the end of the war."
  Peter and Skalany just stared at each other.

At the police station, Kermit was sitting at his computer with Peter and 
Skalany behind him looking over his shoulder. He pulled up Arthur Blacksmith's 
file, complete with a facial shot in the upper left corner on the screen. His 
blond hair showed a razor-cut hairstyle. He said, "Remember that face, 
Caine."
  A portrait of a man in a blue army uniform was displayed on the screen. 
The face was the same, but with a page-boy hairdo. "This was painted in 1856 
when he got promoted to Sargent."  After another few keystrokes & moving & 
clicking the mouse, another portrait of a man with the same face, but in a blue 
coat, holding his hat to his chest with his right hand and a musket in his 
left, formed on the screen. He had shoulder-length hair. Kermit said, 
"This is a portrait of Arthur Blacksmith in 1776, right before he went into 
battle. See? Caine, They seem to be the same man. And it was the same with 
Jacques Pierre and William Smith."
  Peter said, "Amazing. My father may have an answer to all this."
  Skalany said, "My car, Peter."

That night, Peter was with his father, Quay-Chiang Caine, and Skalany, at his 
father's workplace. Peter was telling his father the situation, "... And the 
only other times that their names have shown up were in the 1800's."
  Quay-Chiang's mind started to wander.

(It was a dark night. Quay-Chiang was walking down an alley, with only one lamp 
post shining onto it. Another man, Duncan MacCleod, was coming in the opposite 
direction. Several people in ski masks wielding knives popped out and said to 
them, "Hand over all your monies and valuables." Duncan pulled out his sword 
and started fighting with them. Quay-Chiang also fought. One of the thugs 
pulled out a gun and shot Duncan twice in the chest, and they all ran. Duncan 
was lying on the ground and Quay-Chiang went to treat him. It was no use 
because he was dead.
  As Quay-Chiang was performing a Shao Lin ritual on him, he awoke. "Who are 
you?"
  "I am Quay-Chiang Caine; I am a Shao Lin priest," Quay-Chiang said, 
surprised. "Who are you? How-"
  "It's a long story, Mr Caine. My name is Duncan MacCleod. I was born in 1592 
and...")

Quay-Chiang told Peter, "I once met a man. It was about a week after the temple 
was destroyed and Ping-Hi and I gave our final farewells to you at your grave. 
He was shot to death when we both got stopped by thieves in an alley one night. 
And he woke up. He told me that he was born in 1592 in Scotland. Maybe the 
three missing people you speak of may be his kind. I also knew about another, 
very recently. She is also one of my students."

(Quay-Chiang went into Guinan's pub. There were mostly men in there. He sat on 
a stool, and Guinan said, "What can I get you?"
  "Water, please."
  She looked at him and said, "Hot? cold?"
  "Cold, please."
  "With ice nor not?"
  "No ice." He put a dollar on the counter as she walked away. She came 
back with a large mug of water and said, "Well, Stranger, enjoy it."
  "Thank you."
  She took the dollar and held it out to him and said, "No charge for water."
  He said, "Take it. You got me the water."
  "Thank you, Sir."
  Just as he downed another glass of water, one of the patrons punched another 
in the face. It turned into a brawl. Guinan grabbed a sword and yelled, 
"STOP IT! CONTROL YOURSELVES, GENTLEMEN!" She ran around the bar, past 
Quay-Chiang.
  One of them knocked her sword out of her hand. Quay-Chiang jumped in between 
them and her and flung them both away from each other, one into the counter, 
and the other into the wall. The one who hit the wall tried to hit Quay-Chiang 
with both hands, but Quay-Chiang blocked it and sent him into the wall again. 
Both of the patrons said, "I'm NEVER coming back here again," and walked 
out.
  The other also said, "I'm never coming back neither." He, too walked out.
  Guinan approached Caine and thanked him. "How did you do that, Stranger? Are 
you a master of the Oriental martial arts?"
  "I am Caine; I am a Shao Lin priest. Thank you for the water."  He 
started walking towards the door."
  Guinan asked, "How do I find you, Mr Caine."
  "Come to Chinatown. Ask for Caine.")

"Apparently," said Quay-Chiang, "she came and found me to learn kung fu."
  "Who are they, Pop?"
  "That I cannot say. I made a promise to them."
  "Pop! I need to know. He, or she, or both, may be the one responsible for 
these incidents."
  "No, Peter. He is not that type of a man, and she would not do anything like 
that."
  Just then, The Ancient, Joe Dawson, Duncan MacCleod, Amanda, and Ritchie 
walked in. The Ancient said, "These people came a long way to find you, 
Quay-Chiang Caine."
  "Ah," responded Quay-Chiang with a smile. "Duncan."
  Duncan smiled back and said, "Mr Caine."
  He pointed to each one as he said who they were. "This is Joe, Amanda, and 
Ritchie."
  Quay-Chiang did the same. "You have met the Ancient. This is my son, Peter, 
and Officer Skalany."
  Duncan said, "We need to speak to you alone, Mr Caine."
  Quay-Chiang said, "Whatever you tell me will be safe with them."

The following morning, Peter was in his car with Duncan in the front passenger 
seat, and Joe Dawson in the back seat with Duncan's overcoat. Peter said, "So, 
you were born in 1592? It's amazing that you cannot die."
  Duncan said, "I think that it is safe to tell you, that we can die. Someone 
has to take our heads."
  "Then you're dead?"
  "Yes," replied Duncan. Changing the subject, he asked Peter, "So, what have 
you found out about these three men?"
  Peter told him, "Well, our computer analyst discovered what you had told my 
father. All these men looked like the same three men that fought for America's 
independence. You verified that they were when talking to my father."
  "I have a name for you. Charlie Smith. He fought for the British during the 
American Revolution. He was awakened in late 1779."

(Two men in blue coats on horseback brought a red-coat, who was walking, with 
his hands tied in front of him with rope, and the other end was held like a 
leash by one of the blue-coats, into the camp. The blond-haired man, Arthur 
Blacksmith, said, "General Charles Smith. Where did your army set up camp?"
  Charlie just stood there.
  Jacques Pierre walked up to him and lifted one of his legs with his own and 
pushed Charles onto the ground. With a very thick French accent, he said, "Ze 
Sergent asked you a question, General. Answer'm."
  He still did not speak. That was when William Smith walked up to him and
kicked his right side. "Answer us!"
  John Blacksmith grabbed his foot and bent it back, making Charles scream out
in agony. He said, "Tell us or I'll break your foot, you bloody redcoat."
He bent it back again, pulling off his shoe.
  Arthur had just finished loading a pistol, and pointed it at his stomach.
Charles pointed and said, "O-Over there, b-by the foot of the mountains."
  Duncan MacCleod, clad in his blue-coat, walked up as Arthur pulled the
trigger, sending a bullet into his upper thigh. The foursome started kicking
him, and MacCleod ran up to them yelling, "Stop it. Save your energy for the
battle."
  William said, "He's a redcoat, Duncan. What do YOU care?" He kicked him
in between the eyes. They kept on kicking him until he was unconscious.
After that, they tied him to a wooden post and piled dead tree branches around
him.
  When he awoke, MacCleod said, "Don't do this, guys!"
  Jacques said, "Keep outta zis, Duncan."
  Arthur came over with a burning stick from the campfire. Charles begged,
"Please, don't."
  Duncan ran up to block Arthur from walking over to Charles, and Arthur threw
the burning stick. The stick hit Charles' coat and set him on fire, making him
scream from the pain.)

Joe said, "That was Charles Smith's awakening. He's out to get revenge for
the pain and suffering they put him through."
  "Who is that fourth one?"
  Joe answered, "He is John Blacksmith, Arthur's younger brother."

At the police station, Kermit said to Peter, "John Blacksmith lives at 42
Picard Boulevard. He has an office at 1701-E Kurn Turnpike. He sells computer
equipment."
  "And Charles Smith?"
  "There is a Charlie Smith who just checked out at the Riker Hotel."
  "Thank you, Kermit." Peter grabbed his jacket and ran out of Kermit's
office."

Later on that day, a large black man came up to a guy with a beard and said,
"Ready when you are, Charlie."
  A tall, skinny young man tucked a gun into his pants and said, "Me too, Mr
Smith."
  The skinny man hopped into the driver's seat of the dark blue Ford Explorer,
and the large black man on the passenger side. Charlie was already in the back,
slouched.
  "The man we are looking for is a computer salesman. As with the other three,
I'll be fighting it out with the younger Blacksmith, and you grab whatever you
want in the house. He usually gets to his home at 6PM. It is also where he
stores most of his merchandise. We should be there with a fifteen-minute wait."
  The Explorer pulled out of the driveway, and took off.

Peter made a left turn on Kurn Blvd, and saw the large billboard with "1701" on
the upper part of it. Underneath it was:
  A  Sisko, Crusher, and O'Brien, Attorneys
  B  LaForge Chiropractor
  C  Space Available  Call 555-4768
  D  Space Available  Call 555-4768
  E  Blacksmith Computer Systems
  F  Guinan's Pub
They pulled into the parking lot, and Duncan felt the presence of another
immortal. He looked over to see John Blacksmith pulling out in his red
Monte Carlo. Duncan said, "Guinan? I have a friend by that name. Is that the
name of the owner of that pub?"
  "Yes, Duncan, but we don't have the time to stop now."
  "You're right, Peter. Follow that red car."
  "I intend to."

They stayed on the tail of the red Monte Carlo, and followed it onto the 
freeway.
  Peter said, "The owner is a black lady, very intelligent, gives great advice,
almost like my father. She likes to say that she tends bar, and she listens."
  Duncan said, "That's her all right."
  "Well, we'll stop there tonight."
  Duncan continuously felt the presence of the other immortal. All of a sudden,
the red Monte Carlo pulled over, and Peter pulled over as well right behind 
him. John got out of his car with a long thin object wrapped in a cloth, and 
walked over. He said, "Why the hell are you following me?" After seeing 
Duncan in the passenger seat, he said, "MacCleod, get out of that car."
  Peter flashed a badge at him and said, "Police."
  John said, "Don't tell me that you got the police helping you out in your
dirty work."
  Duncan said, "It's not me, John. It is Charlie Smith."
  "You liar!"
  Peter cut in with, "Mr Blacksmith, he is telling the truth. A Charlie Smith
has just checked out of the Riker Hotel."
  Duncan said, "He was awakened in 1776. You see. We left him for dead, but he
turned immortal and awoke after we left to find the British army."
  John unwrapped his sword and said, "C'mon, MacCleod."
  Duncan got out of the car and pulled his out and they had it out. Duncan 
disarmed him and said, "I don't want to fight you, John. I'm trying to help 
you."
  John picked up his sword and got back into his car and drove off, leaving 
Duncan and Peter in the dust.

Skalany, in her car and Quay-Chiang in the passenger seat, made a right turn 
on Picard Blvd, and parked in front of #42. She was followed by John 
Blacksmith's Monte Carlo. She and Caine waited in the car.
  When John got out, he was confronted by Charlie Smith, with a sword in his
hand. "Charlie! So, MacCleod WAS telling the truth." He showed his sword.
  The skinny guy pulled out his gun, and a gunshot knocked it out of his
hand.
  Skalany yelled, "FREEZE! POLICE!"
  Charles took a swing at John and John blocked it, making a loud, "CLANG!"
  The black man tried to jump him, only to be thrown back by Quay-Chiang, right
into Charlie.
  Charlie grabbed his sword, and he and his men jumped into the Ford Explorer 
and they drove off in a hurry.

Back to Peter's car, which was moving down a busy street, Duncan took the
microphone of the police radio and studied it. Peter said, "Boy, Duncan,
you're as bad as my father."
  "I was just curious, Peter. I just hope that your father and partner were 
able to save John."
  "Don't underestimate my father, Duncan."
  "You're right, Peter. Your father is a remarkable man."

Charlie Smith was at a phone booth on the phone. He said, "This is Charlie
Smith. Meet me by 42 Picard Boulevard at 5:30PM tomorrow." He put another
coin into the payphone and after that, repeated the same message. He got 
into the back seat of the black Ford Explorer, and it took off..
  Inside, Charlie said, "I hope that the paint job is enough."
  "Well, the plates were covered, so it will make it harder for them to find 
the vehicle."

Peter's car pulled into 1701 Kurn Blvd, followed by Scallaney's car. Duncan,
Ritchie, and Peter got out of Peter's car, and Skalany, Quay-Chiang, the 
Ancient, and Amanda got out of Scallaney's car. They went towards Guinan's 
Pub.

Guinan felt the presence of an immortal as she was cleaning up for the night.
They walked in. Guinan saw Quay Chiang and Peter Caine, Officer Skalany,
the Ancient, a teenager and a Brunette, and: "Duncan?"
  "Hello, Guinan. How's business?"
  "Busy, but I'm getting along."
  "I know, tending bar and listening, right?"
  "Right."
  It hit Duncan. "Oh, excuse my rudeness, Guinan. You know Quay Chiang
Caine, I understand."
  "Yes."
  "Peter Caine, his son."
  "I also know Peter and Skalany. They both come into this place all the 
time. As soon as they walk in, everyone behaves."
  Everyone laughed.
  "And," continued Guinan. "I've seen the old man with Priest Caine, but I
never knew who he was."
  Quay-Chiang said, "We call him, 'The Ancient.'"
  Guinan said, "Nay Ho Wah?"
  The Ancient bowed to her and said, "Ho. Nay ho?"
  "Ho."
  Duncan, Amanda, Ritchie and Skalany looked on, puzzled. Duncan 
continued the introductions. "The other two are my comrades, Amanda and 
Ritchie."  Duncan said, "Guinan is, in a sense, my sister, because we were 
mentored by the same man, Darius. Her awakening was in 1798 when..."

(A large white man walked into the house and said, "Where's my hot tea? Why 
isn't it on the table waiting for me?"
  Guinan said, "I'm bringing it now." She put a cup in front of her master
and started pouring the scalding hot tea into the cup.
  He grabbed her hair and said, "Hurry up!" making her spill the
scalding-hot liquid on his lap. After yelling from the pain, he got up,
grabbed a knife, stabbed her in the belly, and dragged her dead body
outside.)

Guinan looked at Duncan like he was crazy. Duncan said, "Our secret is safe
with them, Guinan. They already know."
  Guinan said, "Well a friend of either Duncan or Quay-Chiang Caine is a
friend of mine. Good friends of both are good friends of mine. All drinks on
the house. Guinan walked over to the door and turned the sign so that "Sorry,
we're CLOSED," was facing outside. "Have a seat by the bar, everybody."
  Guinan went behind the bar and said, "Cold water for the Shao Lin priest, 
club sodie for the detectives, and cold beer for old friends." She showed 
her sword and said, "And, cold steel for enemies."
  Everyone laughed.
  The ancient asked, "Do you have something called, 'Mm gah pee?'"
  "Yes." She produced a gallon sized jar with fading Chinese characters on
a label. "I knew that this would come in handy one day."
  The Ancient smiled and said, "Bloody marvelous."

The following afternoon, Charlie Smith was in the trunk of the black Ford
Explorer, and there were the skinny guy driving, the larger black man next to
him, and three others in the back seat. Charlie was loading .45 automatics and
passing them to the front of the truck. Charlie said, "Yes, we're as ready
as we can get. I'll take care of John Blacksmith. And ALL the computer 
equipment that we can get into this truck will be divided between the five of
you."
  One of the guys in the back seat said, "You mean that you don't want any of
the loot?"
  "No, just John Blacksmith's head. That's all I want Just-"

John Blackwell was in his office with Duncan, Peter and Quay-Chiang Caine,
Skalany, Amanda and Ritchie. John said, "I'm sorry for doubting you, Duncan."
  "Don't worry, John. The loss of three comrades can be very disturbing. And we
don't intend to let anything happen to you."
  They all proceeded to leave the office. John said, "All in a day's
work."

John Blackwell drove in his car. Peter, Quay-Chiang, and Duncan followed in
Peter's car, and Skalany, Amanda and Ritchie were following them in 
Scallaney's. A black Ford Explorer sped up to them in the left lane. Duncan 
felt it as it passed Peter's car. All of a sudden, the sounds of gunshots were 
heard, and John Blacksmith's car went out of control and crashed into a 
lamppost. The Explorer screeched to a stop as did Peter and Skalany. All 
six jumped out of the Explorer. John staggered out of his totaled Monte Carlo. 
Charlie chased after John.
  Duncan yelled, "Charles! Don't do this!"
  Charlie said, "I have no quarrel with you, MacCleod. After all, you told them
not to do it. I have to get him for the torture. The pain that they inflicted
on me."
  The others pulled out guns and the skinny guy screamed, "HANDS UP! DON'T 
MOVE! KEEP QUIET!"
  After a moment, Ritchie jumped at them, and they all shot him. While Ritchie
took their attention away from the other five, Peter and Skalany pulled out
their guns and fired. Two guns went flying from the shots. Quay-Chiang and 
Duncan jumped two others.
  The skinny guy shot Amanda, who had her sword out, in the chest, and she fell
to her knees, and to the ground. He shot Peter as he fired his gun 
and grazed his side.
  Skalany fired her gun at the skinny guy, knocking his gun from his hand.
She looked on in horror as Peter, with a gunshot wound in his chest, fell
to the ground.
  Rage, anger and pure hatred filled and consumed Skalany. She murmured, "You
scum, bastard!" She repeatedly shot at the skinny guy, hitting both legs and 
both arms, and kept firing her empty gun at him. From the frustration, she 
ran up to the downed man and pistolwhipped him in his face and his head, 
repeatedly screaming, "YOU KILLED MY PARTNER!"
  Duncan hit the guy he was fighting with in his chest, and he fell to the 
ground unconscious. Quay-Chiang grabbed the large black man's shoulder and who 
fell unconscious. They both went running back to the scene of the shootings.
  Quay-Chiang grabbed Skalany who struggled trying to get away from him. He
 said, "Skalany, stop it." She looked at Quay-Chiang and just put 
her arms around him.
  Duncan felt the side of his neck and sadly said, "He's dead."
  He held her and said, "He killed my partner. He shot Peter. He killed your 
son, Mr Caine."  She buried his face in his shoulder and sobbed.

Meanwhile, Duncan went looking for Charles Smith. He found him in an alley,
just in time to see Charlie take John's head. Duncan yelled, "CHARLES!" but it
was already too late. Charlie swung his sword and...
  Charlie picked up John's sword and held it in the air. The sight in the
lamppost went on and blew as Charlie absorbed John's quickening.
Duncan walked up to him and said, "You shouldn't have done that. He may have 
helped his brother and his two friends do to you what they did in 1776, but, he 
did apologize and felt remorse. Also, in World War II, he was shot saving you 
and your army from the Japanese. And you got all the credit for it."
  "Well, MacCleod, I have no quarrel with you. I understand that even if you 
tried any harder than you did to stop them from doing what they did to me, you
would also have been burned alive right along with me, and they would have 
taken your head and quickening. I am thankful to you for at least telling them 
not to do it, but I got my revenge. And for trying to stop ME, you'll pay." He 
took a swing at Duncan with John's sword, but Duncan disarmed him. He ran.
  Duncan ran after him, after recovering John's sword.

Meanwhile, the Ancient and Joe Dawson showed up in Duncan's Cadillac. Ritchie
woke up, followed by Amanda. Quay Chiang and Skalany were both kneeling 
beside Peter. While Quay-Chiang was performing a Shao Lin ritual on his dead 
son, Peter awoke. He  went for his gun and said, "We've got to stop them!"
  He looked around and felt a strange sensation, and realized that it came from
Ritchie and Amanda. Skalany looked at him in shock and said, "We've already 
taken care of that, Peter."
  Peter  sat up and felt something solid in his shirt, which had a 
bloodstain where the bullet penetrated his chest. He pulled the shirt out of 
his pants and the spent bullet fell out of his shirt onto his crotch. He picked 
up the flattened projectile and looked at it. He  looked at his chest where 
the bullet penetrated him and into his heart and said, "Where's the gunshot 
wound?"
  Ritchie held out his hand and showed Peter five of them. He  said, "It
healed, Peter. You are one of us."
  The Ancient said, "You are immortal, Peter Caine. A great gift."
  In the meantime, while Duncan and Charlie were swordfighting, they ended up
back with the rest of group by the lamppost that John crashed into. Charlie
noticed that his men were all handcuffed, except for the skinny guy who died
from head trauma. Duncan noticed that his friends were fine, but felt a
slightly strange sensation from his friends. Has another one awakened?
  Charlie took a swing at Duncan with his sword, and Duncan blocked it and 
knocked the sword out of his hand.
  The clanking of the swords got everyone's attention. They watched on as
Duncan disarmed Charlie and took his head. Duncan picked up Charlie's sword. 
All of a sudden, it went dark, and the lamppost that John had crashed into 
quickly lit up as bright as the sun and exploded. The totaled Monte Carlo also
became electrified, along with the lamppost.
  They watched as lightning struck Duncan, who fell to his knees, and stretched
with a sword in each hand as he was consumed by the lightning. The early
evening skies turned normal as Duncan struggled to get up.
  Quay Chiang Caine walked over and offered Duncan his hand, but  Joe Dawson 
stopped him. "No, Mr Caine. He needs to get himself together by himself."
  After Duncan got up, he walked up to Peter and said, "I will stay in this
neighborhood for awhile. From what Guinan had said, I can learn a thing or two
from Quay-Chiang Caine."
  Quay Chiang bowed to him and said, "I'm honored, Duncan MacCleod. And since 
you are part of history, I can learn a thing or two from you as well."
  "And," continued Duncan. "Since Peter Caine joined us, he can also learn a
thing or two from me."
  Ritchie and Amanda said, "from us," in unison.
  Skalany turned to Peter, smiled, and said, "Well, Peter. Immortal or not,
I'm glad that you're OK. It will be our secret."
  The ancient said, "Well, it is time to celebrate Peter Caine's life."
  Peter  said, "Why don't we go to Guinan's pub and have a drink."
  Duncan said, "Amen to that."


Several centuries later... ST:TNG/DS9-BG-ST-Highlander

The USS Enterprise, NCC-1701E was docked at Deep Space Nine.
Captain's Log
Captain Jean-Luc Picard recording.
Our first mission with this new Galaxy-class Enterprise, NCC-1701E, was to 
deliver supplies to D-S-9. As I speak, Lieutenant-Commanders Data and LaForge, 
with help of D-S-9's Chief of Strategic Operations Lieutenant-Commander Worf 
and Chief O'Brien, are unloading photon and quantum torpedoes and dilithium 
crystals. Commander Riker, Doctors Crusher and Selar and Nurse Ogawa, and 
D-S-9's Doctor Bashir are taking care of the medical equipment. Meanwhile, 
Captain Benjamin Sisko has something to speak to me about.

In Sisko's ready room sat Sisko and Picard. "So, how's the new ship?"
  "Good, Captain. How are things with you?"
  "The battle with the Klingons went well. If it wasn't for Commander Worf, we 
would have either destroyed that entire Klingon fleet, or been taken over by 
them. By Gowran, the guy that YOU, put in charge of the Klingon empire as 
Arbitrator of Succession."
  "It was either him or Duras. Duras's family collaborated with the Romulans. 
He would have broken the alliance with the Federation, and allied the Klingon 
Empire with the Romulans, Causing a major shift of power in the quadrant. And, 
a war that would have costed many lives. Even then, we haven't heard anything 
from the Klingons OR the Romulans."
  "Yes. Things have been too quiet."

On the Klingon Homeworld, Gowran was raving mad at Capt Kurn. "You, and General 
Martok, were supposed to take over the Romulan Empire. Not come back without 
General Martok! What are you?! Is your heart human like your brother Worf? Or 
is your heart Klingon? Get OUT of here, Kurn!"
  Kurn said, "Before you send me away, there is something even MORE dangerous 
than the Romulans, Cardassians, Federation, Ferengi, AND the Dominion as one 
force, Gowran!" He  inserted a data chip into the computer, and said, "This 
speaks for itself, the logs of the Hegh'ta, and the logs retrieved from the 
Negh'va. The Hegh'ta was only ship that escaped the attack, but with 
substantial damage."
  The entire council watched what was on the screen intently. On the Klingon 
flagship, IKC Negh'va, the ship rocked repeatedly as green rays fired from 
massive cubic form on the viewscreen. All of a sudden, several Borg 
materialized on the bridge. Several Klingons fired upon them with their 
hand-disrupters, and only one fell. The others, the disrupter energy was just 
absorbed by a forcefield. Two warriors grabbed betleHs and ran toward them, to 
be vaporized by the Borg's weapons. They grabbed Gen Martok and were quickly 
transported away.
  The logs from the Hegh'ta showed the cube firing green phaser bolts carving 
up many Klingon ships that were firing at it, including a Vor'cha-class vessel 
caught by a tractor beam. One ship headed on a collision course towards the 
cube, only to explode from a green beam that carved the ship vertically down 
its middle. A battle-torn Cardassian warship in the battle, also on a collision 
course, was also carved by a green beam from the Borg vessel, and blew up.
  Kurn said, "The Borg. That is the big danger to the Klingon Empire, and the 
Alpha quadrant. The Federation encountered them first, and was destroyed by the 
Federation ship, USS Enterprise."
  An elder Klingon said, "Gowran. The Borg is a threat to the entire quadrant. 
Perhaps we should make an entire Alpha Quadrant alliance to fight them, 
starting with the Federation."
  Gowran's eyes were filled with fury when he said, "Very well. Open channels 
to the Federation. We need to open up a dialogue and make peace with them to 
fight the Borg. And get my ship ready. Kurn, you will command the ship."

In another section of space, was the Battlestar Galactica with its rag-tag 
fleet of refugee ships. Col Tigh said to Cmdr Adama, "There is a ship of 
unknown configuration heading this way. They want us to identify ourselves."
  "Open communications with the vessel, Colonel."
  The channel was opened, and a face appeared on the monitor on the console. "I 
am Captain Han Solo of the Millennium Falcon. Please identify yourselves."
  Adama spoke. "I am Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. We are a 
refugee fleet from the twelve colonies of Kobol. We are in search of the 
thirteenth colony, called Earth."

On the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo looked at Luke Skywalker and Leia. Luke 
said, "He is not out to make trouble, but I think that they are trying to get 
away from it. Also, there are a few who are strong with the force."
  Solo turned back to his small monitor and said, "Do you require assistance? 
Commander?"
  "No, but thank you for offering. Why don't you come aboard the Galactica."
  "I'd like that."
  Luke and Leia Organa Solo looked at each other. [Yes, Leia, You are right. 
The force is strong with Commander Adama.]

The Millennium Falcon landed in the bay, and out came Han Solo, Chewbacca, 
Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Cee-Threepio and Artoo-Deetoo. 
Cee-Threepio  said, "I wonder what we've gotten ourselves into this time?"
  A few beeps came from Artoo-Deetoo, and  Cee-Threepio answered with, "I 
hope that you're right, Artoo."

On the bridge of the Galactica, Adama was explaining the situation with the 
Cylons when Col Tigh announced, "There are two Cylon baseships in the 
distance."
  "Get the fighters ready for launch," ordered Adama.
  Tigh  said, "However, they seem to be in pursuit of something else."
  "Well, let's get this fleet moving. The further we are away from these 
Cylons, the better."
  Solo asked, "Do you need any help? My ship can fire both, forwards and 
backwards. And it can take several shots without significant damage."

Back on DS9, Captain Picard said, "We will issue starships around the area, 
just for in case."
  They were interrupted with Kira's voice saying, "A Vor'cha class Klingon 
vessel just decloaked. Gowran requests that he comes aboard to speak with 
Captain Picard."

The Colonial fleet approached a planet. An entire fleet of Klingon 
ships decloaked around the colonial fleet.
  Aboard the Galactica, Colonel Tigh said, "These ships, just, all of a sudden, 
appeared! Just one Centon, nothing was out there, and the next- There they are. 
I don't understand it."
  "Open a communication channel to them, Colonel," ordered Adama.
  On the screen on the console, appeared an elderly Klingon. Everyone that saw 
him gasped from fear. Some, because of his forehead, others, because of his 
resemblance to a mortal enemy, Baltar. "I am General Kor. You are in the space 
of the Klingon Empire. State your business or we'll destroy ALL of you."
  "I am Commander Adama of the Colonial Fleet. We are in search of the 
thirteenth colony, to settle there with our long-lost brothers who had settled 
there a long time ago."
  "Where IS this thirteenth colony, Commander?"
  "Earth."
  "Stand by, Commander. I must consult with our Chancellor."

Gowran was in the ready room with Capts Picard and Sisko as they watched the 
incident between the Klingons and the Borg. Gowran said, "Let us renew the 
Khitomer accords, and help us fight this new enemy of the Klingon Empire."
  Picard was the first to agree. "Once the Borg takes over the Klingon Empire, 
they will be far more powerful, and start with the Federation next."
  "Agreed," responded Sisko.
  Gowran said, "I give my word as a warrior, that we are allies as long as I 
live. And yes, Worf is welcome to the Klingon Empire when he wants to visit. 
His brother, Kurn-"
  Major Kira interrupted them on the com. "Sorry to interrupt you, Sirs, but 
Captain Kurn needs to speak to Gowran; it is urgent."


1

Meanwhile, the two baseships were in pursuit of the Borg vessel. Lucifer walked 
towards Baltar and said, "By your command."
  Baltar  asked, "Have you found out anything about that strange 
vessel?"
  "The configuration is not known, Sir. It is cubic in shape."
  Baltar ordered Lucifer, "Open a communications channel to that 
cubic-configured vessel."
  "By your command, Sir."  He said, "Channel open."
  Baltar  announced, "I am Baltar, commander of the two baseships of the 
Cylon Empire."
  "We are Borg. We are here to assimilate the species of this quadrant. Why are 
YOU here."
  Baltar said, "We are after a fleet of fugitives. Our orders are to 
destroy them, and kill everyone."
  "Destroying them is irrevelant. Killing everyone is irrelevant. We will 
assimilate them for you, but after we assimilate an empire in this sector."
  "Let me call for more reinforcements, and we will all help you."
  "Reinforcements are irrelevant. Help is irrelevant. Escort us or leave us." 
The channel was closed.
  Baltar said, "Call for more baseships, Lucifer."
  "By your command."

The Borg went into warp away from the two baseships.

On DS9, Worf went into the Captain's ready room and said to Sisko, "Captain, 
Permission to take a leave of absence."
  "What for, Mr Worf."
  "I want to go and help fight the Borg. I hear the cry of the warrior."
  "Well, the Enterprise has just left, Mr Worf."
  "No, Captain. Gowran has requested that I come and fight with him."
  "Come with me, Mr Worf."
 Worf followed Sisko out into Ops.
  Once he was beside Kira, he ordered her, "Major, open a channel to that 
Klingon vessel."
  "Aye Captain."
  Gowran appeared on the screen, saying "Yes, Captain."
  Sisko spoke. "Gowran, is it true that you asked Mr Worf to go into battle 
with you? He said that-"
  Gowran's face showed anger. "Are you questioning the word of a Klingon 
warrior!?"
  "I don't get it, Chancellor. When Worf was first stationed here, you wanted 
nothing to do with him. You anhiliated himfrom his own homeland, and 
discommendated him. And now you ask him to go fighting with you?"
  "Worf, son of Mogh, IS my friend, Captain. That time, I was just angry with 
him. He has made many enemies in the Klingon Empire, and I now give him another 
chance to prove to his people that his heart IS truly Klingon, and that he IS a 
true Klingon warrior."
  Sisko nodded at him, turned to Worf and said, "Against the Borg, I don't see 
that an extra man will help any, but- Leave of Absence granted, Mr Worf. And 
good luck."
  "Thank you, Captain."

The Klingon ship, at warp speed, caught up to the Enterprise, which was also at 
warp. They were at warp side-by-side. On the Enterprise in a conference 
room, Picard spoke. "The Federation council okayed the renewed alliance with 
the Klingon Empire. We are being joined by the USS Ambassador commanded by 
Admiral Necheyev, with Ambassadors Lwaxanna Troi, Duncan MacCleod and 
Ambassador Peter Caine, to meet these human colonists that found their way 
towards the Carraya System. The Hood, Farragaut, Cairo, the Crazy Horse, 
Excalibur, um, and four others will also join us and the Klingon fleet to fight 
the Borg. The Cardassians also agreed to send some of their warships to fight 
the Borg."
  Geordi asked, "Are we going to fight the Borg as well?"
  "Yes. There is no better crew than the Enterprise crew to fight the Borg. Mr 
Data, I will need you at Tactical. With your speed at the con, your reflexes 
will be needed. "
  "Yes, Captain," said, Data.
  "Beverly, prepare Sickbay for casualties."
  "Aye, Captain."
  "Commaner Riker, there is no pilot better than you. I need you as the 
helmsman, and Geordi, I need your best performance in engineering."
  Riker and Geordi both replied, "Yessir," in unison.
  They were interrupted with a female voice saying, "Captain, this is the 
bridge. The USS Ambassador requires assistance. Their warp core went off line."
  Captain Picard said, "Acknowledged. We are on our way."
  They all got up and left.

The Enterprise and the Ambassador-class Ambassador faced each other while Data 
and Geordi made repairs on the Ambassador. Geordi was tracing the circuitry and 
said, "OK. This interface was really made for a galaxy-class starship. It will 
either blow the power conduits, or the Ambasador will have the best warp core 
interface of her class."
  Data said, "I modified the interface for the USS Ambassador's systems, 
Geordi. It should not cause any problems."
  "OK, Data." said Geordi. "Let's try activating it."
  After Data pushed a few things on the console, the hum of the warp core, and 
 people clapping, echoed throughout engineering.

In the Captain's ready room aboard the Enterprise, Picard was sitting at his 
desk with Adm Necheyev and Cmdr Shelby sitting on the other side of the desk. 
Necheyev took a sip of her drink and said, "The Ambassadors would be safer 
with your capable crew, Captain. Besides, you would be better off going with 
Gowran to meet this Colonial fleet; after all, he has the utmost respect for 
you. I will take the Ambassador to join the others to fight the Borg."
  "Admiral," Picard started. "Gowran will want to fight the Borg as their 
leader, and he wants me as a fellow warrior to join him. As a Klingon, he will 
not go off on any diplomatic mission while his fellow Klingon warriors, go into 
battle. Besides, the fleet will need as much firepower they can get. The 
Enterprise will have a better chance against the Borg than the Ambassador. 
Besides, Gowran himself is aboard the Enterprise with his men installing 
cloaking devices in the stardrive section and the saucer section of the 
Enterprise."
  Necheyev said, "Personally, Captain Picard, I think that the seven years with 
Worf was too much time for you to have a Klingon as a member of your crew. But, 
let us see what Gowran is going to do."
  After a moment's silence, Cmdr Shelby said, "Admiral, and Captain. 
Permission to transfer to the Enterprise."
  Picard and Necheyev both said, "Granted," in unison,  looked at each 
other and laughed.
  Necheyev said, "Gee, I haven't commanded a starship in a long time. The 
Ambassador hasn't had a captain for awhile, and We just granted her Ex-Oh's 
request to transfer to the Enterprise."
  "Once you've commanded a ship, replied Picard, "you never lose your touch, 
Admiral."
  "Good advice, Captain. But, when you are done fighting the Borg, I want the 
cloaking devices returned to the Klingons. We don't need any problems with the 
Romulans."
  Just then, Riker's voice interrupted, saying, "Captain, Chancellor Gowran 
wants to see you."
  "Acknowledged, Number One," answered Picard. "Send him in."
  The doors to the ready room opened, and Gowran, Kurn and Drex (son of Martok) 
walked in. Gowran bellowed, "We installed cloaking devices in the Engineering 
sections of your saucer section, and of your stardrive section. To cloak the 
entire ship, both devices must be activated."
  Admiral Necheyev said, "Does it work?"
  Drex angrily said, "Are you questioning our abilities, Admiral?"
  Picard intervened. "Commander, the Enterprise is not a Klingon ship. It is of 
an entirely different configuration. The systems on this ship are quite 
different from your systems. I am not questioning your abilities or honor. I 
question the compatibility of our combined technologies. If it does not work, 
it is not because of your abilities. It is because of a design flaw on our 
part, not yours." He turned to Gowran and said, "Gowran, are you also going to 
fight the Borg or meet this fleet of ships?"
  Gowran answered, "A Klingon warrior does not stay behind while his friends 
and fellow warriors go into battle. And I want you to join us. Fight 
side-by-side with me." Gowran said, "Why don't we try out the cloaking 
devices, since your admiral doubts us."
  They  walked onto the bridge, and Picard said, "Well, let us try it out."
  Necheyev whispered to Picard, "Nicely said, Captain, in the eyes of those 
Klingons."
  Data said, "Cloaking the saucer section..."

The view from the outside showed the saucer section of the Enterprise 
shimmering and then was invisible, leaving the stardrive section visible. 
It shimmered back into view. The stardrive section shimmered out of 
visibility. The saucer section was all that was visible. It shimmered 
back into view. The entire ship shimmered and was invisible, and 
shimmered back into view at another location.
  The Enterprise separated. The saucer section cloaked and decloaked, 
followed by the stardrive section. The Enterprise joined back, and  
the entire ship cloaked. The junction between the saucer section and that 
portion of the saucer section flashed as it separated. After a few seconds, the 
stardrive section decloaked, followed by the separate saucer section, and  
reunited into one ship.
  On the bridge, Data pointed out, "We can separate while cloaked, captain, but 
unfortunately, as we separate, our location does become momentarily exposed. It 
may also be dangerous trying to reunite while cloaked."
  "Yeah, we may end up crashing into each other instead, Captain," added 
Geordi.
  Picard responded, "Agreed, Geordi."
  Cmdr Shelby said, "It may be better to go separated, to give the Borg an 
extra target." Riker looked at her, and after a few seconds of silence she 
said, "Even if we go in cloaked, our separation will give our location away."
  Picard said, "Agreed, Commander Shelby. Riker, you'll take the stardrive 
section. Take whoever you need. Just don't take everybody."
   Riker  looked around and said, "Geordi." He looked at Shelby and stared.
  Shelby said, "Commander, I've better stay with the captain. Nothing against-"
  Riker said, "You're right, Commander." Turning to Picard, he said, "She's a 
fine first officer, Captain." He  turned and looked at her. She looked back 
at him with a half a smile.
  He turned to Troi and said, "Deanna. You're with me."
  The three of them were on the way to the turbolift when Necheyev, "Commander 
Riker." All three stopped.
  He stopped and said, "Yes, Admiral."
  She gave him a gold pip and said, "For the duration of the mission, you will 
be the commanding officer of the stardrive section. I hereby temporarily 
promote you to captain for the duration of the mission. Congradulations, 
Captain Riker."
  She  turned to Captain Picard and gave him a gold pip and said, "I hereby 
promote you also, Captain Picard, to Commodore. You are in charge of the entire 
Federation fleet against the Borg. Before we part, i suggest that you transport 
as much of your civilian population aboard this ship as practical to the 
Ambassador."

The Enterprise and the Vor'cha-class vessel went into warp simultaneously.
The Ambassador went into warp in another direction.

In the holideck, Data walked in and said, "Computer, resume Commander's Test 
One."

The simulation was in engineering, with Geordi and Barclay. The red-alert siren 
was echoing throughout the section. Geordi said, "I cannot stop this warp core 
breach, Commander."
  "Eject the warp core, Geordi," said Data.
  After pushing a few buttons, Geordi said, "Ejecting system is also offline."
  Data said, "Options."
  Barclay said, "The fault is a conduit in jefferies tube 369, but the 
radiation levels are too high for anyone to survive in it. Not even you, Data."
  Data murmured, "Safety of the ship." He said, "I will go into jefferies 
tube 369 to repair the conduit. Be prepared to eject the warp core on my mark."
  Data  curled down the jefferies tube at his top speed. He got to the 
faulty conduit and as soon as he touched it, it sparked,  he found himself 
on one hand and knees in the empty holideck grid, with Capt Picard, Cmdr 
Shelby, and Counselor Troi standing there laughing.
  Data said, "What is so humorous, Captain?"
  "Seeing you on your hands and knees on the holideck grid."
  Data said, "Ah," and  laughed. He said, "What did I do wrong, 
Captain?"
  Cmdr Shelby said, "Your hand short-circuited the conduit setting off the 
warp-core breach that destroyed the entire ship."
  Data said, "Computer, let us try this again."

The simulation was, again, in engineering, with Geordi and Barclay. The 
red-alert siren was echoing throughout the section. Geordi said, "I cannot stop 
this warp core breach, Commander."
  "Try ejecting the core, Geordi," said Data.
  After pushing a few buttons, Geordi said, "Ejecting system is also offline."
  Data said, "Options."
  Barclay said, "The fault is a conduit in jefferies tube 369, but the 
radiation levels are too high for anyone to survive in it. Not even you, Data."
  Geordi pointed out, "Furthermore, if you go in there, the Emterprise loses 
its commander, and your artificial skin will accelerate the process and destroy 
the ship anyway."
  He said, "Can either of you repair it?"
  Geordi said, "Yes. I can."
  "Then, do it."
  "Huh??"
  "That's, an order, Geordi."
  "Yes, Sir."
 The simulation disappeared, leaving Data standing in the empty holideck 
with Picard and Shelby. Picard said, "Congradulations, Commander."
  Data said, "To order my friend to kill himself was very painful, but it did 
save the ship."
  Picard said, "Sometimes, you will have to order your best friend, or even a 
loved one, to die to accomplish a mission."
  "Such as the case with Lieutenant-Commander Darren?"
  "Don't mention it, Data."
  "Sorry, Sir. I understand."
  Commander Shelby removed the black pip from Data collar and replaced it with 
a gold one. She said, "Congradulations, Commander Data."

In the stardrive section, Captain Riker sat in the command chair on the battle 
bridge, tapping his fingertips on the armrest. Deanna, who was on his right, 
said, "Will, we have a cloaking device, and we'll be cloaked when the time 
comes. And with Commander Shelby's implementations of the shields and weapons 
systems, we will come out of this. We've made it through worse situations, 
Will."
  "Alright, name at least one of them."
  Deanna said, "Will, I am only trying to calm your nerves."
  "Deanna, I am only worried about making a mistake that would get us ALL 
killed."
  "Well, I can think of one situation worse than this one."
  "Yeah, the encounter with the Borg five years ago."
  Deanna was surprised. "I was going to say that. But remember, we are going in 
to fight them. The last time, they attacked us. This time, we are fully 
prepared. And, we have quantum torpedoes. All of the ships have implemented 
Commander Shelby's ideas."
  All of a sudden, Picard's voice came over the intercom. "Picard to 
Riker."
  "Yes, Captain."
  "A Borg ship is heading in our direction. Ready to commence saucer separation 
and  cloak."
  "Aye, Captain."

They rendevoused with the other nine starships, a fleet of Klingon vessels, and 
two Galor-class Cardassian warships. One of the Ambassador-class ships had 
already commenced saucer separation, as did a galaxy-class ship. The 
Ambassador-class USS Excalibur was in the process of saucer separation. The 
Enterprise commenced it as well, and  the saucer section cloaked,  as did the
stardrive section. The Klingon vessels cloaked one by one, some 
of them simultaneously. Only one Vor'cha-class vessel did not.

Back on Deep Space Nine, Lieutenant-Commander Jadzia Dax walked into Captain 
Sisko's ready-room. Sisko said, "What can I do for you, Old Man?"
  "I came in to report that the Enterprise has rendevoused with the rest of the 
Federation and Klingon fleet and await the approach of the Borg vessel."
  "You know, Old Man. I think that we should also be there on the Defiant. 
After all, that was the reason that it was built in the first place. To fight 
the Borg if they came back."
  "Well, it still is not too late, Ben. We can probably join the battle in the 
middle of it."
  "All right, then let's do it." They both walked out into Ops and Sisko said 
to Kira, "Major, let's take the Defiant and join the battle."
  "Aye aye, Captain."

On the bridge of the Defiant, Sisko was in his chair with Chief O'Brien, and 
Kira, Dax, Odo and two other Starfleet personnel were at their posts. Kira 
said, "Course set."
  "Engage."

The defiant went into warp.


2

Adm Nechayev sat in the captain's chair on the bridge of the USS Ambassador. 
Duncan MacCleod was standing by the tactical station in the rear of the bridge, 
with Amanda, Ritchie and Peter Caine standing around him. He asked, "So, 
Allyna, how does it feel to sit in the captain's chair again?"
  "Strange, Duncan," she said. "It brings back memories, and it makes me feel 
ten years younger."
  Peter said, "Yeah, I hope that the Enterprise makes it back okay, without any 
casualties."
  Duncan said, "You're in love with that Commander Shelby, aren't you."
  Nechayev looked back at them, and Duncan and Peter laughed. Nechayev said, 
"Captain Picard and I may not get along too well, but, he is a good captain. 
I'm confident that he will come back with the Enterprise in one piece."
  The officer at tactical said, "Approaching the humanoid fleet, Admiral."
  "On screen," said Nechayev.
  The viewscreen showed the Battlestar Galactica, a K't'inga-class Klingon 
ship, several birds of prey and D7 battle cruisers that kept on cloaking and 
decloaking.
  The officer at tactical said, "The Vor'cha-class ship is hailing us, 
Sir."
  "Open a channel."
  The viewscreen changed to the bridge of the Vor'cha-class vessel. The Klingon 
said, "I am Captain Kargon of the Imperial Klingon Cruiser Pagh. My orders are 
to await you and  join the battle against the Borg."
  "Admiral Nechayev of the Federation starship Ambassador. I relieve you, Sir." 
The viewscreen turned off, showing the view of the colonial fleet and all but 
one of the Klingon ships cloaking.

On the bridge of Gowran's ship, Worf said, "Long-range sensors show something 
approaching at high warp, Chancellor."
  Gowran said, "Put it on the screen."
  The viewscreen showed the stars. Kurn said, "Magnify, Worf."
  The screen showed a Borg cube, and Worf said, "Magnification at maximum, 
Sirs."
  Gowran and Kurn stared at the viewscreen. Worf said, "From what we have 
seen from the logs that Kurn showed us, Martok was taken by the Borg. They 
probably taken him and assimilated him to communicate with us. That was what 
happened when the Enterprise encountered the Borg. Captain Picard was 
assimilated to communicate with the Federation. How much DOES he know about the 
Klingon Empire?"
  Gowran said, "He was mainly a fighter. A warrior. And the first and only 
Klingon to refuse a seat on the High Council."
  The Borg ship approached, and beeping was produced at another post. Drex 
said, "The Borg ship is hailing us, leader."
  "Open a channel," ordered Gowran.
  On the screen, General Martok with Borg implants approached the screen.
He said, "I am QumwI' a Borg. Escort us to the Klingon Homeworld so we can 
assimilate your people."
  Gowran yelled, "NO!"
  Take us to your homeworld," QumwI' responded, "or we will destroy you. Then 
we will go to your homeworld ourselves and assimilate the Klingon Empire. You 
will die in vain."
  "Klingons fight for honor, empty shell of Martok," said Kurn.
  "I am QumwI'. Battle is irrelevant. Honor is irrelevant. Escort us to the 
Klingon Homeworld or die for nothing."
  Gowran  signaled to the communications officer, and after the com officer 
hit a few things on his console, the screen showed the Borg ship. Gowran  
said, "I have heard enough of this ragh! It is a good day to die."
  Drex, from his station said, "Chancellor. Let ME take a shot at that veQ."
  Worf said, "Shields are up, and shield modulations are shifting randomly 
to specified parameters."

Aboard the Enterprise saucer section, QumwI' was on the viewscreen reciting. 
"Locutus, we want to assimilate the Klingon Homeworld."
  Picard said, "I am NOT locutus. I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the 
Federation Starship Enterprise. They will resist you. They will die in battle 
to save the honor of their people. And we will also fight you for the honor of 
our Klingon brothers."
  "Resistance is futile. Battle is irrelevant. Honor is irrelevant. We will 
assimilate the Klingon Homeworld and -"
  Picard said, "Close channel. Arm phasers."

Aboard the stardrive section, the lieutenant at tactical said, "The saucer 
section decloaked, and is firing phasers."
  Riker  gave orders. "Ensign, take us to the other side of the Borg 
vessel. Data, remain cloaked."
  A pair of, "Aye, Sir,"'s was the response from the Ensign at the helm and 
Data.

Several of the Federation starships approached firing phasers and photon 
torpedoes. The Borg ship fired its weapons, green cutting rays, in the 
direction of the fleet.
  Another green ray emerged from the Borg ship in an upward direction, cutting 
a warp nacelle off a Klingon bird of prey. The ship decloaked and fired 
disrupters at the Borg ship, creating no damage. A green ray was fired from the 
Borg vessel, slicing it down the middle. It exploded.
  A green tractor beam was trying to attach itself to the stardrive section of 
the Excalibur. The modulating shields were holding. It fired its phasers at the 
source, cutting off the tractor beam. Another one emerged. After that one 
was also cut, a volley of photon torpedoes was fired from the Excalibur's 
stardrive. The Borg ship fired its green cutting ray at it, cutting off 
one warp nacelle and The other. The ray cut it in half, destroying it.
  The saucer section fired a phaser at it, and backed off. The Borg vessel 
fired a cutting ray at it and was absorbed by its shields. A D7 Klingon battle 
cruiser decloaked and fired at the Borg vessel, knocking out the ray and doing 
some, but minimal damage. A green ray cut through the cruiser's shields,  
sliced it in half, and destroyed it.

Aboard the Defiant, Dax said, "We will be in optimum firing range in three 
minutes, Captain."
  Sisko said, "Arm quantum torpedoes and phasers. Be ready to decloak and 
fire."

The saucer section of the Enterprise was taking a pounding from the Borg ship. 
Data said, "The shield modulation and shields are holding."
  "Fire Phasers, Mr Data," ordered Picard.
  Shelby said, "Keep the frequencies of them changing at a random fashion."
  "Firing, Sir. Phasers frequencies are changing randomly."
  "Good, Mr Data. Commence firing," said Picard. "Ensign, evasive maneuvers at 
your discretion."
  "Aye, Captain."

On the battle bridge of the Enterprise stardrive, Riker said, "Decloak and fire 
EVERYTHING! Photon and quantum torpedoes and phasers. And Keep the shield and 
phaser frequencies changing at a random fashion."
  Deanna said, "Ensign, evasive maneuvers at your discretion."

On the bridge of the Defiant, the viewscreen showed the sight of the Borg ship 
firing at and destroying Klingon ships of different types and classes. An 
Escelsior-class ship was also destroyed. The Borg ship got larger and larger, 
nearer and nearer. Sisko said, "Decloak and fire phasers and quantum 
torpedoes. And keep those phaser frequencies changing."
  Dax and Kira said, "Aye, Captain," in unison.

The Defiant shimmered into view and all of the weapons systems activated, 
showering the Borg vessel with a phaser beam and quantum torpedoes. At the same 
time, a K'Vort-class bird of prey decloaked and opened fire on the Borg ship.

Aboard the USS Cairo, Captain Jellico ordered, "Beam an away team aboard that 
Borg ship. I want General Martok found and brought back here ALIVE."
  The commander said, "Too dangerous, Captain. Besides the Klingons-"
  Jellico said, "That's an order, Commander! Or I will beam aboard that ship 
and bring him back here."
  A lieutenant in blue uniform said, "Captain, we need you here on the bridge."
  He  looked at her for a few seconds, and said, "All right. 
Commander, carry out my orders. You lead the away team."
  The Commander said, "Aye, Sir."

The Borg ship fired at one of the Escelsior-class ships and sliced off a warp 
nacelle. The ship fired back. Another beam cut through the neck, cutting the 
ship into stardrive and saucer sections. The entire ship, except its saucer 
section, was destroyed. The saucer accelerated towards the Borg vessel, firing 
its phasers. Another beam from the Borg ship was absorbed by its shields.

Back on the Cairo, Jellico sat in his chair. From the bridge com was, 
"Transporter room to Captain Jellico."
  "Go ahead," responded Jellico.
  "General Martok is aboard the Cairo."
  "Take him to Sick Bay. I want a forcefield around him. I him shielded from 
any electromagnetic signals that may be keeping him in contact with the 
Collective."
  "Aye, Sir."
  Jellico  stood up and said, "Fire phasers and photon torpedoes at will."
  There were several "Aye, Sir"'s to his command.

The USS Cairo slowly approached the Borg vessel with phasers and photon 
torpedoes firing. The other Escelsior-class ship's saucer section collided with 
the Borg vessel and exploded upon impact. The explosion took the top quarter of 
the Borg vessel along with it.

Aboard the Vor'cha class vessel, Gowran stared at the viewscreen showing the 
damaged of the Borg vessel. He  turned to Worf at tactical station and 
said, "So, the Federation has some honor. A Federation ship used itself as a 
giant torpedo and its crewmembers gave their lives for the Klingon Empire."
  "Yes, Gowran. They died for good of the Klingon Empire."
  Worf said, "Power levels of that Borg ship increasing, Gowran."
  Kurn said, "Fire at will, Worf."
  Worf said, "Aye, Kurn." He manipulated his console. Drex, on the station 
behind him, did the same.

Aboard the stardrive section of the Enterprise, Riker looked on in shock. The 
lieutenant at tactical said, "That was the USS Hood, Captain."
  Riker said, "No time to mourn our fallen comrades. Fire at will."

As the Vor'Cha-class vessel, the Cairo, Defiant, and stardrive section of the 
Enterprise, and other Klingon ships, commenced firing at the damaged Borg 
vessel, the saucer section of the Enterprise cloaked. It  shimmered back 
into view and fired at the underside of the Borg vessel.
  Two Birds of Prey cloaked. A second later, a massive explosion took another 
major part of the Borg vessel,  another one did the same. A 
Vor'cha-class cruiser and K't'inga-class cruiser followed scattering pieces of 
the Borg ship and the two birds of prey. What was left from the battle was two 
Vor'cha class and one K'Vort class Klingon vessels, the USS Cairo, and the two 
sections of the Enterprise. They maneuvered to unite.

On the bridge of the Enterprise, Riker, Geordi, and Dr Selar walked off the 
turbolift. Picard removed one of the pips off his own collar, and  so did 
Riker. He gave it to Picard. Shelby kept her eyes on Riker. Picard said, "She 
is a fine First Officer, Commander Riker."
  The lieutenant at tactical said, "We are being hailed by both, the USS 
Cairo and the Bortas, Sir. The Cairo says that it is urgent."
  "Open a channel to the Cairo, Lieutenant," responded Picard.
  "Channel open, Sir."
  The viewscreen showed Captain Jellico. "Captain Picard, we managed to recover 
General Martok from the Borg ship. Can you have Dr Crusher beam over to remove 
the Borg implants?"
  He  announced, "Picard to Crusher."
  "Yes Jean-Luc," was Dr Crusher's response from the ship's com link.
  "Beam over to the Cairo. You are to remove the implants from General Martok."
  "Yes, Jean-Luc. I'm on my way."
  Jellico said, "Thank you, Jean-Luc."
  Picard said, "Edward, how did you pull that one?"
  "I sent a team over to retrieve him before the suicide missions of the Hood 
and the Klingon ships."
  "You should not have done that. He can never return to his people now that he 
dishonored himself and his family name. He will be deemed as a traitor to the 
Klingon Empire, and it will be more painful to him as a Klingon to live with 
that dishonor than to have died with the Borg."
  "Well, Jean-luc. It is too late for that now." He  looked behind him and 
back, and said, "Dr Crusher is aboard. I will meet her. Cairo out."
  The channel opened to the Bortas. Gowran bellowed, "Victory is OURS, 
Picard. You have fought well. The crew of the Federation vessel Hood died very 
honorably."
  Picard said, "Yes, Chancellor. But, there is something I must tell you."
  "What is it?"
  "The crew of the USS Cairo captured General Martok from the Borg ship and is 
in the process of removing the Borg implants from him."
  "WHAT?! They should have let him die! As far as we are concerned, he died 
like a true Klingon when the Borg attacked his ship and captured him."
  Picard said, "Why don't we beam over to the Cairo and talk about it, 
Chancellor."
  "Fine, Picard." The viewscreen showed the Cairo, Defiant, and the three 
Klingon vessels.
  Picard asked Troi, "He was upset, right?"
  Deanna said, "He is veerrry angry, Captain."

Picard, Riker and Troi materialized in the transporter room of the Cairo. As 
they stepped off the transporter pad, Jellico said, "I'm sorry, Jean-Luc. I did 
not know." He looked at the commander standing beside him and said, "I should 
have listened to my First Officer."
  Troi said, "We're only human, Captain. Everybody makes mistakes."
  The transporter officer announced, "Sir, the Klingon Chancellor is ready to 
transport."
  "Energize."
  Gowran, Worf, Kurn, and Drex materialized on the transporter pad. Gowran 
stepped off the pad and screamed, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? Beaming over 
and getting Martok? HE DIED when the BORG captured him and MUTILATED HIM!!"
  D"Rex also walked up to him and said, "By your actions, my family faces 
discommendation for SEVEN GENERATIONS!"
  Jellico said, "I'm sorry. I apologize for my actions. I did not mean to do 
harm, only to save a man's life." His mouth was open to say more, but nothing 
came out.
  Picard walked up to them and said, "Captain Jellico did not know. He thought 
that it was the right thing to do, to save a highly honorable Klingon warrior 
to fight another battle and to continue to bring victory to the Klingon Empire. 
Besides, Martok holds a valuable source of information if the Borg attacks 
again. After all, he was part of the Collective, and it will be easier to 
defeat them next time."
  Drex looked at Picard, with fury. Worf said, "Martok may have lost his honor 
by what he did, even if he could not help it, but, he probably remembers 
everything. It will be a chance for him to strengThe Klingon Empire with 
his knowledge."
  Gowran looked at Worf,  Drex, Kurn, and  Picard. Gowran said, 
"Let us go see him."

In Sick Bay, the doors opened, and Picard, Riker, Gowran, Troi, Drex, Worf, 
Kurn, and Jellico walked in respectively one at a time. Dr Crusher said, "All 
of the Borg implants have been removed. He should be awake soon." She looked at 
Gowran and said, "My job is to save lives, Chancellor. To heal people."
  Drex was about to walk up to her, but Gowran stopped him and put a hand on 
his shoulder. He spoke. "I understand, Doctor. You were just carrying out 
an oath you took when you became a medical officer."
  Finally, General Martok awoke and saw Picard. He whimpered, "Are we at 
Sto-Vo-Kor? I don't remember seeing the guardian or how I got in..." He looked 
& saw Gowran, Drex, Kurn & Worf.
  Jellico walked up to him & said, "You are aboard the starship Cairo, 
General."
  Martok pulled Picard closer to him & whimpered, "I am sorry, Picard, for the 
dishonor I have done to you, your ships, and the Klingon Empire." Martok  
looked at Gowran and Drex, and  looked away.
  Dr Crusher said, "Let him rest for now."

Back aboard the Bortas, Worf, Drex, Kurn, and Gowran filed onto the bridge. 
Gowran said, "He chu'... Deep Space Nine."

The Enterprise, Cairo, Bortas, and the two other Klingon ships went into warp 
simultaneously. The Cairo and the Klingon ships were headed to Deep Space Nine, 
but the Enterprise went to meet the starship Ambassador, and The Colonial 
fleet.


3

Captain's Log
Captain Jean-Luc Picard recording.
We are on our way to meet and escort the colonial fleet to Deep Space Nine. 
There, we will rendevous with Gowran, and retrieve Doctor Crusher from the 
Cairo.

Adm Necheyev was on the main viewscreen on the bridge. "Captain, I will beam 
the ambassadors onto your ship and take the Ambassador back to Earth."
  Capt Picard was seated in his captain's chair with Riker seated on his right 
and Shelby on his left. Picard said, "Acknowledged, Admiral."
  Necheyev continued. "Commander Shelby, you will help out Captain Picard and 
Commander Riker in accomodating the citizens of the Colonial fleet."
  "Yes, Admiral," said Shelby.
  Picard said, "We will rendevous with you within the hour. By the way, 
Admiral, how does it feel to be sitting in the Captain's chair aboard a 
starship again?"
  "Well, Captain. You're right. I haven't lost my touch." She smiled and 
continued. "As a matter fact, I felt ten years younger." She smiled, something 
that she seldomly does.
  "I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Is that why you are assigning Commander Shelby 
to the Enterprise for a while longer?" Picard smiled.
  She gave him a half a smile, and said, "Thank you, Captain. Ambassador 
out."

Aboard the Klingon ship, Worf was in his quarters practicing with his betleH 
when the door chime beeped. "Enter," Worf bellowed.
  Drex walked in and said, "I will speak with you, Worf."
  Worf said, "Come on in and sit down. What do you want to say?"
  "Worf, I need to ask, about discommendation."
  "Well, Drex, there are other things that you can do besides serve in the 
Klingon Empire. The knowledge of your own discommendation does not leave you, 
but, I was in Starfleet. So it did not affect me too much. However, it was hard 
to face other Klingons with this discommendation."
  "Do you think that I will be discommendated?"
  "I don't know, Drex. If you challenge your discommendation, you will be 
executed. You'll die, but NOT in battle or in the line of duty. The house of 
Martok has been an honored one. His father also brought more honor to the 
Empire than anyone, except Kahless. It remains to be seen now."
  Drex just grunted in acknowledgement.

Back aboard the Enterprise, Capt Picard, Riker, Shelby and Counselor Troi 
waited in a transporter room. Necheyev, Lwaxana Troi, Mr Homm, and a large 
trunk materialized on the transporter pad. Lwaxana said, "It's great to 
see you again, Jean-Luc."
  Picard nodded, and  Necheyev said, "We must get off the transporter pad 
to make room for the other two ambassadors and their assistants."
  Lwaxana said, "Yeah, right. Mr Homm?"
  Mr Homm lifted the trunk, and they all stepped off the transporter pad. 
Picard said, "Energize."
  Four more figures materialized, two men, a teenage boy, and a woman, all 
wearing long trench coats. Ambassador Duncan MacCleod spoke. "Captain Picard?"
  Picard nodded and said, "Pleased to meet you, Ambassador."
  Duncan said, "It is an honor to be here. On the flagship of the Federation."
  It is a honor to have you aboard, Ambassador." Then pointed to Riker and 
said, "Mr First officer, Commander William Riker."
  Duncan said, "Is your father named Kyle?"
  Riker said, "Yes, did you know him?"
  "A very good man, Commander. But he is not good at taking advice."
  Riker said, "Yes, he mentioned you. He said that you two used to fence 
together occasionly."
  "Only once, Commander."
  "Oh," said Riker. "This is Counselor Deanna Troi."
  Duncan said, "Well you're the one that Ambassador Troi has been raving about. 
You're as beautiful as she said you were."
  The woman beside him looked at Duncan, as did Riker.  Riker said, 
"And this is Commander Shelby."
  Shelby was staring at the dark-haired man beside Duncan. Shelby said, 
"Pleased to meet you all again. If you have any needs," she turned to Lwaxana 
Troi, and said, "And you as well, I'm the one to talk to."
  Duncan did his introductions. "To my left is Amanda, and Ritchie. And to my 
left is my partner, Peter Caine."
  Peter put his right fist into his left hand in front of his chest and bowed. 
Captain Picard did the same, and said, "Commander Shelby will escort you 
all to your quarters."
  After Commander Shelby left with the ambassadorial party, Picard looked at 
Deanna and said, "I already know about your mother, but what of the other 
Ambassadors?"
  Deanna said, "They have no bad intentions. As a matter of fact, I sense 
nothing but kindness. But the four of them are hiding something."
  Riker was looking at the transporter log and said, "Also, each of the four of 
them had a sword hidden underneath their trenchcoats."
  Picard said, "Post security at outside their quarters."

At Ten-Forward, Guinan gave Geordi and Data each their drinks at the bar, and 
 just stopped moving. She felt something. Geordi said, "What is wrong, 
Guinan?"
  She said nothing.
  Data said, "Guinan?"
  "Oh, Data, Were you to referring to me?"
  Data said, "You look like, that you blanked out for a minute there. Is 
everything all right?"
  Guinan said, "I'm all right."
   Cmdr Shelby walked in with Peter, Duncan, Amanda, and Ritchie. The 
quintet walked over to the bar. Duncan studied her and said, "Guinan?"
  Guinan's eyes lit up as she said, "Duncan? Peter? Ritchie? Is that you?"
  Duncan said, "Yes, Guinan. It is us."
  Guinan ran around the bar and embraced Duncan. "It's been a long time, 
Duncan."
  "Yes, it has," replied Duncan.
  She  embraced Peter. "It is good to see you as well, Peter Caine. Nay ho 
wah?"
  Peter said, "Ho."
  Cmdr Shelby, Geordi and Data looked back and forth at each other, and Data 
said, "Old Chinese language. Spoken by people of ancient China up to the end of 
the twenty-first century. While it is still taught in schools in that region, 
it is seldom used."
  Guinan had just let go of Ritchie, and she looked at Amanda and said, "I 
remember you, but I'm sorry to say, I forgot your name. I only remember that 
you were Duncan's girlfriend."
  "I'm Amanda," said Amanda. "And don't worry about it. We're only human."
  They all laughed.
  Data and Geordi walked out of Ten-Forward.

Picard was in his ready-room, and Guinan walked in. He said, "Hi, Guinan. Thank 
you for coming. I understand that you know Duncan MacCleod and his associates. 
Is that true?"
  "Yes, Captain. And don't be uncomfortable with them. They have their own 
customs and ways of doing things, but they're good people."
  "Does that custom include carrying swords under trenchcoats?"
  "Yes, it does. They would only pull it out for defense only, the same reason 
that the Enterprise is equipped with phasers and photon and quantum torpedoes. 
They would never harm another unless their lives were in danger." She saw his 
doubtfulness. "I assure you, Captain, that they don't mean any harm to anyone. 
You never said anything when I carried MY sword onto the Enterprise."
  "But Guinan. I know you. Them, I don't know."
  "I assure you, Captain, as a friend, that they're harmless."

Data at his console on the bridge when he announced to Riker, "I am picking up 
221 ships of many different configurations and one D7 Klingon cruiser on 
long-range sensors, Commander."
  "Acknowledged, Mr Data," said Riker. He said, "Captain to the bridge."
  Picard and Guinan emerged from the captain's ready-room. Captain Picard  
said, "Status, Number One."
  Riker said, "We are approaching the Colonial fleet, Sir."
  Captain Picard said, "E-T-A."
  Data got up, turned around, and said, "At present speed, four hours thirty 
one minutes and twenty-three seconds."
  Riker stared at Data, noticing his three gold pips onhis collar. "Did I miss 
something while I was in the stardrive section?"
  Picard looked at Riker strangely, and  back at Data.  Picard said, 
"Ah. Yes. Data managed to get promoted to a full commander. It is a long story, 
Number One. Deanna, Commander Shelby and I..."

Aboard the USS Cairo, Capt Jellico, along with Drs Crusher and Pulaski stared 
as General Martok started to come out of unconsciousness. Captain Jellico  
said, "Jellico to bridge."
  "Bridge here. Lieutenant James speaking."
  "Inform Chancellor Gowran that General Martok is regaining consciousness."
  "Aye, Sir."
  General Martok sat up and said, "Where am I?"
  Jellico said, "You are aboard the Federation starship Cairo, General."
  Martok  bellowed, "But I am supposed to be DEAD!"
  Just then, green light in the middle of the room shimmered, and Gowran, Drex, 
Kurn and Worf materialized.
  Martok continued, "Why am I not dead? I was supposed to have died when the 
Borg captured me. And stuck that veQ all over me. Now the House of Martok is 
now disgraced."
  Gowran said, "You can gain that honor back. Tell us everything you know."
  He looked at Drex, and said, "My son. I have disgraced you. My being alive 
disgraces you. There is only one thing you must do to gain back some of our 
family honor."
  Drex went reaching for his d'k tagh, but Worf stopped him, and Gowran took 
the weapon. Gowran  repeated himself. "You can gain that honor back, 
General Martok. Tell us everything you know."
  Martok looked at Gowran and said, "I have killed so many of my people. 
Honorable people I used to command and be proud of. I remember it all." He hung 
his head in sorrow.
  Jellico turned and looked away, and murmured, "What have I done?"
  Worf approached him and said, "You did what you thought was right, Sir. You 
did not know."
  Jellico turned to Worf and said, "My First Officer tried to tell me. He tried 
to advise against it, but I refused to listen to him."
  Back to Gowran, Martok, Kurn, and Drex, Martok was talking about his 
incident. "It was like, being connected to a thousand minds. All without 
honor."
  Martok  fell over, and his eyes closed. Dr Crusher grabbed a medical 
tricorder and held it over him from head to lower body and said, "He's sleeping 
now."

Back on Deep Space Nine, Sisko was pacing around in his ready-room. Dax walked 
in. Sisko said, "Thanks for coming, Old Man."
  "What's bothering you, Ben?"
  "I don't know. Cassidy Yates was supposed to meet me today, right about now, 
but she hasn't shown up yet. Between that Borg ship, the Klingons, and worries 
about the Dominion in the Gamma quadrant, and Lieutenant-Commander Worf. Why 
has he not returned to duty?"
  Dax said, "He is trying to solve a problem between Captain Jellico of the 
Cairo and Chancellor Gowran."
  "What is the problem?"
  "Well, do you remember what happened when the Borg invaded the Federation?"
  "I remember that very well, Old Man."
  "Well, Captain Jean-Luc Picard was retrieved By his First Officer, Will 
Riker."
  "Go on."
  "Well. Apparently, Captain Jellico pulled that same stunt with General 
Martok. He got the general off the Borg vessel, just before the Hood and two 
Klingon vessels pulled a suicide strike and destroyed the Borg ship. 
Apparently, instead of helping them, he brought dishonor onto Martok's family."
  Sisko said, "Dax, maybe you better join him, and see what you can do."
  "Yes, Ben." She  walked out of the room.

Duncan MacCleod and Peter Caine stood to Riker's right, Commander Shelby next 
to Peter Caine, and Lwaxana Troi on Deanna's left, on the bridge of the 
Enterprise. The Lieutenant at tactical said, "We are at communications range 
with the Colonial fleet, Sir."
  Picard said, "Hail them, Lieutenant."
  "They're not answering our hail, Captain." He  looked down and said, 
"Wait. The Klingon ship is responding."
  "On screen," said Picard.
  Kor's face was on the screen. He said, "Federation vessel, I am Kor, General 
of the fleet awaiting to defend the Klingon Homeworld against the Borg."
  "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Gowran 
and I have already destroyed the Borg vessel."
  "The Enterprise did you say?"
  "Yes."
  "I once met a Federation captain of the Enterprise, oh, sometime, oh, about 
one of your standard centuries ago. Yes, And his First Officer, a Vulcan. What 
was his name? I heard that he defected to Romulus some years ago."
  Picard said, "Spock. Yes, Kor. He went to Romulus to bring them the teachings 
of Surak, and reunite the Romulan and Vulcan races."
  Kor smiled. "Ah."
  Data was in the back of the bridge. He said, "Captain. I have some 
information about this Kor."
  Picard signaled, and The screen went blank. Kor was encountered by a 
Captain James T. Kirk and his First Officer, then, Commander Spock, on 
Organea. This was the beginning of the second war between the Federation and 
the Klingons, and the time of the establishment of the Organean Peace Treaty."
  Picard said, "Thank you, Mr Data." He  turned to Deanna and said, 
"What do you make of this Klingon?"
  Deanna said, "He is an ally, even if he was born and raised as a Klingon who 
hated humans."
  Lwaxana said, "He means no harm, Captain."
  Data  added, "He was also involved with peace negotiations along with his 
friend, Kang that he spoke of, and Koloth. The Federation diplomat was Curzon 
Dax, who achieved his highest awards for his success of those negotiations 
almost ninety years ago."
  Picard said, "Is that so? Thank you, Data." He signaled to the Lieutenant 
at tactical.
  Kor's face reappeared on the viewscreen. Picard said, "Yes, Kor. I verified 
your claim. You met a Captain James Kirk on Organea, and-"
  Kor cut him off. "The Organean people turned out to be a bunch of omnipotent 
sheep! It would have been a GLORIOUS if we had been able to fight." He smiled 
and continued. "Now, we're allies. I understand that you also have been 
involved in Klingon history, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, as arbitor-"
  "Yes, I have."
  "And you ruled against the House of Duras."
  "The House of Duras had no honor."
  "And killed the Duras sisters, Lursa and B'Etor? in battle?"
  Riker said, "Captain Picard was on another mission. I had the glory of 
the kill."
  "That was no small favor. Kang had to save my family honor in feuds with the 
House of Duras, and before that, his ancestors."
  Picard said, "Well, Kor, it was good talking to you, and learning some 
history from you. But I have been ordered to meet the representatives of the 
Colonial Fleet and escort them to Deep Space Nine."
  "Yes, I have been ordered to accompany you to Deep Space Nine. Besides, I 
have an old friend there. She will be glad to see me."
  "Who?" said Picard, "if I may ask."
  "Dax. A beloved old friend." The channel was  cut, showing the view of 
Kor's D7 cruiser, the Galactica, and the 220 ships was in view."
  Picard had his mouth open, just about to say something. After he realized 
that the channel was cut, he said, "Hail the Colonial fleet, Lieutenant."
  "They're not answering our hail, Captain," said the Lieutenant at tactical.
  Riker said, "Try ALL frequencies."
  The lieutenant said, "They are responding, audio only, on an older 
frequency."
  Picard started. "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship 
Enterprise. We are here to escort you."
  They heard Adama's voice in the background saying, "Try to establish visual, 
Sheba."
  "Yes, Commander," was the response of a woman's voice in the background of 
the audio channel.
  Adama's voice came over clearer and crisper. "I am Commander Adama of the 
Battlestar Galactica. We have travelled a long way in search of the Thirteenth 
Colony."
  "What is this Thirteenth Colony?"
  "Earth." There was nothing but static.
  Data said, "Captain, something is jamming our signal. I am also picking 
up five very large vessels of unknown configuration closing in fast. They seem 
to be in attack formation."
  "Hail them, Lieutenant. All frequencies."

The fleet of five large vessels turned out to be five Cylon baseships.
  Aboard the ship in the back, Lucifer walked in and said, "By your command."
  Baltar turned around in his chair and said, "What is it, Lucifer? I gave 
orders to send out our fighters to investigate that ship!" He was annoyed from 
being bothered.
  "But Sir, they have been launched."
  "Who ARE they? What have you found out?"
  "Nothing, yet. It has been sending out greetings to us."
  "Well, answer it, Lucifer. Let's find out what kind of people they are."


4

"They are not answering our hail," announced the lieutenant at tactical. "Wait 
a minute- They are responding."
  "On screen," said Picard.
  On the viewscreen, Baltar appeared. "I am Baltar of the Cylon Empire, 
commander of these five basestars."
  "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise. How, may 
we assist you?"
  "I am in pursuit of a fleet of some two-hundred vessels, carrying escaped 
criminals of the Cylon Empire. They call themselves the 'Twelve Colonies of 
Kobol,' and have committed crimes against the benevolent Cylon Empire in 
takeover attempts and other crimes. Everyone they encounter, seems to have 
sympathized with them, and that is why they keep escaping us. Will you assist 
us in recapturing the criminals so they can answer for their crimes?"
  "I believe that you are referring to the Colonial fleet under a Commander 
Adama?"
  Baltar's eyes lit up when he said, "Yes!"
  Deanna said, "Captain."
  Picard pointed his thumb in an obscure direction, and the Lieutenant shut off 
viewscreen. He said, "Yes, Counselor?"
  "He speaks the truth, but I still sense deception from him."
  Lwaxana said, "I sense evil in him, Jean-Luc, aside from his resemblance to 
that Klingon General Kor."
  Picard nodded to Lwaxana with half a smile, and  signaled to the 
lieutenant, and the channel was reestablished. Picard spoke. "Since you are in 
Federation territory, you are subject to our laws. We are on our way to escort 
the fleet to Deep Space Nine. If you want, you can make your case there. There 
will be a hearing, and  we will take it from there."
  "But they have already been tried and convicted, Captain. Turn them over to 
us or we will destroy you!" After he pointed with his the viewscreen showed the 
five Cylon baseships.
  The lieutenant said, "Channel cut from their end, Captain."
  Data  announced, "There are hundreds of small craft heading in our 
direction from the basestars."
  Riker said, "Shields up. Arm phasers."
  Data volunteered, "The small craft have no life signs, Sir. They are armed 
with a pair of laser cannons, however. No match for our weaponry."
  Cmdr Shelby said, "Perhaps we should engage cloaks, and move elsewhere."
  Picard said, "I'll take it under consideration, as a last resort."

The front row of Cylon fighters opened fire on the front of the saucer section 
of the Enterprise. A wide-beam phaser burst took them out.

Aboard General Kor's vessel, An elderly Klingon woman said, "Kor, I have the 
Enterprise on long-range sensors. I also have five very large vessels, 
configuration unknown, approaching it at high impulse."
  The captain, another elderly Klingon, said, "Contact Commander Adama of the 
colonial fleet. Ask him if he recognizes it."
  Another officer cut in. "Sir, the Enterprise is sending out a distress call, 
on many subspace frequencies."
  The captain said, "Put it on."
  They listened to the noisy message. "This is- <static> -Picard o- <static>     

-Enterprise. If- <static> -ederation starships out there, <static> -attack. 
Please- <static> -assistance."
  Kor said, "Turn off that noisy audio. Set course. Maximum warp. Let us 
go and help our Federation allies in battle. And engage cloak."

The D7 Klingon cruiser shimmered out of view.

Aboard the Galactica, Colonel Tigh said, "I am picking up the Enterprise, but 
there are also five Cylon baseships in pursuit of it."
  Luke Skywalker, Leia and Han Solo were on the bridge. He said, "I sense an 
evil presence."
  Sheba said, "The ship that calls themselves an imperial Klingon cruiser 
just, disappeared, Commander."
  "What?" said Tigh."
  "The Klingon cruiser that was here with us just, shimmered out of view. I 
mean, it just vanished."
  Adama and Tigh looked at each other. Tigh said, "Commander, the Klingon 
people seem to have technology superior to ours. Could it be that they also 
have the ability to-" He was at a loss for words.
  "Yes, Colonel. The technology to turn themselves invisible, and undetectable. 
That may be how they surprised us. Or the technology to-"
  Apollo was on the bridge with Starbuck. Apollo said, "Father, I'd like to 
take a squadron of vipers to engage the Cylons."
  "Be reasonable, Apollo," Adama responded. "By the time you reach the earth 
vessel, you all would have exhausted all your fuel. You would all be 
defenseless against the Cylon fighters. Or, the battle may already be over."
  "Then I recommend that we take the Galactica closer."
  Colonel Tigh said, "And leave the rest of the Colonial fleet defenseless? The 
only thing standing between them and someone who wants to destroy them is US."
  Starbuck said, "We should at least do something."
  Adama said, "I wish I could."
  Han Solo said, "The Millennium Falcon can travel a good long distance very 
rapidly using hyperdrive, in addition to manned laser cannons in front and 
back." He  turned to Luke and Leia and said, "Are you two up to it?"
  Luke and Leia followed Solo off the bridge. Apollo said, "I would like to go, 
too."
  Solo said, "You don't know the controls on the Millennium Falcon. And, you 
will just get in the way. Even then, if we lose and the basestars start 
attacking the fleet, your father will need all the viper pilots he can get."
  Apollo was just about to say something, but Luke walked up to him, put a hand 
on his shoulder, and said in a hypnotic tone, "We will be all right, Apollo. We 
will not need your fighters with us, but your father will need you, and as many 
experienced fighter pilots he can get. Do you understand."
  Apollo said, "Yes, Luke. I understand." Apollo went back onto the bridge, and 
Solo, Luke and Leia continued on their way to the hangars.

The Cylon fighters were firing their lasers at the Enterprise. The Enterprise 
fired a phaser burst that took out a few more of them. One of the fighters was 
just singed by the phasers, but lost power. Aboard the Enterprise, Captain 
Picard ordered, "Data, lock a tractor beam on that disabled fighter."
  "Aye, Sir." He  poked at his console. "Tractor beam established, Sir."
  "Take it in. I want to SEE what is on that small fighter craft," said Picard.

A wave of Cylon raiders approached the Enterprise at high speed. All of a 
sudden, a Klingon D7 cruiser shimmered into view between the Enterprise and the 
raiders, and fired a disrupter burst. The burst took out the entire squadron. 
Another burst fired from the Klingon ship and hit one of the basestars.
  The Millennium Falcon arrived, firing at the Cylon ships. Two of them were 
destroyed. Three more were on the tail of the Falcon, and laser bolts fired 
from the rear took out two of them. The third one fired, hitting the Falcon.

Aboard the Falcon, an explosion in the rear injured Leia. She was unconscious. 
Luke ran back and found her, got her out of there, and laid her on the floor. 
Chewbacca fired the laser cannon again and took out another of the Cylon 
fighters. He let out his howl of victory.
  Solo said, "Don't celebrate yet, Chewy. There are still more of them out 
there." Luke, at his post, watched nine Cylon raiders in a 'V' formation 
closing in on the front of the saucer section of Enterprise. He stared at them 
intently.
  The raider in the front, all of a sudden, turned left, taking out the others 
on its left destroying half that squadron in a domino effect. The other four of 
the squadron spread out in a straight line. Aboard one of them, the three Cylon 
robots wondered about it. In its mechanical monotone fashion, one of them said, 
"It seems that the lead ship lost control."
  "Let us not let it happen again."

The Enterprise fired a volley of photon torpedoes at the basestars. The 
torpedoes were destroyed by laser cannon of the basestars, creating no harm to 
them. The D7 cruiser fired its disrupters again. The laser bolts from the 
basestars did nothing to disperse the shot, and that hit a basestar. The 
Enterprise fired phasers at the same basestar, which was  pretty much 
disabled. A few more phaser bursts took out some more Cylon fighters.
  The Klingon ship shimmered out of view. It  shimmered into view and fired 
a disrupter discharge and a volley of torpedoes at the injured basestar, 
destroying it. Another basestar fired at it, but it just hit its shields. 
Again, the Klingon ship shimmered out of view, and  shimmered back into 
view on the other side of the fleet of basestars, firing disrupters at 
close-range. The impact of the disrupter energy mass took part of the lower 
portion of the basestar.

Aboard the rear basestar, Lucifer walked into the command center, and Baltar's 
chair turned around. Lucifer said, "By your command."
  "Report, Lucifer."
  "That Federation starship has some apparent help besides superior technology. 
There is a small fighter craft that has been taking out our fighters. There is 
also another ship that has the ability to disappear and reappear somewhere else 
and  fire at the basestars. One basestar has been destroyed, and one 
severely damaged. I advise that we withdraw."
  "Withdraw? NO!" The entire basestar shook, knocking Lucifer down, and 
throwing Baltar from his chair onto the floor. He said, to Lucifer, "Now 
that I think of it, withdrawing is wise."
  As Lucifer got up, Baltar pulled on his robes and got himself up as Lucifer 
said, "By your command."

The three remaining basestars started backing away, at high speed.

Aboard the Enterprise, Captain Picard said, "Hail the Klingon cruiser."
  "General Kor is responding, Captain," said the tactical lieutenant.
  "On screen." When Kor's face showed on the screen, Picard said, "Thank you 
for your help, Kor."
  "You, are an ally, Picard. No one is going to keep this old Klingon from 
battle, to help out an honored one, even if you're human." Kor  nodded with 
a half a smile and The channel was cut.
  "Channel cut by the Klingon ship, Sir."
  Data said, "It just went into warp."
  Picard said, "Very well, contact that small craft."
  Data said, "I am picking up three human life signs, one of them faint. 
And a fourth life sign that I cannot identify, but it's not human."
  "Channel open, Sir. Audio only."
  "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Do you 
require assistance."
  "Luke Skywalker of the Millennium Falcon, Sir. Captain Han Solo is tending a 
wounded."
  "Why don't you transport to our Sick Bay, and let our doctor take a look at 
him."
  "Her, captain. Her name is Leia. She was severely injured by a laser blast 
from one of those Cylon fighters."
  "Well, we can have her transported directly to Sick Bay."
  "Transported?"
  "Yes."
  In the background, they heard a voice saying, "Do it. I don't know how much 
longer we can wait."
  Picard said, "Back away from her." He  announced, "Transporter room 
three. Lock onto the faint life signs and beam her directly to Sick Bay."
  "Aye, Captain," was the audio response.
  Solo said, "Where did she go?"
  Picard answered, "She has been transported to our sickbay, by molecular 
transportation. Why don't you dock in one of our shuttle bays. I'll have  a 
team of engineers help you with your repairs."
  "We'd like to, but we cannot maneuver as smoothly because the Cylons damaged 
some of our systems."
  "We'll use a tractor beam to guide you in."
  "Sounds good."
  Picard  ordered, "Data, lock a tractor beam on them and guide them into 
shuttle bay 4. Then go down and assist Geordi."
  "Aye, Captain." Data  looked at the controls and said, "Captain. Their 
vessel will not fit through our shuttle bay doors."
  "Will it fit in Cargo Bay 3?" asked Riker.
  "Yes," responded Data.
  Picard said, "Then make it so."
  Data said, "Aye, Captain."

The Millennium Falcon sat in the cargo bay as the doors to space closed. 
Picard, Riker, Data, and Troi were there to greet its occupants. Luke was the 
first one out, followed by Han Solo, and  Chewbacca.  R2-D2 rode down 
the ramp on its wheels, followed by C-3PO. Picard said, "I am Captain Jean-Luc 
Picard. Welcome to the Enterprise."
  Solo said, "Thank you for rescuing us, Sir. I am Captain Han Solo."
  Riker said, "Thank you, for helping us out against the Cylons."
  Solo introduced his comrades. "Much obliged. This is Luke Skywalker, a Jedi 
Knight. My partner, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and the little one is R2-D2."
  Picard did the introductions of his officers. "This is my First Officer, 
Commander William Tee Riker, Second Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Data, and 
Counselor Troi."
  Picard said, "I imagine that you're anxious to see your lady-friend."
  Riker said, "Right this way."
  They all filed out of the shuttle bay.

In Sick bay, Leia was sitting up as Picard and Riker, Luke and Solo, Data and 
Troi, Chewbacca, and  C-3PO and R2-D2 walked into Sick Bay. Solo said, 
"Luke said that you were all right, but I needed to know."
  "I'm all right, Han. Their medical technology is superior to ours or 
Commander Adama's people."
  "Well, Leia, I'm glad you are all right." They embraced.
  Dr Selar, the Vulcan acting Chief Medical Officer, said, "She has remarkable 
healing powers for a human." She turned to Leia and said, "But, it is logical 
for you to rest, Leia."

The Cairo, Bortas and its two escorts were still docked at Deep Space Nine. The 
Cairo, however, maneuvered itself at impulse power, and  went into warp. In 
a conference room, Sisko sat at the end of a table. Dax, Gowran, Worf, Kurn, 
Drex, and Martok, was also at the tale, talking. Sisko explained, "I don't know 
much about Klingon laws or politics, but, Captain Picard himself was captured 
by the Borg and assimilated. I was aboard the Melbourne when he led the attack 
that destroyed the ship and killed my wife. The pain of what he did is still 
there, but I understand that he could not help it, being controlled by the 
Borg. As a matter of fact, if it was not for that, the Defiant would have never 
been built, and therefore, I would not have been able to come and join the 
battle by your side against the Borg just now."
  Dax looked at Gowran and said, "What Captain Sisko is saying is that 
sometimes a bad thing happens that can sometimes lead into a better future. 
Perhaps, this could be one of them."
  Worf cited, "K'mpeQ said, 'Sometimes a man's honor must sometimes be taken 
from him for the greater good of the Empire.'"
  Kurn said, "You got a point, Worf. The entire council knew who was the real 
traitor at the Khitomer massacre. That was why they chose to live with the lie 
that Mogh was the traitor instead of Duras' father. Because of the power of the 
Duras family, to tell the truth meant would have resulted in civil war."
  Worf continued. "And the fall of the Klingon Empire."
  Gowran said, "However, the truth is, Martok led the Borg attack against the 
Klingon Empire. And, no, the house of Martok is not so powerful that it would 
mean civil war as with the House of Duras. But, I understand that he could not 
help it. And it is the Federation's fault that this man must now stand 
condemned."
  Worf said, "So you see, Chancellor. You know that it could not be helped. We 
also know that Martok would have rather died like a Klingon rather than serve 
the Borg. And, Drex has done nothing to dishonor himself or his family. But he 
would still have to suffer the dishonor by something that none of us cannot now 
undo."
  Martok said, "I have disgraced myself. But please, don't make Drex suffer the 
actions of his father."
  Gowran, Kurn, Dax, Worf, and Drex just stared at each other. Gowran broke the 
silence. "Martok and I have been friends and warriors side-by-side most of our 
lives. I don't want to discommendate him or Drex. We don't tell the High 
Council yet. Let us see what We can do first. Drex, choose your cha'DIch."
  Drex looked at Worf and said, "Worf, will you be my cha'DIch?"
  Worf looked as if he was rudely awakened. He  responded, "I am honored, 
but, I don't know about Klingon law. My brother, Kurn, is a better candidate."
  Gowran said, "Worf, take it. Your brother will help you."
  Worf looked at Sisko who shrugged. Worf said, "I would be honored, to be 
your cha'DIch, Drex."

On the Enterprise, Data said, "We are close to the Colonial Fleet."
  "On screen. Take us out of warp, Ensign. And approach at full impulse."
  "Aye, Sir. Dropping out of warp. Full impulse."
  The Battlestar Galactica with the D7 Klingon cruiser, was in view with some 
of the other 220 ships in the background.
  Picard said, "Ambassadors Troi, MacCleod, and Caine to the bridge."
  The Enterprise approached the fleet.

On the Galactica, someone said, "The Earth starship Enterprise is here, 
Commander."
  Adama said, "Open communications to the Enterprise, Athena."


5

On the Enterprise, the tactical console beeped, and the lieutenant there said, 
"The Galactica is hailing us."
  "Open a channel," said Picard. He spoke. I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of 
the Federation Starship Enterprise."
  The audio channel opened. *I am Commander Adama of the Battlestar 
Galactica... I see that you had it out with our mortal enemy, the Cylons. Did 
the Millennium Falcon help?"
  "Yes, and it is in our shuttle bay, and its occupants are alive and well. We 
have been ordered to escort you and your fleet, to our Deep Space Nine 
station."
  Adama was heard saying, "Try to establish visual, Athena. I want to see these 
people's faces."
  A woman's voice, even further in the background, said, "I'm on it, Father. 
Visual can be established."
  Picard turned to face tactical and nodded. Adama's face came on the 
viewscreen. Picard asked him, "By the way, Commander, what did you mean by 
'the thirteenth colony?' We ARE from earth, but, uh-" He was at a loss for
words.
  "It will take awhile to explain, Captain."
  "Well, how about dinner on my vessel? You can explain it then."
  "Gladly, Captain. I'll prepare a shuttle."
  Riker walked up to the screen and said, "Uh, Commander. We have molecular 
transporter capability, to transport a person instantaneously from one place to 
another, without the need for a shuttle."

On the Galactica, Adama looked at Commander Riker on the small screen, and  
back at Colonel Tigh, Sheba, Apollo, Starbuck, Boomer and Athena. Picard spoke 
and said, "That is my First Officer, Commander William Tee Riker."
  Athena said, "Father! These humans have such long names."
  Ignoring his daughter for the time being, Adama said, "YOUR- Officer? 
Commander? Who is in charge?"
  Picard said, "Our titles and ranks are no doubt structured differently from 
yours, Commander, but I, as captain of this vessel, am in command."
  Riker said, "Let me demonstrate what we mean about our transporters."
  In the background, they heard Riker's voice, but could not hear what he was 
saying. They heard the last thing Riker said: "Energize." All of a sudden, 
Riker shimmered out of view on the small screen, and  materialized on the 
bridge of the Galactica, scaring everyone.
  Riker said, "You see, Commander Adama. It is not so bad. And it IS alot 
faster, and safer, than using a shuttle."
  Everyone was impressed. Adama said, "As long as you're here, Commander 
Williamteeriker, let me introduce you to my crew." He pointed out the bridge 
crew. "This is Colonel Tigh, my second-in-command. My communications chief, 
Athena. And my son, Captain Apollo, who's in charge of our viper fighter 
squadrons, and Boomer, Starbuck and Sheba."
  Riker said, "Do you have warp technology or are you not able to travel faster 
than the speed of light?"
  "We have the technology for faster-than-light travel," said Adama.
  Riker said, "Good, Commander. He  hit his com badge and said, "Energize." 
He dematerialized off the Galactica.
  Picard said, "Would you join us for dinner in 2 hours?"
  "Two hours? Hours?"
  Picard said, "Evidently, our timekeeping methods must be different as 
well. We'll contact you in two hours our time." The channel closed.
  Apollo said, "We could have saved many lives that way if we had that kind of 
technology."
  Adama, Tigh and Starbuck said, "Yes."
  Athena said, "That Williamteeriker is really something else."
  Apollo said, "Father, I don't think that they are aware that they are 
descendants of the thirteenth colony."
  Adama said, "They evidently don't know about Kobol."

In a holding cell, a disabled Cylon was on the cot, with his head upright next 
to the body lying on its back. Data was on his knees staring at the head. 
Geordi said, "This artificial life form is very crude, compared to you, Data. 
And I thought that going by the diagrams of C-3PO and R2-D2 supplied by Luke 
and C-3PO, they were pretty crude."
  Data said, "Its vocal mechanism is also very crude. And, it has one sight 
sensor, an eye, that reads infrared. It puts out two low-energy beams, and-"
  Geordi said, "Almost like twentieth century alarm systems?"
  "Precisely."

Back on Kor's vessel, Kor said, "Transmit message to Deep Space Nine. Tell them 
we have the members of the High Council and are on our way."
  The officer said, "They are responding, by subspace. Gowran wants to speak 
with the Brigadier, alone."
  Kor said, "Leave the bridge, Everyone."
  All of the bridge crew left, leaving Kor and the elderly woman science 
officer. After she activated the viewscreen, Gowran's face appeared on the 
screen. He said, "Mara, I bring bad news. Your second-born son, Martok, lives. 
Now I don't know how the council found out about this, but that is why they 
ordered you to take them to Deep Space Nine."
  Mara angrily said, "YOU, Chancellor, dishonored his house, and thereby, 
dishonored the house of Kang. We are not useless ragh. If we had joined you in 
the battle, this, would not have happened."
  Kor murmured, "The house of my best friend, dishonored." He  looked at 
the viewscreen and said, "By not letting us join you in the battle against the 
Borg, you allowed the house of Kang to be dishonored!"
  Gowran said, "But you fought beside my Federation friend, you have done the 
Klingon Empire honor. Mara's grandson has chosen my good friend, Worf, Son of 
Mogh, as his cha'DIch. He is very resourceful, and may save his honor. 
Remember, Kurn is also on the high Council. He stands with Drex as his wejDIch. 
And, Martok is only Kang's second-born son. The House of Kang will not be 
tarnished."
  "Well, Gowran, I hope that my friend's name does not stand condemned."
  Worf said, "If I understand Klingon law correctly, The name 'Kang' will not 
be tarnished. It would be Martok's name."
  Kor said, "And Mara is still part of the House of Kang."
  Gowran said, "You are not to talk to the members of the High Council. They 
are not aware that you and Mara know. Don't say anything to your crew either." 
The viewscreen went off.

Picard sat in his ready-room when the doorchime tweaked. Picard said, "Come!"
  Guinan and Deanna walked in. Guinan said, "Captain, there is something 
strange about our visitors."
  Picard said, "Well, their technology is probably, at best, late twenty-first, 
or early twenty-second, and the android, C-3PO is not as sophisticated as 
Data-"
  Deanna said, "Captain, I sense extremely powerful minds in Luke Skywalker and 
Leia. I also noticed that they were both armed with, the best way to describe 
them is, lasers. Another odd thing is that I actually sense emotion from their 
droids, as they call their sentient artificial life forms, C-3PO and R2-D2."

Picard, Riker, Deanna, and Data, and Ambassadors MacCleod, Caine, and Lwaxana 
Troi and Cmdr Shelby with Amanda and Ritchie, were all dressed up at the 
transporter room. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia were there as well, along 
with C-3PO, Chewbacca, and R2-D2. The transporter operator said, "They are 
standing in the position that you told them to wait in, Captain."
  "Energize."
  Adama, Tigh, Apollo, Athena, Starbuck, and Cassiopeia materialized on the 
transporter pad. Dr Selar immediately started running a medical tricorder up 
and down each one of them. Captain Picard said, "Welcome to the Enterprise, 
Commander Adama. Don't mind Doctor Selar. She is just making sure everyone is 
healthy."
  Adama said, "Well, Captain, thank you for your concern. We have alot to talk 
about. But-" He gestured to his accomplices. "This is Colonel Tigh, my 
second-in-command. My son, Captain Apollo, leader of the Viper squadron. And my 
daughter, Athena, whose in charge of ship's communications. Lieutenant 
Starbuck. And Cassiopeia of our medical staff."
  Picard did his introductions. "You met my First Officer, or as you call it, 
'second in Command,' Riker. Commander Data, science officer and Second Officer. 
Counselor Deanna Troi, and Ambassadors Duncan MacCleod, Peter Caine, and 
Lwaxana Troi, whose also the counselor's mother. And, this is Commander 
Shelby."
  Duncan introduced the last two. "This Amanda, and Ritchie."
  Starbuck commented. "Adama, and Amanda. Sounds almost alike."
  Everyone laughed.
  Picard  suggested, "How about a tour of my ship."
  Adama said, "Great."
  Deanna and Apollo had their eyes on each other, until the Galactica personnel 
stepped off the transporter pad and they all filed out of the transporter room.

At the dinner table, Adama explained. "The thirteen colonies left Kobol 
thousands of Yahrens ago to colonize other worlds because Kobol was a dying 
planet. As an example, I am from Caprica, one of the twelve colonies. We had 
lost contact with those who left for the thirteenth colony, under Commander 
Zeus, who led the voyage."
  Picard said, "Well, I am somewhat of a historian, so this is fascinating. Did 
Zeus have a wife named 'Hera'?"
  Adama pondered for a few seconds, and said, "That name 'Hera.' I know that 
name. You could be right, Picard. I hold the original documents about the 
thirteen colonies. I will have to consult with them. I know that he had 
children."
  Picard said, "Yes, One was named, 'Athena.' She was called the goddess of 
war. You see, Humanity developed on earth millions of years ago, evolved from 
apes. Even your childrens' names are names in ancient mythology. However, 
Greece was one of the lands of early history. Their mythology says that Zeus 
was the 'king of the gods' and Hera was his wife. Athena was Zeus' daughter. It 
was said that one day, Zeus had a splitting headache, and asked one of his men 
to split his head with a sword. After objections from the man, he finally gave 
into Zeus' demand, and split his head. That was how Athena was born."
  That brought laughter from everyone. "There are also stories about his 
thunderbolts," Picard continued. "Whenever he was angry with someone, he would 
kill him with his thunderbolts, or lightning."
  Adama said, "We had laser technology for many thousands of yarhens. That was 
probably what was being referred to. Laser fire."

Back at the transporter room, Adama said, "You have a very impressive ship, 
captain. I will bring the written documentations next time we meet."
  "Thank you, Commander," said Picard. "It was a great dinner with you."
  Adama said, "Yes, it was good. I'll see you again sometime soon."
  Picard said, "And, I will take your request for asylum to the Federation. 
Energize."
  Deanna gave a small wave, to Apollo, and Apollo winked at her as they 
dematerialized.

In the shuttle bay, Picard, Data, Deanna and Riker were with Han Solo who was 
talking with the four Enterprise officers. Picard said to Han Solo, "You are 
all welcome to stay on the Enterprise."
  Han Solo said, "We have enjoyed your hospitality long enough, Captain. Thank 
you for that, and for your help in repairing my ship. But we should be out 
there. The fight you and that other ship put up with the Cylons scared them 
away, but according to Luke, they will be back with reinforcements. And, when 
Luke says something will happen, it does usually happen."
  "Well, if you decide to come back, contact us."
  "Thank you."
  Han Solo closed the door to the Millennium Falcon, and  Riker handled the 
cargo bay doors. As soon as the doors were open, the Falcon left.

In a conference room, on the Enterprise, Data, Picard, Riker, Deanna and Geordi 
sat with the three ambassadors. Picard asked Data, "Have you tried to 
investigate this 'Kobol?'"
  Data said, "There is nothing in our databanks, or any records in Starfleet 
databanks on Kobol."
  Duncan pointed out, "Well, hearing what Commander Adama had to say, it makes 
me believe that there was some kind of expedition from Kobol with their 
technology. Because of their superior technology, they would have been viewed 
as gods."
  Geordi pointed out, "If they had the technology for space travel for many 
thousands of years, I'm surprised that their technology isn't advanced compared 
to ours."
  Data said, "Probably because of the very long war with the Cylons."
  Deanna said, "That's probable. But, basically, I felt a sense of completion, 
a feeling as if a massive job has finally been completed, from him. Adama 
believes what he is saying is true, but Colonel Tigh seems somewhat skeptical, 
unable to believe that Earth exists, I presume. Adama has a pretty 
strong mind. Not like what I got from Luke Skywalker and Leia, but it was 
strong."
  Lwaxana said, "I believe that he may have extraordinary power; he is empathic 
or telepathic, but I think that it may be stronger than that. But he has no 
intention to deceive. As my daughter said, he feels that he has just completed 
a major mission and that he is being honest and straight-forward with us."
  Dr Selar pointed out, "Based on my tricorder readings, they are human. No 
doubt about that, but I read an extra organ in their chest cavities. It is 
probably redundant, such as that of the human appendix." She raised an eyebrow 
and continued. "A past Enterprise mission under Captain James Tee Kirk on 
Stardate 3468.1, his chief medical officer, Doctor Leonard McCoy, read that 
same organ in a being who called himself the Greek god, Apollo, and he was also 
human. As I said before, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo and Captain Han Solo, 
are also human, with the same organ in their chest cavity."
  Riker said, "Perhaps there is some truth to what Adama is saying then. Their 
thirteenth colonial expedition has made it to earth thousands of years ago and 
settled on Mount Olympus. As you put it, they had superior technology and were 
worshiped as gods. And as Adama pointed out, they had laser weaponry, and when 
Zeus killed someone, he actually shot him with a laser which was viewed as a 
thunderbolt. However, I think that story about the goddess of war, Athena, was 
a bit far-fetched."
  Dr Selar  pointed out, "Since Luke Skywalker, Captain Han Solo & Leia 
have that same organ, it is logical to assume that thirteenth colony split up 
into two groups. Or, perhaps that they are really descendants of Captain Solo's 
people."
  "Hmm." Picard  changed the subject. "Geordi, What did you find out about 
the Cylons?"
  "Well, they are crude robots, linked to each other and a central command, 
similar to the Borg. The ship we captured was made solely for combat, armed 
with a pair of laser cannons, and made for high-speed flight and 
maneuverability. It cannot make the speed of light, but pretty close. Its 
propulsion system is also very crude. An analysis of one of the three robots 
that we captured is crude, as compared to Data, and to the droids that were 
with the Millennium Falcon. It showed no ability to think. Therefore, we 
conclude that they are not sentient. They have one eye that moves back and 
forth, that of a late-twentieth-century infrared sensor. The gold one has some 
thinking ability. I speculate that he would probably be some kind of leader."
  Picard said, "Well, We only chased the Cylons away. Captain Han Solo 
speculates that Baltar would probably be back with reinforcements. If possible, 
I would like to modify the weapon systems on the Enterprise to combat those 
fighters. Geordi, and Mr Data. See what you can do."
  "Captain," pointed out LaForge. "We cannot arm the special weaponry we would 
need to combat the Cylon fighter craft unless we go back to Planetia Utopia, 
but we can probably modify the shuttlecraft for higher speeds and stronger 
shields. Plus the strain on our shield is very small compared to phaser or 
torpedo or disrupter fire. As long as they do not pull suicide runs like the 
Hood and the two Klingon birds of prey pulled on the Borg vessel."
  Riker said, "All of the shuttle have shields and phasers, so it will take 
many hits from the Cylon fighter craft to even start doing damage to a 
shuttlecraft, provided that they don't pull suicide runs."
  Data said, "We can also hand the phaser control to the targeting 
computers at tactical so that its speed will be able to compensate for the high 
speed of the Cylon fighters."
  "We can also do the same with our shuttlecraft, as well as shield 
modifications on the shuttlecraft," said Riker.
  Cmdr Shelby said, "I think that the Enterprise should separate and split the 
fighters up even further. Also, if I remember correctly, I believe that Deep 
Space Nine may be able to handle the fighters. And if worse comes to worst, 
there are always the cloaking devices supplied by the Klingons."
  Duncan said, "I will take one of the shuttles and help fight the Cylons. 
Ritchie is very good with targeting and firing the weapons."
  Picard said, "No, Ambassador. It's too dangerous. We need you alive to help 
the Colonial people."
  Duncan stood up and said, "You have Peter Caine and Mrs Troi for that. As an 
ambassador, I am ordering you. You worry about the safety of this ship, and let 
ME worry about staying alive."
  Picard stood up to say something, but Data said, "Captain. He may not be a 
starfleet admiral, but we do have to follow the direct orders of an 
ambassador."
  Picard said, "Very well, then. Number One. You are in charge of the 
shuttle modifications. Commander Shelby, Geordi, and Mr Data, see what you can 
do with the ship's weaponry."
  They all said, "Aye, Captain."
  Picard said, "Dr Selar. If Dr Crusher does not return to the Enterprise 
by then, it will be your job to prepare Sick Bay for casualties, just for in 
case."
  "Aye, Captain," responded Selar. She turned to Duncan and Peter, and 
said, "Ambassador. You and your friends never had any medical scans when you 
came aboard. I expect to see you, Peter Caine, and your wife and son in Sick 
Bay at the end of this meeting."
  Duncan said, "We don't have the time for it."
  Peter said, "And I have to help him out. I don't have time neither. Besides, 
the transporters have a decontamination process that should have taken care of 
things when we transported here."
  Dr Selar said, "It is normal, and required procedure that when a guest takes 
a mission with us, even the Federation President himself, they must ALL undergo 
a medical scan."
  Duncan said, "It is against our religion and traditions, to have doctors 
poking around at us, or to even to try to save us when we die. Now if you'll 
excuse us, Peter and I have work to do. Just let me know when the Cylons start 
trouble." He and Peter got up and walked out.
  After they were gone, Deanna said, "He is hiding something. I think that it 
is a secret, or more like a burden, that he wants no one to know about."
  Picard said, "Well, that is the least of our worries. If we don't get started 
in preparing for the Cylons, we won't have to worry about their medical scans. 
Dismissed."


6

The Enterprise, D7 Klingon cruiser, and the rag-tag fleet of Colonial ships 
made it to Deep Space Nine. The Klingon High Council convened in a conference 
room. One of the council members said, "I choose to condemn Martok for his 
actions against the Klingon Empire, as a traitor to the Empire."
  Gowran said, "We will hear EVERYTHING, before we choose to save or condemn 
Martok's honor. The House of Martok is an honored one."
  Kor said, "You dare condemn Kang's son? Well, Kang and I brought much glory 
to the Klingon Empire when you were just feeding on your mothers' milk! And, 
long before you were ever born."
  Another member said, "He should have died. We had considered him dead on that 
ship. If he had died on that Borg craft, we wouldn't have this problem."
  Drex said, "A captain of a Federation starship saved him."
  Kahless slammed his fist on the table, and  stood up. "I will not hear 
the words of this pa'tagh. His cha'DIch will silence him."
  Worf repeated what he said. "The captain of the Federation starship Cairo 
thought it wise to save Martok, so he can help the Klingon Empire win an extra 
battle. Besides, Martok was unable to stop the destruction of the Klingon
warships, He could not stop what he was doing. That was how powerful the Borg 
collective is."
  Kurn said, "Think about it. The House of Martok has been an honored one. 
Martok himself has brought much glory to the Klingon Empire. Drex has also won 
much glory for the Klingon Empire."
  Gowran said, "We will talk and look at alot more before I accept Martok's 
discommendation." He got up and walked out.

Capt Sisko, Maj Kira, Lt-Cmdr Dax, and Odo and Dr Crusher greeted the 
Enterprise crew as they transported. In the reception room, Capt Picard, Cmdr 
Riker, Counselor Troi and Cmdr Data materialized. They stepped aside and 
 Picard tapped his combadge and said, "Energize when ready."
  Cmdr Shelby, and Ambassadors MacCleod, Caine, and Amanda and Ritchie and 
Lwaxana Troi materialized. Sisko said, "Welcome to Deep Space Nine, 
Ambassadors." He turned to his crew. "This is Major Kira Nerys, my First 
Officer and Bajoran liaison to the Federation. My Science Officer, 
Lieutenant-Commander Dax. Chief of Security, Odo. And the real Chief Medical 
Officer of the Enterprise, Doctor Crusher."
  Cmdr Shelby introduced the ambassadors. "This is Ambassador Duncan MacCleod 
and his partner, Ambassador Peter Caine. Their assistants, Amanda MacCleod, and 
their son, Ritchie. And, I believe that you've already met Ambassador Lwaxana 
Troi of Betazed, daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the uh-"
  Sisko cut her off to finish it: "-the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the 
Holy Rings of Betazed." He looked at Deanna and said, "And mother to Counselor 
Deanna Troi of the U-S-S Enterprise."
  Lwaxana smiled & said, "Ben, you remembered."
  Sisko nodded to her & said, "Yes. Major Kira will show you to your quarters. 
I need to check up on a conference room full of the members of the Klingon High 
Council."
  Picard said, "I'm going with you, Captain."
  Sisko said, "Be my guest, Captain." The both captains walked away 
side-by-side.
  Riker  hit his badge and said, "Riker to Enterprise."
  A voice from the badge said, "LaForge here. Go ahead, Commander."
  Riker said, "How are the modifications coming along, Geordi?"
  "They're as done as they're going to get, Commander."
  "All right Geordi. Beam down to Deep Space Nine. Doctor Crusher will return 
to the Enterprise to take command."
  Dr Crusher said, "Yes, Will."
  Geordi said, "On my way, Commander."
  Dr Crusher hit her combadge and said, "Energize." She  dematerialized. 
 Geordi materialized where Dr Crusher was standing.
  Riker said, "Mr Data, Geordi, with me. Commander Dax, we have alot to discuss 
with you and Chief O'Brien."

Worf met with Picard and Sisko. "It's not going well, Captains. The council may 
not like this, but I may need your help. Captain Picard, will you come in and 
tell the Klingon High Council about your ordeal as a Borg?"
  Picard said, "I would be honored."
  Sisko said, "I will have something to say as well."
  Thank you, Captains." responded Worf.

Meanwhile, Riker explained, "Photon torpedoes have proven ineffective against 
the Cylon basestars, unless they are up close because they get detonated by 
laser fire before they get close enough to do any harm."
  O'Brien said, "So, how DO we fight them? We don't have a cloaking device on 
this station, and even if we did, we cannot maneuver like a Klingon warship."
  Data said, "For the fighter craft, let the targeting computers and the 
colonial fighters worry about them. Then let the Enterprise and the colonial 
Battlestar Galactica worry about the baseships."
  Geordi put in, "Well, Chief, rest assured that it would take alot more than 
the combined firepower of the fighters to get through the shields. They each 
armed with a pair of twenty-first-century laser cannons."
  Dax asked, "What happens if they pull suicide runs and ram into the 
station with the fighter craft?"
  Riker said, "Well, just make sure that they don't get close enough for that."

Duncan sat in his quarters with Amanda and Ritchie. Amanda said, "We should 
have gotten married a long time ago, and adopted Ritchie."
  Duncan's face pretty much turned white.

Back in the twentieth century, he walked out the door, hand-in-hand, with his 
artist-girlfriend, Tessa. "Come on, Tessa, let's get married."
  Tessa was very happy about that. She hugged him, and Duncan picked her up and 
spun her around before putting her back down.
  Another day, all of a sudden, Duncan was searching in a house when he heard 
gunshots. He ran out of a house to find her and Ritchie dead, both shot to 
death. Only, Ritchie awoke as an immortal.

Ritchie said, "I don't think that you should have said that, Amanda. He loves 
you, but-"
  Amanda said, "I know, Ritchie. Every girl that he actually loved and was 
ready to marry died a horrible death. It's just-" She stayed silent for a 
moment. She said, "Well, as you know, we immortals dream as well. We do 
have our dreams and desires. You know that I love Duncan. Sure, up to the 
twentieth century, we were often on opposite sides, but once we got to know 
each other, well, we've loved each other for four hundred years, and at least, 
stayed in touch. And we always ended up back together. As a matter of fact, 
there was some love between us before that."
  Ritchie looked at Amanda and said, "And, if it wasn't for Duncan, we wouldn't 
be friends neither. I understand. Duncan brought us all over the Alpha quadrant 
with him, so we can be with him. It would have been more efficient to have just 
gone with Peter, but we are his best friends, too. I understand that."
  Duncan said, "Amanda, I do love you. And Yes I've wanted to marry you for the 
past four-hundred years. But, I can't. I've condemned every woman I've ever 
loved by asking for their hand in marriage, immortal or otherwise. I cannot 
condemn you by asking you to marry me."
  Ritchie got up and said, "I'll leave the two of you alone for awhile. You two 
look like you need it." He walked out.
  Duncan was about to say something, but Ritchie was already gone.

Meanwhile, Peter Caine and Cmdr Shelby were looking around their quarters. 
Peter sat on the edge of the bed and said, "Ah, Commander. This is the first 
time I can sit down and relax."
  Shelby said, "I'll leave you to your meditation, Ambassador Caine."
  Peter said, "Elizabeth, please, don't go."
  She sat down next to him and looked at Peter. They stared at each other, and 
 embraced and kissed. After the kiss was broken, they just stared at each 
other.

Ritchie sat at a table at Quark's, drinking out of a regular glass. Quark 
walked up to him with a pitcher, and a glass and said, "Here is a pitcher of 
root beer for a young ambassador's assistant who looks like he has alot of 
weight on his shoulders. It's on the house."
  Ritchie looked up at the Ferengi and said, "That's mighty generous of you, 
Sir. Even moreso for a Ferengi, no offense."
  "Well, you can actually thank the Enterprise's bartender, Guinan for that 
one. She's something special... for a woman."
  "That, she is."
  "She even gave me a case of authentic ancient Earth Chinese liquor, called-"
  They both said in harmony, "Mmm gah pee."
  Ritchie sat silently.

(Ritchie, Duncan, Amanda, and Joe Dawson got out of a cab in Chinatown. Duncan 
stopped kept asking people that was walking down the busy street, "Where can I 
find Caine? I'm looking for Caine. Where can I find him."
  An old Chinese man graciously walked up to him and looked at him. He asked, 
"Are you looking for... Quay-Chiang Caine?"
  Duncan said, "If that's the Caine that I am looking for, then yes. He said to 
me that if I needed him, 'Come to Chinatown. Ask for Caine.' I believe that he 
is some kind of priest."
  "I am known as 'The Ancient.' Come with me. I will take you to him."
  They all followed the Ancient.)

All of a sudden, someone screamed, "QUARK! MORE KLINGON BLOOD WINE! AND MORE 
PRUNE JUICE FOR MY BROTHER!" That snapped Ritchie back to the 24th century.
  Quark ran off yelling, "COMING RIGHT UP."

In that part of the bar, Dr Bashir said, to Kurn and Worf, "Thank you, Captain, 
and Worf." He  walked over to Ritchie and said, "You look like you can use 
some company, Ambassador."
  Ritchie said, "I'm not an ambassador. My father is."
  "I know. I am Dr Julian Bashir, Chief Medical Officer of this space station."
  "I'm Ritchie." He signaled to the chair opposite her.
  "So, with three companions, why are you here alone?"
  "They all needed some time alone, so I'm giving it to them," said Ritchie.
  "Ambassador MacCleod is really not your father, Ritchie. Immortals cannot 
have children. He was born in 1592. Amanda was born in 1136. Peter Caine was 
born in 1961 & went through the entire training process to become a Shao-Lin 
priest... a Sham Bah Lah master, I might add. And you were born in 1974."
  "How do you know all this?"
  Dr bashir pulled up his sleeve and showed him the tattoo on his arm. Ritchie 
jumped up, and Dr Bashir said, "Don't worry, Ritchie. I'm not a threat. I have 
some information for you, Duncan, Amanda and Peter. Just tell them that they 
can find me in the infirmary whenever they get a chance. No rush. I'm not goin' 
anywhere."

Duncan, Ritchie, Amanda, and Peter showed up in Dr Bashir's office. Duncan 
angrily said, "What's the meaning of this?"
  Dr Bashir said, "First, the medical scan that you refused on the Enterprise. 
Then we'll talk."
  Peter said, "All right."
  Dr Bashir picked up his medical tricorder and scanned Peter, Ritchie, Amanda, 
and  MacCleod.
  MacCleod said, "What does your medical scan show?"
  "You are human, aside from a mysterious organ in your chest area. All four of 
you. The same organ found in the guests from the colonial fleet. And the same 
found in a human that was scanned by a Doctor Leonard H McCoy on a man who 
called himself 'Apollo,' in the previous century. This much we know. Before 
one's awakening, a doctor really has to look for it carefully but-"
  Cmdr Shelby walked in. "Why are you harassing our guests, Julian?"
  Dr Bashir said, "I'm just trying to get them to submit to a medical scan."
  Shelby yelled, "They submitted to a medical scan aboard the Ambassador. You 
could have gotten the records from Admiral Nechayev. STOP HARASSING THEM, 
LIEUTENANT!"
  Julian stood up. "You outrank me, Commander, but when it comes to medical 
affairs, I even outrank Admiral Allyna Dawson Nechayev. Well, hang around. You 
may as well hear this as well. Even then, I meant no harm, Duncan. So far, 
every watcher that our society assigned to Duncan MacCleod, Peter Caine or 
Ritchie, reported that they were good people. Actually, they all looked up to 
them."
  Shelby said, "Duncan, let me assure you, that your secret is safe with me. I 
will not tell anyone, as Allyna Dawson had promised you. Even then, it would 
expose us watchers as well if anyone said anything."
  Julian said, "Don't worry, Duncan, the secret is safe with me as well. And, 
what I'm about to tell you, I haven't reported to the Watchers' Council yet. 
Perhaps I never will. But, as I said, you have a mysterious organ in your chest 
cavities that the guests from the Colonial fleet have, that we humans don't 
have. And, that saying that 'In the end, there can be only one?' Well, the end 
will never get here, because there will NEVER be only one."
  Ritchie asked, "I believe that it is something good to hear, because I'm 
hoping that my friends and I will never have to fight each other. But, why is 
that?"
  "Well, as you know, when two immortals fight and one loses his head, the 
surviving immortal takes his quickening. But, when the two immortals 
simultaneously lose their heads to each other, or there is just no other 
immortal to take the quickening, this energy affects some of the women in the 
area of an undetermined radius. Also, I am not sure if you're aware of this, 
but, a phaser set for maximum kill, will also disperse your quickening. Yes, 
you will end up dead. And, the more quickenings the Immortal had taken, the 
wider the affected area is. But, when she conceives, the genetic codes of the 
embryo are rewritten so that the mysterious organ is there, but undeveloped. It 
develops and becomes active when the person dies, which probably causes the 
awakening. Other things is that the body's natural defense mechanisms are 
enhanced, so that the body can fight any disease effectively."
  "But, the colonists are mortals," pointed out Shelby.
  "Yes. That is because there is some kind of radiation from the Pollux system, 
undetectable by standard scanners. It even does not interfere with anything, 
like warp fields or communication. I believe that the thirteenth colony from 
Kobol passed through this system, and the radiation affected them, making the 
colonists immortal, like Duncan and his friends, and affecting them in some 
other ways, and giving them this energy. They arrived on Earth thousands 
of years ago. As a result of their presence, and eventual death after killing 
each other off or getting beheaded some other way, this energy that they had 
affected the world, creating people like Duncan, Peter, Amanda and Ritchie. 
Remember, it is human nature to want to achieve immortality."
  Peter said, "It is a great gift, but it's also a great responsibility."
  Shelby and Julian looked at each other, and Julian said, "Spoken words of a 
priest, Mr Caine. I believe that we have a gathering to attend to? We all 
better get ready for it. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with us. Even then, 
my investigation is incomplete. When it is done, I will contact you by subspace 
to let you know of my findings."
  Amanda asked, "Who are you, Doctor?"
  Bashir said, "I am also a Watcher, like Admiral Nechayev and Commander Shelby 
here, but- I don't watch immortals. I do research. I am part of a very top 
secret branch of Watchers that study immortals, basically to see what makes 
them tick. We are also historians that keep records on all immortals that we 
know of. The reason that I'm telling you this, is because I feel that this 
secret is safe with the four of you. Please, don't tell any other immortals. 
But, I believe that we all have to get ready for a dinner gathering?"
  Duncan said, "Don't worry, and thank you, Doctor." They all walked out 
of the infirmary.

"-I survived the entire ordeal, and I can still feel the pain and guilt of 
killing my friends and people at Wolf 359," Picard was telling the High 
Council. "But I could not stop it. I was unable to fight it. I was under the 
control of the Borg, and could not break it."
  Kahless looked at Picard and said, "You have proven yourself honorable among 
my people, Picard. Thank you for speaking with us." Kahless' eyes were now on 
Sisko. "Speak, Sisko," he ordered.
  Sisko said, "I was First Officer aboard the Melbourne at the Battle of Worf 
359. Yes, Captain Picard, as Locutus, destroyed my ship and killed my wife in 
the attack, but I understand that he was powerless in trying to stop what was 
happening. There is no need for forgiveness here. And, Captain Picard is a 
fellow Starfleet Officer, and my friend. Captain Picard is one of the most 
outstanding and honorable captains of the Federation. That was why the Borg 
kidnaped and used him. And, that must have been why they grabbed General Martok 
and used him."
  Another member of the high Council said, "I heard enough."
  Gowran said, "You both may leave."
  Picard and Sisko got up and left the conference room.
  Outside, Picard said, "I will go to the party and see how things are going."
  Sisko said, "I have to go and get ready. See you at the gathering."

Adama's Journal
Everyone is excited about the party on the Deep Space Nine space station. Even 
what's left of the Council of Twelve are excited, although I proved them wrong. 
I look forward to meeting Picard with the Sacred Books of Kobol that has been 
in my family for generations. Most of all, I look forward to seeing Ambassador 
Lwaxana Troi of Betazed again. She is one dynamic, remarkable woman.

Starbuck, Boomer and Jolly were at Apollo's door when they asked him, "What are 
we supposed to wear, Captain?"
  Apollo said, "I was just wondering the same thing. Wait a Centon." He went to 
his communications console and pressed a few buttons.
  His father appeared on the small viewscreen, saying, "Yes, Apollo."
  He said, "I was thinking about this, and now, the entire fighter 
squadron were asking me, what are we supposed to wear for this?"
  Adama said, "Well, since everyone there will be in full uniform, we should do 
the same."
  "Thank you, Father."
  Everyone went away, leaving him and Boxey alone. Boxey asked, "What are these 
earth people like, Father?"
  "They are like you and me, Son. Well, it is time for us to get dressed."
  "All right, Father."

In a holosuite, Luke Skywalker and Peter Caine were in a cave-like structure. 
Luke said, "Like I said before on the Enterprise when we met, the Force is 
strong within you, Peter Caine." He handed him a light saber.
  Luke turned his on, and so did Peter. While Luke's blade was green, Peter's 
was white. He  put the helmet onto Peter, who said, "I cannot see."
  Luke said, "Look with your heart, Peter." While the small globe revolved 
precariously around Peter's head, Luke said, "Ready!"
  The globe fired weak laser shots at Peter, and Peter caught the all with his 
saber. Luke said, "Again... Ready." Peter also caught all the shots.
  Peter removed the helmet. Luke, who was amazed, said, "Your skill has 
surpassed my own, Peter. The light saber is mightier than the sword, but, it 
really depends on the man wielding it."
  Peter said, "Yes. You told me that it can cut through anything, the way we 
move through air."
  Luke shut his off, and  Peter, seeing what Luke did,  turned off his 
own. Luke said, "Now that you have completed that lesson, now is the hard 
parts: mind over matter. This should only take a moment." Luke tossed his light 
saber to the other side. He said, "Get it, Peter." Peter was about to walk 
over and pick it up, but Luke stopped him. "Use your mind, Peter. Focus on it, 
and make it come to you."
  Peter concentrated, but it just wiggled slightly. Luke said, "Well, Peter. 
That is a start. Now we must get ready for a party."


7

Outside Deep Space Nine were: the rag-tag fleet of the twelve colonies of 
Kobol, the Enterprise, and the Ambassador. A Klingon ship decloaked, and  
cloaked.

At Ten Forward on the Enterprise, Capt Picard was up at the podium giving a 
speech. Capt Picard standing at the podium was on Deep Space Nine monitors as 
well. "...And, they requested asylum, and the Federation has granted it. The 
Twelve Colonies of Kobol will make a great addition to Federation membership. 
Commander Adama led the entire expedition from their ravaged homes here. I 
commend their courage. As a Starship captain, I have spent most of my life in 
space aboard ships. So, I know what it's like. Well, Commander Adama fought for 
them, put his life on the line for his people, and would have died in battle 
for them. Now, back to speaking about dying in battle, we fought the Borg 
craft, as Kor would say, 'to a glorious victory.' Also as Chancellor Gowran 
said to me, and I quote, 'Many died well. The crew of eight starships died 
well. Especially the crew of the Hood.' End quote. When it seemed that phasers 
and torpedoes were not doing too well, the Hood self-destructed by colliding
with the Borg ship, destroying part of it. To defeat the enemy, several Klingon 
ships also collided into the Borg vessel. May this combined effort to keep the 
Alpha quadrant better relations between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. 
Well, Admiral Allyna Nechayev has a few words to say."
  Picard sat down in the back, as everyone applauded, with Ambassadors 
MacCleod, Caine, and Lwaxana Troi, and Commander Adama all to his left. There 
was an empty seat for Nechayev on his right. Nechayev spoke. "Federation 
citizens and the citizens of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. I am pleased to 
repeat what Captain Picard has said. 'Asylum granted.' For the Colonial Fleet, 
a large task has ended, but now, an even larger one begins: starting a new 
life. Well, the Federation is about to help them do just that. And, the man who 
led them on their journey is Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. I now 
present the Commander himself."
  Again, everyone applauded as Nechayev sat down by Picard's right side, and 
Adama stepped up to the podium. When everything quieted down, he said, "To the 
Twelve Colonies of Kobol, I commend you on your courage to face the hardship 
that we endeavored to make it here. And, to the United Federation of Planets, I 
thank you for granting us asylum. Now, with Federation help, we can endeavor 
our greater task of rebuilding our new lives. May we all do well in our new 
lives. Now, I hand the podium to Commander Riker."
  This brought more applauds as Adama sat down and Riker got up. "We have foods 
and dishes from many of our races in the Federation, and I thank those who put 
in their hard work at preparing dishes of the Colonial people, the Bajorans, 
the Klingons, Dr Selar of Vulcan, & well, the list goes on. Let the festivities 
begin."
  Everyone applauded and  got up to get food.

Lucifer walked into the command center, and the large chair turned around with 
Baltar seated in it. Lucifer said, "By your command."
  "Report, Luifer."
  "Eight more baseships have responded to our call to annihilate the Colonial 
Fleet and the Earth people. We are on our way back to the Alpha quadrant."
  "Very good, Lucifer. Let me know when we reach the Alpha quadrant."

At the bar on Ten-Forward, Adama and Lwaxana sat together. Lwaxana said, "So, 
you have two children, I understand."
  "Yes, a son and a daughter, named Apollo and Athena. So, you have a daughter 
I hear?"
  "Yes, Deanna, the ship's counselor on the Enterprise."
  "My son is the captain of the fighter pilots, putting his life in danger 
every time the Cylons attacked. Athena is the chief of communications on the 
Galactica." He looked at her and said, "What?" Again, he looked at her, 
listening, but she was just staring at him. He just stared back. [Oh, you had 
another daughter who died? I'm sorry to hear that. My younger son was killed 
when the Cylons attacked, and my older son's newly-wedded wife.]

Athena, Rigel, Sheba, Cassiopeia, Dr Crusher, and Deanna Troi sat together at a 
table, eating and talking. They all witnessed Adama's hands and Lwaxana's hands 
reaching each other. They were holding hands, to the surprise of Deanna and 
Athena. Deanna commented, "My mother is at it again."
  Sheba said, "She's at what again?"
  "Husband hunting. And, Athena, your it looks like your father just fell into 
her trap." That brought giggles from Dr Crusher, Sheba, Rigel and Cassiopeia. 
Deanna and Athena cried, "It's not funny," in unison.
  Just , Guinan walked over and put drinks on the table. Guinan said, "They 
both suffered losses of loved ones in their lives. Deanna, your mother lost her 
husband, and Athena, your father lost his wife. Let them be for now, and if it 
works, give them your blessings. If not, just be there for them."
  Everyone looked at each other, and  laughed.
  Athena said, "I just find it odd to see my father, holding hands with a 
woman, and I have never seen him happier."
  Dr Crusher said, "Guinan's right. Deanna, you lost your father, and Athena, 
you lost your mother. If I understand correctly, they both never remarried."
  "Well, Athena, my mother almost married again. Let me tell you that if she 
does this time, your father is going to have his hands full. His new life will 
be more challenging than he anticipated."
  "I think that your mother will have her hands full with my father."
  They both looked at each other and laughed.

Picard, Apollo, Starbuck, Boomer, Jolly, Bojay and Riker sat at another table 
together. They heard the laughter, and Starbuck commented, "It seems that the 
ladies over there are having a great time."
  Riker smiled at Starbuck.
  Guinan brought their drinks and put it on the table. Referring to Troi and 
Adama, she said, "I could just hear Picard saying, 'Better him than me.'" 
Guinan  walked away. Riker laughed.
  Riker  held up his drink and said, "To friendship."
  The other four held up their drinks and tapped their glasses with each 
other's and chimed, "To friendship," in unison. They all took a drink 
together from their glasses.

At a table on Deep Space Nine, sat Duncan, Amanda, Ritchie, Caine, Luke 
Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, and Cmdr Shelby. Adm Nechayev and Dr 
Bashir walked up to them and sat down. They were eating quietly. Duncan  
introduced the other two. "We all now know Admiral Allyna Dawson Nechayev. What 
you do NOT know, is that she is one of the watchers, and so is Deep Space 
Nine's Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Julian Bashir."
  Nechayev asked, "Are you part of the colonial Fleet? You seem somehow, 
different, from them."
  Han Solo said, "We actually met up with the fleet, and stopped aboard the 
Battlestar Galactica to make repairs. And, Luke, here decided that we should 
stay awhile because he knew that the Cylons were in pursuit to destroy the 
fleet. We ended up leaving the Galactica to help Captain Picard fight the 
Cylons that attacked the Enterprise since we were the only ship that contained 
enough fuel to make it to the battle and help fight them."
  Luke said, "They will be back. Prepare for them."
  Peter said, "He is right. He has some abilities as a Jedi warrior to predict 
the future."
  Cmdr Shelby said, "Peter, you also sometimes predict the future. It must be 
from your ancient Chinese Shao-Lin background."
  Duncan said, "Julian, I think that the secret is also safe with Allyna."
  Dr Bashir cleared is throat, and said, Now, where do I begin?..."

Kor, Worf, Dax and Mara sat with Kurn, Gowran and Kahless at another table. 
Gowran said, "It is an honor sitting with you, Kor, and mate of Kang."
  Mara angrily said, "You are honored to sit with us and yet you are going to 
allow Kang's second son's name be dishonored?"
  "If the High Council says it, then it will be."
  Kor said, "I WAS right! You, Gowran, are not a true warrior. You're nothing 
but a politician."
  Dax and Worf jumped up and yelled, "ENOUGH!"
  Dax continued, "If you want to argue about this,  take it in the bar. Not 
here!"
  Kor pushed his plate off the table in anger and said, "va'!" He walked 
away.
  Worf was about to get up to follow him, but Gowran said, "Leave him be, Worf. 
He is old, and constantly getting drunk. Right now, he wants to be alone. 
Probably to think about his younger days."
  Mara said, "Kor has accomplished so much more, gotten much more honor and 
glory, before he reached your age, and before your mother ever even thought 
about you, Gowran." She  got up and walked away.

In another area, Captain Sisko sat with Maj Kira and Col Tigh. Sisko said, "So, 
Colonel. How does it feel to have finally found Earth?"
  "Well, Captain. I cannot believe it, but sitting here with you, Earth really 
does exist. I always thought that the lost thirteenth colony and Earth was just 
a legend. Adama proved me, and alot of people wrong. But, he is my commander, 
and my friend for many Yahrens. And so, I supported him. So, tell me, Captain. 
What is it like in Starfleet?"
  "We are basically explorers, seeking out new life, and hoping to make 
contact, if they are advanced enough, and hopefully, having them as friends. We 
also help other civilizations in need. Sure, our ships, starbases and this 
station are armed with weaponry, but, they are only used for defense."
  Tigh said, "I think I would like to be a part of this Starfleet, and I 
believe many of our fighter pilots may also want to as well."
  "Well," responded Sisko. "You all may have to attend Starfleet Academy. But 
because of all your experiences in Space, you all may have an easier time than 
our people."
  Tigh looked at Sisko. He said, "I am not sure if I would want to end up 
back at an Academy again."
  Sisko said, "Well, Colonel. By talking with you, I see a great commander. All 
that you need to learn are Starfleet protocols, know about the different 
species of people in the Federation, and to get you familiar with our 
technology. You can specialize in command. Also, you can move up in the ranks 
faster than others from your experiences."
  Kira said, "Or, if they put a starbase or a space station where you and your 
people settle, you can be the Liaison to the Federation and second-in-command 
like me."
  Tigh said, "It is alot to think about."

Geordi, Data, O'Brien, and C-3PO with R2-D2 by his side, sat at another table. 
O'Brien asked, "So, the Klingons were our friends, and then our enemies, and 
now our friends again."
  Geordi said, "Yeah, it seems that way. It's hard to tell what they'll do 
next. Well, we have completed the modifications to the station."
  "O'Brien asked, "What is this race, called, the Cylons? Why do they want to 
attack us?"
  "Well, they claim that the Colonial Fleet are a band of escaped criminals. 
Counselor Troi said that they were lying about that. They wanted us to hand 
them the Colonial fleet so they can destroy their ships with them on it. When 
the captain told them that they had to make a case with the Federation council, 
they sent raiders out to try to destroy us. Even then, those raiders have these 
crude robots as pilots."
  Data said, "Those fighters pass by at high speeds, but are still at sublight. 
It is impossible for a regular human to aim the phasers and fire and hit them. 
That was the reason for the computer modifications of the phasers. The robots 
that Geordi speaks of, are somehow, linked to the central command, and are not 
able to think like I can. There are the gold ones that has some thinking 
capability."
  O'Brien inquired, "So, they are linked to some kind of central command like 
the Borg?"
  Data said, "Yes, but unlike the Borg, their technology is that of our 
twenty-first century. With our shield technology, we can hold up pretty well 
against those fighters, unless they start pulling suicide attacks."
  O'Brien just grunted.

Back at Ten-Forward, Guinan stopped by Lwaxana and Adama. She asked, "Would you 
two like any more to eat or drink?"
  Lwaxana said, "No, but thank you."
  Adama said, "No, I had enough."
  They both got up and walked out of Ten-Forward hand-in-hand.

Deanna and Athena watched in surprise when the Betazoid Ambassador and 
commander of the Galactica walked out. They looked at each other. Athena 
said, "I don't believe it."
  Deanna said, "What is she doing???"
  Dr Crusher said, "The sex drive of a Betazoid woman quadruples when she 
reaches mid-life."
  Deanna said, "I know my mother. She's too honorable for that. That was why 
she was trying to get Captain Picard to marry her, and when he disappeared into 
the holideck, she tried to get Commander Riker to marry her. She would not 
just, make it with a man unless she was her husband."
  Athena said, "My father is too proud to just make love to a woman. He won't 
unless it was his wife."
  Cassiopeia said, "They probably went to walk around the corridors of deck-"
  Dr Crusher said, "Deck Ten."
  Sheba said, "I hope that they don't get lost."
  Everyone laughed.
  Deanna said, "My mother knows this ship pretty well. After all, she's been on 
this ship quite a few number of times."

Picard and Riker, along with the fighter pilots, heard the laughter. They all 
got up and walked over to them. Apollo asked, "What's so funny, ladies?"
  Dr Crusher said, "Didn't you see?"
  Riker said, "What?"
  "Ambassador Lwaxana Troi and Commander Adama, they both walked out of 
ten-forward, holding hands."
  Apollo said, "Oh, God."
  Deanna assured him, "Your father and my mother have something in common. My 
father died a long time ago, and so did your mother. Neither had the time to 
grieve because of their duties. Perhaps, they are grieving together."
  Athena said, "Besides, I know Father. He wouldn't do-"
  Riker interrupted with, "Neither would Mrs Troi."
  Dr Crusher said, "They probably went to walk around the arboretum."

On Deep Space NIne, Worf and Dax joined Kor and Mara at Quark's bar. Worf and 
Kor just looked at each other.  Kor spoke. "If Gowran had listened to me 
and Mara in the first place, Martok would have died honorably."
  Dax said, "Martok was only Kang's second-born, and he wanted to earn his own 
honor, and start his own house instead of being honored because of his father."
  They all looked at Dax. Worf said, "Since Martok will probably be declared a 
traitor, despite the efforts of me, my brother, and Gowran, it will not tarnish 
Kang's honor in any way. After all he did start a new house, the House of 
Martok. Mara, I may have a solution for your grandson's honor, if it will work 
with the High Council."

Cmdr Riker arrived on the bridge with Athena. "This is the main bridge, 
Athena."
  They both walked over to the chairs in the middle. Riker sat in his chair, 
and Athena, in the Captain's chair. Riker said, "The chair I'm in is pretty 
much my station here. The chair you are in is Captain Picard's."
  Athena looked around the bridge and at the surprised lieutenant at tactical. 
She said, "I see why the captain sits here. It is the center of the bridge, and 
it is easiest to watch everything from here."
  They both went to the two consoles in front. Riker said, "One is for helm 
control and navigation, and the other is called Ops."
  They walked to the back of the bridge. The lieutenant said, "This is the 
tactical station, where we control shields and weapons, and communications."
  Deanna and Apollo both showed up on the bridge at that time. Deanna said, 
"This is our main bridge."
  Apollo said, "This is where most of the ship's functions is controlled, right 
Deanna."
  "Right, Apollo," answered Deanna.
  Athena said, "I understand that you also have another bridge? A battle 
bridge?"
  Riker said, "That is what I was going to show you next. There are some minor 
differences. You'll see what I mean when we get there."
  Geordi showed up on the bridge with Sheba, Cassiopeia, and Starbuck. Geordi 
said, "I guess you know that this is the main bridge."
  Starbuck said, "I know. You just told the computer on the transport module to 
take us there."
  Geordi said, "We prefer to call them turbo-lifts. Starbuck."
  "Yes, Geordi, the computer on the turbo-lift."

Capt Picard arrived on the bridge with Colonel Tigh. The lieutenant 
announced, "Captain, Eleven Cylon baseships are being picked up on long-range 
sensors."
  Picard said, "On screen."
  Riker stared at the screen and said, "Those things are almost as large as 
Deep Space Nine."
  Colonel Tigh said, "I need to get back to the Galactica."
  Riker said, "All right, Colonel. Stand in the formation that we showed you."
  Tigh, Starbuck, Apollo, and the rest of the Galactica crew stood in the 
formation. RIker pulled his badge off himself, and placed it on Apollo's 
jacket,  he announced, "Transporter room, Six to beam back to the 
Galactica."
  After an *Aye, Sir,* echoed from the com, the Galactica crew dematerialized.

Adama and Lwaxana were both in the arboretum. Picard's voice was heard: *PIcard 
to Adama.*
  Adama said, "Yes, Captain."
  *There are Eleven baseships heading towards us.*
  "How fast can you get me to my ship?"
  *Immediately. Just stand ready and let us know.*
  Lwaxana said, "Take me with you, Adama."
  Adama said, "I cannot risk it. The Enterprise has a better chance of 
surviving the Cylon attack with its better technology." She nodded. He  
looked up and said, "I'm ready. Energize." He  dematerialized in a 
transporter beam.


8

The red-alert signal was echoing throughout the bridge. Capt Picard was on the
main bridge with Data and Cmdr Shelby, Data, the tactical lieutenant and an
ensign at the helm.
  Picard announced, "Beam down all non-essential personnel to the planet
surface. Then prepare for saucer separation."
  After the bridge personnel did a lot of scuffling around, Riker's voice over 
the com said, "Saucer separation sequence ready, Captain."

Duncan and Amanda got into a shuttlecraft, and Peter and Ritchie got into 
another. In the shuttle, Peter and Ritchie sat as the shuttlebay doors opened. 
One shuttlecraft left, and  Peter followed along with others after that.

Aboard the Galactica, everyone was getting into their vipers. The Everyone put 
on their helmets, and The cockpits closed. Each viper took off 
one-by-one.

Out in space, the USS Ambassador moved away from Deep Space Nine, and the
saucer and stardrive sections separated. The saucer section of the Enterprise 
cloaked, and The stardrive section did the same. The Galactica also moved 
away from Deep Space Nine. The four Klingon ships decloaked.

On Deep Space Nine, Gowran, Worf, Kurn and Drex stood side-by-side. Gowran 
tapped his right forearm and said, "jol yIchu'!" The four of them 
dematerialized.

Luke, Leia, Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 got into the Millennium Falcon. 
The doors opened, and They went into space.

On Ops, Sisko, Kira, Dax, and O'Brien were getting things prepared for battle. 
Sisko said, "Get ready to activate the shields."
  "All set," said someone in male Bajoran uniform in the back. "All of the 
Civilians have been beamed down to the planet."
  "Wait until the four Klingon ships cloak, then activate shields."
  "Aye, Sir."
  On the screen two of the four Klingon ships, the D7 cruiser and Bortas 
cloaked.
  "Two Klingon ships cloaked," pointed out Kira.
  "Acknowledged, Major."
  On the viewscreen, the Pagh and bird of prey shimmered out of view. (They 
cloaked.)
  Sisko said, "Activate shields."
  "Shields activated," responded the male Bajoran officer.
  Dax said, "Captain, We're being hailed."
  "Put it on the screen, Commander."
  Baltar's face appeared on the screen. "I demand that you turn over Adama and 
my prisoners now or we'll destroy you all and everything down on that planet."
  Sisko said, "You should have taken it with the Federation Council. Now they 
are Federation citizens. However, if you take it through the proper channels, 
we will hear your case, and see what we can do from there."
  Baltar raised his voice. "We will fight you until you heed to my demands! 
Earthman!" The channel was cut.
  Sisko  ordered, "Ready all photon torpedo launchers and phasers."
  Kira and another starfleet officer both responded, "Aye, Sir," in unison.
  Kira said, "Torpedo launchers ready, Sir."
  The starfleet officer said, "Phasers ready, Captain."

From the basestars, many Cylon fighters were heading towards Deep Space Nine. 
The vipers from the Galactica, Millennium Falcon, and several shuttlecraft and 
runabouts in the front line were heading towards the Cylon raiders. Also in the 
front line were the two sections of the Ambassador.

Aboard the saucer section of the Enterprise, Data said, "There are two-thousand 
six-hundred seventy-three Cylon fighter craft approaching at high speed, 
Captain."
  Shelby said, "I recommend that we engage them before the Colonial vipers do." 
All it takes is one shot on them by the Cylons to take a life."
  Picard said, "Make it so."
  The Black ensign said, "Aye, Captain."

In the battle bridge of the stardrive section, Riker said, "We should engage 
the Cylons before the Colonioal fighters and shuttlecraft do. Take us in."
  The Lieutenant Junior-Grade Vulcan said, "Yes, Sir."
  "Ready phasers for wide-beam and prepare to decloak."
  Data and the person at tactical said, "Ready, Commander."
  The officer at the left console beside helm control said, "I am picking up 
impulse signatures, Sir."
  Riker said, "Trace them down and relay the information to tactical. I don't 
want to accidently fire on the saucer section or our Klingon comrades, 
Lieutenant. And, once the phasers are activated, let the computer take it from 
there."
  "Understood, Sir," responded the two officers, one at the science station and 
the other at tactical, in unison.
  "Done," said the lieutenant.
  "NOW!" yelled Riker.

The stardrive section of the Enterprise decloaked and destroyed several Cylon 
fighters with its computer-driven phasers. Many of them turned onto it.
  Two runabouts dropped out of warp in the area firing fore and aft phasers, 
taking out a few more.
  The Pagh decloaked and fired disrupters and destroyed several more of the 
Cylon raiders. It  cloaked. Cylon raiders turned on that as well. Although 
cloaked, the laser fire can be seen being absorbed by the cloaking shields. 
Several Cylon craft crashed into it and exploded upon impact. The Pagh 
decloaked and fired another disrupter and a few seconds later, another, 
destroying more of the Cylon raiders. A Cylon craft hit the Pagh on neck of the 
Klingon ship as the pagh fired another discharge. An attempt to fire torpedoes 
was futile because they detonated from the laser fire very close to it, causing 
it to rock. Several Cylon craft crashed into the underside of its rear hull, 
causing a fire that burned from the top of it as well, and The Pagh blew 
up.

Duncan MacCleod and Amanda were getting ready to engage the Cylon fighters. 
They saw other vipers other than the ones behind them closing in.

Aboard the Millenium Falcon, Han Solo said, "Where did THOSE vipers come from? 
I thought that they were all supposed to be behind us."
  Luke said, "There is another battlestar nearby."
  Leia said, "Yes, I feel it, too. The Pegasus? Commanded by Commander Caine. 
And it is hidden by some kind of energy shield, identical to the Klingon's 
ships and the two halves of the Enterprise. However, I could be wrong. My 
intuition is not as good as Luke's."
  The Millenium Falcon shook a hit from the Cylon laser fire. C-3PO said, "The 
newly-installed shields are holding up well, Mr Solo."
  Luke fired the gun he was minding, hitting three Cylon ships and destroying 
them. Nine of them came towards them in a diagonal straight-line formation. 
Luke stared heavily at the front one. That one turned sideways and collided 
into the adjacent one, causing a domino effect, thus destroying all nine of 
them.
  Three Cylon fighters were firing on the Falcon causing it to rock. Leia fired 
a shot and destroyed one of them. Another one was closing in behind it. She 
tried concentrationg on it, but nothing happened.
  Han Solo maneuvered Falcon in an upward sweep, narrowly missing a Cylon 
fighter. That one crashed into the other, destroying both of them.
  C-3PO yelled, "Aft shields are at ninety percent."
  Leia repeatedly fired the aft gun, hitting and destroying them both.

Worf was at tactical, and Drex was at the helm aboard the Bortas. Kurn and 
Gowran watched as they approached close to one of the basestars. Gowran said, 
"Decloak and fire."
  Worf said, "Wait." Kurn and Gowran looked at him, and Worf explained. "We 
should be ready to engage warp. We decloak and  fire at it, then use the 
warp engines to move to the other side and  fire all fore- and aft- 
weapons, destroying this one and damaging another one."
  Gowran and Kurn both nodded at Worf, and grunted. Gowran said, "Very well, 
Worf. Prepare to go to warp."
  "Yes, Sir!" yelled Drex.
  "Worf, get ready."
  They approached the basestar.  Gowran yelled, "DaH!"

The Bortas decloaked, and fired a disrupter discharge. It did damage to the 
lower hull of the basestar. The Bortas went into warp, dropped out of warp 
on its other side, and fired aft torpedoes, forward torpedoes, and aft 
disrupters. The aft torpedoes hit the basestar as the Bortas went into 
warp. This caused a series of small explosions on it. Then it blew up. The fore 
torpedoes hit the other basestar doing some damage to both hulls. The 
flying debris from the destroyed basestar did some more damage.

Gowran said to Worf, "I must commend you on that battle maneuver. How did you 
think of such a technique?"
  Worf said, "It is known as the Picard Maneuver in the Federation."
  Gowran looked at Worf in shock and said, "You said, 'Picard?' Maneuver??"
  Worf said. "Yes, Gowran. Captain Picard pulled that maneuver on a Ferengi 
vessel with the first starship that he commanded. Except he did not have a 
cloaking device."
  Gowran said, "The Picard maneuver, Captain Picard, you are more of a warrior 
than I have ever thought you to be." He laughed and  bellowed, "Engage 
cloak. Then take us back."

The Klingon Bird of Prey decloaked and approached the basestars, firing a 
disrupter discharge and recloaked. That ate away a small portion of the 
bottom hull of a basestar. It decloaked in an entirely different area and  
fired another disrupter discharge. Another basestar suffered some damage on its 
upper hull. The Cylon baseships fired lasers and torpedoes in different 
directions, trying to hit the Bird of Prey that they could not see. They were 
hit by a few lasers from the basestars, doing negligible damage. Some of the 
torpedoes did some damage, causing the ship to decloak.
  Many of the Cylon fighters returned to defend the baseships against the bird 
of prey. The bird of prey fired a disrupter discharge towards the incoming 
fighters destroying some of them. The torpedoes, some fired towards the 
basestars and some towards the incoming fighters were detonated out of harm's 
way by laser fire. The fighters, seeing that laser fire did very little at 
depleting shields of the bird of prey, prompted some to collide into it. That 
started to do some damage.
  A last disrupter discharge destroyed more of the upper hull of the second 
damaged basestar. The Bird of prey headed towards the basestars as fires all 
over it was visible. It collided with an undamaged basestar, destroying 
both, the bird of prey and the basestar. It collided with its lower hull, 
causing a massive explosion that consumed the bird of prey and the basestar's 
lower hull. The upper hull exploded.

The two sections of the Ambassador were firing wide-beam phasers in all 
directions as they maneuvered away from each other. Explosions from the Cylon 
raiders' destructions were all around from the phaser fire. The saucer 
experienced the suicide runs of the Cylon fighters that they did not hit. 
Several collided into the very top center of it depleting its shields and then 
hitting it, taking out main bridge. The phaser fire stopped for a moment, and 
 started again, maneuvering towards the basestars. All of a sudden, the 
phaser fire stopped. The basestars started firing its lasers and missiles 
at the saucer section and having them absorbed by its restored shields. The 
Cylon fighters commenced its laser fire on it, also having very little effect, 
until they collided with it. A Cylon ship crashed on top of it, near the edge, 
causing an explosion that was also visible from the bottom of it. The 
laser and missile fire started doing damage to the saucer section, until it 
exploded.

Aboard Deep Space Nine, Sisko ordered, "Maneuvering thrusters until we have a 
clear shot at those Cylon basestars."
  Kira said, "maneuvering thrusters activated."
  Sisko said, "Let me know when we have a clear shot at them."
  "Aye, Captain."
  After a moment, Dax said, "We have a clear shot now, Ben."
  After ordering "Full Stop," Sisko went over to a console and tapped on it. 
  Kira  announced, "Full stop, Sir," and went over to another console and 
started tapping a sequence on it.
  From outside, phaser and photon torpedo fire was being commenced. All of the 
photon torpedoes were detonated before reaching the basestars by laser fire, 
but the phasers destroyed the other damaged one.
  Kira suggested, "I suggest that we take the Defiant out, to distract more of 
the Cylon fighters."
  Sisko thought about it and said, "Dax, you're with me. He turned to Kira and 
said, "You're in charge of the station, Major."
  She said, "Aye, Captain."

The Galactica was firing its fast-aiming laser cannons at Cylon ships that made 
it past the vipers and shuttlecraft. One cannon fired two double-laser 
discharges at a Cylon ship and destroyed it, and  turned at another one. 
That one blew up on the first shot.

The D7 cruiser fired a disrupter discharge at the Cylon fighter craft squadron 
heading towards them. On one side Colonial vipers and a few shuttlecraft 
engaged the Cylon fighters, and disrupter fire kept the Cylons from getting too 
close to the cruiser. The few that did get close enough collided into its 
shields.

Aboard the cruiser, Kor sat in the command chair. He said, "I want one of those 
fightercraft carriers. Prepare a boarding party and take us over there."
  A young Klingon said, "Yes, General."
  Kor turned to the captain and said, "You will lead the boarding party, 
Captain. Qapla'!" Kor turned to the viewscreen and said, "He chu'! Warp wa'!"
  The helmsman responded to Kor's command, and The console started 
beeping. The helmsman looked at it turned to Kor and said, "Some of the fighter 
craft is too close for us to generate the warp field, General."
  Kor said, "Gunner, get rid of them!"
  The gunner said, "I'm trying!"
  Kor said, "When we can, take us there at warp one."
  "Yes, General."

The defiant was also fighting it out with Cylon raiders. Captain Sisko asked 
Dax, "Jadzia, how much of a pounding can our shields take?"
  She said, "At the rate they're at now, we can take it for about forty-five 
minutes. Then it's up to the blade of armor. That is, if those fighters don't 
start turning into torpedoes, heading for us."
  A Bajoran officer looked at Dax and said, "You've got a way of putting 
things, Commander."
  Sisko said, "Well, we just have to make sure that the targeting computer that 
Chief O'Brien modified for us doesn't get damaged. That's all."
  The Bajoran officer laughed and said, "Between you Federation officers..."

Aboard the Enterprise stardrive section, the man at tactical said, "Shields 
down to seventy-four percent. The computer has complete control on the 
phasers."
  Riker said, "Let's try to approach those basestars."
  Deanna said, "And keep those phasers firing."
  The tactical officer and helmsman both said, "Aye, Sir," in unison.

A Colonial viper was chasing after a Cylon raider. After five shots, it was 
destroyed. Three Cylon raiders started chasing after the viper. They were 
destroyed by a shuttlecraft. Three more Cylon raiders  headed for the 
shuttlecraft. Three phaser discharges from the shuttlecraft hit them.

On that shuttlecraft were Duncan and Amanda. Duncan said, "I didn't kmow that 
you were THAT good with phasers, Amanda."
  "Data modified these phaser controls. He and Lieutenant-Commander LaForge 
modified all of the phaser computers on all the shuttlecraft. The computer 
targets those high-speed, easily maneuverable fighters and  fires. No human 
can do that, Duncan."
  "Yes. Navigation control has also been modified by Data and Geordi. They now 
go faster, and yet, more easily maneuverable."
  "Yes, they did that as well, along with shield modifications," replied 
Amanda.

Several Cylon fighters were on the tail of the Millennium Falcon. They fired 
upon it, some hitting the newly-installed deflector shields. R2-D2 whistled and 
beeped. C-3PO said, "R2-D2 said, 'This Federation technology is really a great 
addition to the Millennium Falcon.'"
  "I agree," Solo responded. "If it wasn't for the better shield generators 
that you and that Federation droid Mr Data installed-"
  "-We would have been debris floating in space right now," C-3PO finished.
  Out the front window, the stardrive section of the Enterprise was in view, 
along with its phaser fire and blinking lights of the destruction of the Cylon 
fighters.
  Luke said, "The battle section of the Enterprise is having some difficulty."
  Solo said, "Well, we've better help them out. Take us in, Chewy."
  Chewbacca let out a howl of acknowledgement.

The Millennium Falcon drew some of the Cylon fighter craft away from the 
stardrive section of the Enterprise. Luke was firing the fore laser cannon at 
them, and Leia was firing the aft at the ones behind them.

On the viewscreen of the stardrive section of the Enterprise, there were nine 
Cylon raiders heading straight for the Enterprise, with their laser cannons 
firing. All of a sudden, the fighter at the front of the diagonal made a turn, 
hitting its adjacent one, causing a cascade reaction that destroyed all nine 
fighters.
  Cmdr Riker stared at the viewscreen. "Deanna, did you see that? Why did that 
fighter collide with the others like that, I wonder?"
  Deanna said, "That was Luke Slywalker. He used his mind power to do that."
  Riker said, "Well, that may explain something about your saying that he has a 
powerful mind."
  Deanna said, "Well, I think so, Will. I think it does."

Aboard the Enterprise saucer section, Data announced, "There are one-thousand 
six-hundred ninety more of those fighters, three of the basestars destroyed, 
and one heavily damaged, and one shows Klingon lifesigns on it."
  Picard said, "Klingon lifesigns? Have they boarded one of them? What would 
the Klingons want with a basestar? Their technologies are useless compared, 
even to a D7 cruiser."
  "Perhaps as a trophy, Sir," speculated Data. "Another thing I must point out, 
Sir, is that there seems to be vipers from two battlestars."
  "Explain," said Picard.
  "The Galactica has two-hundred-twenty-eight vipers on their vessel," Data 
pointed out. "There are four-hundred-ninety-seven vipers out there in battle, 
not counting the sixteen that got destroyed by the Cylons."
  On the viewscreen showed two the basestars on the right of it, a battlestar 
shimmered into view next to one of the basestars.
  Shelby and Picard looked at each other. The tactical lieutenant said, 
"Sir, a battlestar, seems to have-" her voice trailed off, and She said, 
"-Decloaked?"


9

On the viewscreen on the Galactica, many Cylon ships engaged against the fleet 
of vipers and Federation shuttlecraft broke off and headed for that mysterious 
battlestar. On the side of it, it read, "Pegasus."
  Cmdr Adama and Col Tigh looked on in shock. Adama said, "Contact them, 
Athena."
  She said, "Yes, Father."
  Adama looked at the viewscreen as Cmdr Caine appeared on it and said, "I'm a 
little busy right now, Adama, but it is good to see you again."
  "Yes, Caine. Good to see you too. That explains why there are so many vipers 
out there, I imagine."
  "Yes. I sent my vipers into the battle as well. Eleven baseships full of 
Cylon raiders and one battlestar full of vipers is very bad odds. My viper 
captain and I figured we would give your vipers a slightly better chance."
  "Where did- errr-?" Adama  trailed off.
  "It is a long story. If we survive this, I'll explain everything. But, we 
have a battle to fight. Talk to you later, old friend."
  The screen went blank. Adama, Tigh, and Athena looked back and forth at each
other.

Two shuttlecraft were being pursued by several Cylon raiders. The aft phasers 
were being fired, taking them out one-by-one per shuttle. Occasionally, a 
phaser discharge destroyed two of them.
  Peter Caine and Ritchie watched the viewscreen intently. Several Cylon 
raiders headed for the other shuttlecraft, but most were destroyed by phaser 
fire before it got close to it. One Cylon craft crashed into it. Peter said, 
"Computer, lock onto the occupants of the Copernicus and transport them here."
  Two starfleet officers materialized onto the back of the shuttle, 
unharmed and uninjured. A second later, the other shuttlecraft blew up.

The D7 cruiser approached one of the basestars, dropped out of warp, and 
maneuvered around it. On the cruiser, the gray-haired Klingon captain stood on 
a transporter pad with five other warriors, with betleH in one hand. He  
said, "jolyI chu'!" and  dematerialized.

Aboard the basestar, the Klingons materialized. They pulled out their 
disrupters and fired at the Cylon centurians. They all fell. The captain ran 
towards a gold Cylon with his betleH and hit him with it, to no avail, except a 
broken betleH.  He pulled out his disrupter, and shot it as the slow-moving 
robot reached for his laser pistol. A few Klingons were shot by the laser shots 
from the Cylons, but many more of them fell from the wide-beam disrupter fire. 
However, there were many more Cylons on the basestar than the number of 
Klingons that boarded.

The stardrive section of the Enterprise headed towards the basestars, firing 
wide-beam phasers at incoming Cylon craft. The Millennium Falcon and three 
shuttlecraft on the other side were handling the Cylon raiders on the other 
side. They got closer to the D7 Klingon cruiser, which was also trying to 
handle Cylon raiders. One shuttlecraft and the Millennium Falcon went to its 
aid.
  On one of the shuttlecraft was Peter Caine, Ritchie and two Starfleet 
officers. Peter heard Luke's thoughts: <Our Klingon comrades boarded the 
basestar and are in need of our help. Transport me to your shuttlecraft and let 
us help them.>
  Peter  tapped several things on his console, and  Luke Skywalker 
materialized. Peter said to the officers, "One of you, take my place."
  He tapped his console again a few times,  stood beside Luke with his 
newly-obtained light saber in his hand, and they both dematerialized.

Luke and Peter materialized near a battle between Cylons and Klingons on the 
basestar. There were more Cylons that approached from behind the Klingons. Luke 
and Peter stood between them, facing the Cylons, and activated their light 
sabers. The Cylons opened fire on them, and the laser shots were all blocked 
and absorbed by the light sabers. Peter tried roundhouse-kicking one Cylon, but 
almost lost his balance by the unbudging Cylon. He struck two of them down 
with one swing of the light saber.
  Luke went on striking his light saber, taking down Cylon after Cylon, with 
Peter by his side doing the same. Seeing that the Klingons were able to stand 
up to the Cylons that were left, they both worked their way down the corridor.

The Jedi master and his immortal Shao-Lin student made their way to the command 
center of the basestar. As they were blocking laser shots and striking down the 
Cylon robots, a gold Cylon shot at Peter who was in the process of striking 
down two of them. Peter fell, with his light saber deactivating in his hand. 
Luke let out a scream and threw his light saber at him, and  held out his 
hand. The light saber lifted from the floor and flew back into Luke's hand, for 
him to block another three laser blasts.

Outside in space, the Defiant was firing its phasers in all directions, hitting 
Cylon craft around it. A few Cylon ships blew up on impact as it collided with 
the Defiant's shields.

"Shields down to fifty-six percent," remarked Dax. The sounds of the phasers 
discharges could be heard.
  Sisko said, "Well, if this ship must take a good pounding to save Bajor and 
the Colonies of Kobol,  this ship must take a good pounding. If worse comes 
to worst, we'll just have to transport to the shuttlecraft. Two people per 
craft, and fight the Cylons with them. I hope, Dax, that you and Chief O'Brien 
did not forget to modify the defense systems on the Defiant's shuttlecraft."
  "No, we didn't, Ben. Lieutenant-Commander Geordi LaForge from the Enterprise 
helped us." Just then, the ship shook.  Dax said, "Shields down to forty 
percent."

The saucer section of the Enterprise had its phasers firing in all different 
directions, destroying Cylon raiders all around them. Some of the raiders were 
also self-destructing against the deflector shields of the saucer section.
  The lieutenant at tactical said, "Shields down fifty percent, Sir."
  Cmdr Shelby said, "Even if they can detonate our photon torpedoes with heir 
lasers, perhaps it will provide extra targets for them. And, since our 
computers can target and fire, we may also be able to get rid of a few of them. 
It was a good thing that they designed this Enterprise saucer section to fire 
torpedoes as well."
  Picard said, "Yes, Commander. Make it so."
  The tactical lieutenant said, "Aye, Sir." He tapped on the console.

Torpedoes could be seen spewing out of the sides of the saucer section of the 
Enterprise in all directions. Up close, a Cylon raider that was close to the 
saucer section was hit. Some of the other raiders turned away from the 
Enterprise saucer section and fired at them. One Cylon raider fired at a photon 
torpedo at close range, and its detonation took the Cylon craft with it.

The D7 cruiser was moving around in circles around the basestar. Cylon ships 
kept on colliding into it, until the shields were drained. All of a 
sudden, Kor, Mara, and the rest of the bridge crew dematerialized in Klingon 
transporter beams.

Back on the basestar, Luke was cutting through many of the Cylons with his 
light saber and using it to block the laser shots aimed at him. Peter Caine 
awoke from his death, and grabbed his light saber. Realizing where he was and 
what was going on, he looked for and grabbed his light saber.
  Looking around some more, Peter found a Cylon pointing a laser pistol at him, 
and he threw his light saber at the robot. It cut its arm off and 
short-circuited it, and  landed on the floor. Peter concentrated on getting 
his weapon back the way Luke showed him.
  The weapon jiggled, and  slowly slid towards Peter. Peter  got up and 
saw another Cylon approach. He pulled out his phaser and shot it in the chest, 
and  it fell to the ground. Peter held out his hand and tried again. He 
ended up with a feeling of deja vu.

(Peter, Scallaney, and Quay-Chiang Caine and Guinan were at his father's 
studio. "Pop, I would like to try that trick you did with the bricks awhile 
back. You know, piled up and you only break one in the middle with the strike 
of your hand?"
  Quay-Chiang and Peter piled a half a dozen bricks up on two stands. Peter 
went to it, and Quay-Chiang said, "Concentrate, Peter. Concentrate on the brick 
that you want broken."
  Peter said, "The third brick from the top." He  paused, and  struck 
the top of the pile, and the third brick from the top broke in half.
  Quay-Chiang said, "See, Peter, you can accomplish anything when you believe 
in yourself and put your mind to it.")

Those words rang on. All of a sudden, Quay-Chiang Caine's translucent form 
appeared and said, "You must believe in yourself, My son."
  Peter said, "All right, Pop." He looked at the light saber and concentrated.
  Quay-Chiang said, "You can do it, Peter. Concentrate."
  The light saber slid across the floor to his feet, and  flew up. He 
the caught the light saber by its handle.
  Peter looked at where the figure of his father was standing to find him gone. 
Two IL series Cylon leaders walked in with laser pistols in both hands and 
opened fire on Peter. Peter caught all four shots with his light saber and ran 
towards them and struck them down with the light saber. As more Cylons 
approached, Peter concentrated, and There were five of him, running in all 
different directions.
  Several more Cylons marched in and opened fire on the four that were 
approaching with light sabers. The shots went right through the four images of 
Peter and hit several stations. The real Peter jumped down with his light 
saber behind them and struck them all down.

Luke Skywalker was cutting down Cylon centurians as he moved along. He saw 
Kor, Mara, and more Klingons materialize. He blocked two laser shots that were 
shot at the materializing Kor and crew and deflected off the transporter beam 
towards him.
  When Kor was fully materialized he found and grabbed a betleH from a fallen 
Klingon and tried hitting a Cylon robot with it. The betleH broke in half. Luke 
happened to have another extra light saber. He activated it and gave it to Kor.
  Mara pulled out her disrupter pistol and started shooting down Cylon 
centurians with it. That Cylon fell into another, knocking the laser pistol 
from another Cylon.
  Luke and Kor stood side-by-side striking down Cylons. Kor was on the 
offensive while Luke was on the defensive. Kor struck Cylons that got close 
enough with the white light saber, and Luke used his green light saber to catch 
laser shots. Mara and another crewmember, facing in the other direction, fired 
their disrupters at Cylons closing in from behind.

The D7 klingon cruiser itself was being fired upon by Cylon raiders as it 
drifted towards another basestar. Several Cylon fighter craft crashed into it, 
causing explosions all over it. The D7 cruiser was finally destroyed when it 
collided into upper hull of the basestar, destroying that in several explosions 
as well.

Deep Space Nine was firing its phasers in all different directions, destroying 
Cylon raiders attempting to collide into it.
  Maj Kira was watching on the viewscreen. She watched a Cylon raider collide 
into its side, causing the station to shake. A Bajoran officer announced, 
"Shields down to forty one percent, Major."
  Kira said, "Keep the shields up as long as you can. AND KEEP THOSE PHASERS 
FIRING!"
  Several responded, "Aye, Sir."

There was a shuttlecraft, runabout, and a viper flying side-by-side, followed 
by several Cylon raiders. The Cylons fired, hitting the shields of the runabout 
and the shuttlecraft. The shields from the runabout also extended around the 
viper. The shuttlecraft fired its rear phasers, destroying several of the Cylon 
craft.
  The remaining split up, and went to the sides of the trio, and the 
shuttlecraft responded by dropping back and firing its fore-phasers, hitting 
the Cylon craft on the side of the viper.
  The viper went downward and upward towards the Cylon craft on the 
other side and fired at them, destroying two. The Cylons fired at the viper, 
hitting its wing.
  Aboard the shuttlecraft, Duncan said, "Computer, emergency beam-out of the 
colonial viper!"
  From the forward screen, the viper exploded.
  Boomer materialized in the rear in a sitting position and fell back onto the 
floor. Amanda looked back and laughed at Boomer lying on his back on the floor, 
holding himself up with his elbows. "Thanks, guys," said Boomer. "But what a 
way to end up." He was laughing as well.
  The entire shuttle shook from laser shots. Amanda responded by tapping her 
console. From a forward screen, the phaser shots targeted and hit the five 
Cylon raiders that were on their tail. Another screen revealed several Cylon 
raiders that were heading right for them that were also destroyed by phaser 
fire.

The stardrive section of the Enterprise fired its phasers and a volley of 
photon torpedoes at a basestar. Some of the torpedoes were detonated by laser 
fire, and out of harm's way, but most of them hit the basestar, along with the 
phaser shot. The stardrive went into warp.

The saucer section was drifting towards the basestars as its phasers kept on 
firing at Cylon raiders. Blinking lights from the destruction of Cylon craft 
were all around it.
  On the bridge, Data said, "There are one-thousand two-hundred sixty Cylon 
raiders left. One-hundred-eight of them are trying to assault us."
  Cmdr Shelby said, "Fire another volley of photon torpedoes."
  The tactical lieutenant said, "Aye, Commander," and tapped the console. 
After a good shake-up, he said, "Shields are down to twenty percent. They are 
weakest at starboard."
  Picard said, "Keep those phasers firing. Concentrate them on that area."
  "Yes, Sir."

The Defiant and stardrive section of the Ambassador were near each other as 
Cylon raiders concentrated on them. Aboard the Ambassador, the tactical officer 
said, "Shields are down to nine percent."
  Adm Nechayev said, "Prepare to go to warp."
  The officer at helm control said, "Those fighters are interfering with our 
warp field, Admiral." His console exploded as the ship shook, throwing him 
out of his chair and dead onto the floor.
  The tactical officer cried, "Shields have collapsed, Admiral."
  Immediately after that, an announcement from the com said, *Warp core breach 
imminent, Admiral. We have a coolant leak in-*
  Nechayev said, "Eject the warp core."
  *Warp core ejection systems not responding.*
  "Options," bellowed Nechayev. After a few seconds of everyone scrounging 
around, she hit a button by her chair and yelled, "ALL HANDS! ABANDON SHIP!"
  Just then, she and the entire surviving bridge crew dematerialized.

Aboard the Defiant, Sisko bellowed, "Energize."
  An announcement said, "I got the bridge crew, Sir. I'm attempting to get the 
few trapped in engineering."
  Sisko said, "Extend shields around the escape pods, but leave an opening 
so that the transporter room can do its job."
  Dax said, "Aye, Sir."
  An announcement from Nechayev over the com said, "All my crew that did 
not make it to an escape pod is aboard, Captain Sisko. Thank you."
  Sisko said, "Shields up. And lock tractors onto the escape pods and pull them 
into our shuttlebays."
  Someone else said, "Yes, Captain."
  Dax said, "Captain, all of the escape pods are in our shuttlebays."
  On the viewscreen, the Ambassador stardrive section exploded.

The USS Cairo finally showed up, attacking the basestars. Phasers and photon 
torpedoes were firing at them. The phasers destroyed the upper hull on one of 
them, but the photon torpedoes were detonated by laser fire at a safe distance.

Some of the Cylon raiders in the battles broke away from the battles to pursue 
the Cairo. Some that were fighting the Enterprise stardrive section also broke 
off and headed for the Cairo.
  The tactical officer said, "The Cairo has shown up to help, Commander."
  Deanna said, "I don't think that Captain Jellico knows about these raiders."
  Commander Riker said, "Relay a message to the Cairo."
  "Aye, Sir," replied the tactical officer.

Aboard the Cairo, Captain Jellico stood up and watched as the Cylon raiders 
approaching. On the viewscreen, he, along with the rest of the bridge crew, 
witnessed phaser shots aimed for the craft miss because they were evaded. Only 
one got hit. The tactical officer said, "Captain, A message from the 
stardrive section of the Enterprise."
  "Relay it."
  "It is from Commander Riker, Sir. It says that the only way to combat the 
Cylon fighters is to let the targeting computers handle them."
  "Then make it so, Lieutenant."
  "Aye, Sir." He tapped a sequence on the console.
  On the viewscreen, the phasers were taking out Cylon fighters. The 
lieutenant said, "The message also says not to let them get too close. They 
will pull suicide runs and collide into us."
  "Well, make sure they don't get close enough for that, Lieutenant."
  "I will try, Sir. I will try."


10

Two shuttlecraft approached the Cairo behind the Cylon raiders and fired its 
phasers at them, destroying some. More of them fired onto the two shuttlecraft 
from behind. Rear phasers took them out. The Cairo opened fire onto the 
Cylon craft.

The Millennium Falcon fired its fore lasers at the nine Cylon craft pursuing a 
viper and runabout. The runabout fired three phaser discharges at three Cylon 
craft pursuing a viper.
  Aboard the Falcon, Solo said, "Good shot, Chewy."
  Chewbacca let out a howl of pride.
  C-3PO said, "Shields down to twenty-six percent."
  R2-D2 let out a squeak and approached the Federation-built station, and an 
arm popped out as he diddled around. "Thank you, R2," C-3PO said, "Shields are 
at thirty-nine percent now. R2 has increased its intensity by thirteen 
percent."
  Leia, meanwhile, repeatedly fired her cannon at the six Cylon fighters that 
went to pursue the Falcon. She kept firing until all six were destroyed.
  Han solo said, "I wonder how Luke is doing in helping the Klingins take 
over that basestar."
  Leia said, "He's all right, Han."

Aboard the basestar, Luke, Kor and Peter swung their light sabers around at the 
Cylon robots. Luke caught a laser shot that would have hit Kor in the back of 
his head.
  Mara joined the Klingon captain at the shootout with other Cylons. An IL 
series Cylon shot the captain in the chest. Mara shot it, and another IL series 
Cylon, along with some more robots. Kor, Luke and Peter joined Mara, looking 
around for more Cylons. They headed for the command center. A few other 
Klingons followed.
  Getting there was uneventful. The glass doors opened and they ran in. Mara 
shot an IL series Cylon and Kor threw his borrowed light saber at another one. 
Mara looked around at the controls saying, "weapons control... helm... 
navigation... Sensors." She pressed a button. On a viewscreen, they saw a 
Vor'cha-class Klingon ship firing disrupters at a basestar, with its shields 
glowing from the laser fire.

Out in space, the stardrive section of the Enterprise fired phasers and a 
volley of photon and quantum torpedoes at a basestar. Most of the torpedoes 
were detonated by laser fire, but a few got in causing damage to both hulls, 
along with the phaser shots. The Enterprise stardrive went into warp and 
dropped out of warp on its other side, firing phasers and a volley of photon 
torpedoes from the rear. All of the torpedoes were detonated, one near the 
Enterprise stardrive. The bit of damage was done by the phasers. The basestar 
also fired a volley of torpedoes at the stardrive, and caused the shields to 
glow. The Defiant decloaked and opened fire, spitting phasers and quantum 
torpedoes at the basestar, destroying the entire top hull of the basestar.

The doors to the command center of Baltar's basestar opened, and Lucifer walked 
in, saying, "By your command."
  Baltar's throne slowly rotated, revealing Baltar. "What is it, Lucifer. Have 
we wiped out the Colonial fleet and the Federation outpost?"
  "No, Baltar. They wiped out most of our fighters. Now, they are attacking 
us."
  "What!?" He started to get angry. "We have eleven basestars, and almost 
three-thousand raiders. How can that be?"
  "The superior technology of the Federation. And, they had help from Klingons, 
who also boarded one of our basestars and sent their badly-damaged ship in a 
collision course that destroyed one of our basestars. The Pegasus also 
appeared. And four other basestars have been destroyed. I recommend that we 
withdraw and come back with more reinforcements."
  "No! Take the basestars in and attack!"
  "Baltar, I believe that we should withdraw, and let the other basestars fight 
it out, and we should go and get more reinforcements."
  "Very well. Fire all our torpedoes at those ships and the Galactica and get 
us out of here."
  "By your command."
  The basestar that was behind all the others started backing away. Torpedoes 
and lasers shot from it.

Aboard the Galactica, Athena said, "Father, Colonel. One of the basestars is 
pulling away."
  Adama said, "That must be Baltar's ship. Take us in."
  Tigh said, "All right. Athena, get me Commander Cain."
  Cain's voice came over the audio. "Yes, Adama."
  "Commander, this is Colonel Tigh. One basestar is apparently pulling away. We 
figure that one to be Baltar's, and we're going after him."
  "All right, Colonel. I'm with you. Let's do it! Pegasus out."
  Everyone looked on at the screen as the Pegasus all of a sudden, shimmered 
out of view.

The Vor'cha-class Klingon ship fired disrupters at another basestar. The 
Defiant joined in, firing its phasers at it. The bombardment from Baltar's 
basestar caused the shields on both ships to glow. At the same time, another 
basestar fired its lasers and torpedoes at the slightly damaged basestar. The 
enemy basestar fired torpedoes at the Klingon ship, and lasers at the other 
basestar.
  Aboard the ship, Worf said, "Shields are down to forty percent."
  Kurn said, "Keep firing, Worf. I want that baseship DESTROYED!"

The Galactica approached the runaway basestar, firing its lasers. The 
Enterprise stardrive section came to help, firing its phasers at it, and taking 
some of the laser fire that the basestar was throwing out at them. Suddenly, 
the Pegasus shimmered into view very close to the basestar and opened fire with 
lasers and missiles. The basestar backed away even faster, until it went into 
light speed.
  The Pegasus turned around and started firing its lasers that the Klingon ship 
was firing at. The Galactica and the Enterprise stardrive section fired at 
another basestar that the Enterprise saucer section was fighting with.
  The shields of the Enterprise saucer section was glowing from the heat of 
laser and torpedo fire from the basestars. It fired its phasers and a volley of 
photon torpedoes. Most of the torpedoes were detonated by laser fire without 
damaging anything.
  The Galactica was approaching at the basestar, firing its lasers at it. It, 
too, was hit by some of the lasers. The Galactica got very close to it and 
started firing missiles at it, and went into reverse. It kept pouring its 
lasers on it while the saucer and stardrive sections did the same with their 
phasers. The basestar revealed signs of small explosions until it blew up, 
sending debris everywhere. A large piece collided with another basestar.
  That basestar sustained damage to its upper hull while the Pegasus and 
Klingon ship kept firing lasers and disrupters on it respectively. Lasers 
poured from the basestar at the Pegasus and the Klingon ship. The Klingon ship 
locked a tractor beam onto the basestar, where some of its torpedo fire was 
coming from. As two torpedoes were fired, one hit the warp nacelle of the 
Klingon ship's shields, but the other one detonated, destroying that part of 
the baseship's hull.

Three basestars moved towards Deep Space Nine, firing its lasers and torpedoes. 
They were also being hit by laser fire, and photon torpedoes were detonated by 
some of the laser fire at a safe distance. The fourth one followed behind it, 
firing lasers and torpedoes at the basestars. The Cairo, as well, followed, 
firing phasers at them. Some lasers were firing back at them. The stardrive 
section of the Enterprise joined that basestar in chasing the basestars.
The saucer section and Galactica followed suit. The basestars started 
firing its lasers and torpedoes at them as well.
  Up close, vipers, shuttlecraft and a few runabouts were on the move, firing 
on a basestar, targeting laser turrets and other weaponry.

Aboard one of the shuttlecraft was Duncan and Amanda, On the viewscreen, a 
laser turret was firing at them. The shuttle rocked as the shields absorbed the 
energy of the lasers. Amanda said, "Shields down to twenty-seven percent, 
Duncan."
  Boomer looked on as a viper fired at the turret and destroyed it. Another 
turret fired at the viper, and Duncan yelled out, "Computer, Emergency beam-out 
from the viper!"
  The Colonial viper pilot materialized, and he fell back onto the floor of the 
shuttle. He looked around and said, "Oh. Hello, Boomer." He removed his 
helmet and said, "It did not feel that bad, getting blown up." He looked 
around some more and said, "Where am I? Where is this place we go when we die?"
  Boomer said, "You're aboard the shuttlecraft Copernicus, Apollo. They 
transported you off your viper right before it blew up. You are NOT dead, 
Apollo."
  After looking down at himself and feeling his entire front, he said, "Oh, 
yeah. I forgot that the thirteenth colony had molecular transporters."
  Duncan yelled, "Brace for evasive maneuver. It could get ROUGH!" He 
tapped on his console and the shuttle made a sharp turn, tossing Boomer and 
Apollo against the wall.
  Amanda tapped a sequence on the console, and the viewscreen showed the 
destruction of another turret.
  Apollo looked to see who was piloting the shuttle and noticed. "Ambassador 
MacCleod?"
  MacCleod yelled, "Yes! I cannot talk right now; I'm a little busy right now!"

Aboard Deep Space Nine, Major Kira yelled, "Keep those phasers and photon 
torpedoes firing."
  A Starfleet officer said, "Photon torpedoes won't do any good from this 
distance, Major."
  Kira said, "I know, but if they fire on them, that's that many less shots 
that will hit us."
  "Acknowledged, Major."
  Then a station exploded as the entire station shook. The Bajoran officer at 
the station was thrown back, and was killed instantly. An old Klingon woman 
that was observing ran over to that station and said, "A shield generator 
failed, Major."
  Kira said, "Everything's under control, Doctor K'Ra."
  O'Brien said, "I can use all the help I can get, Major."
  Kira nodded to the Klingon woman and said, "Thank you, Doctor K'Ra."

Aboard the Galactica, Athena received a message. "Father, Colonel. message 
received from the Captain Picard, and Chancellor Gowran of the Klingon Empire. 
It reads, 'To the Battlestars Galactica and Pegasus: Do not fire on that last 
basestar. It has been boarded and taken over by the Klingons and is now being 
used against the Cylons."
  Adama said, "How do we tell which basestar that is?"
  Tigh said, "Well, we just follow the two sections of the Enterprise, the 
Defiant, and the Klingon battleship."
  Athena said, "Father, Commander Cain wants to talk to you."
  Adama approached. Cain said, *Adama, did I read that message correctly?*
  "I believe you did, Cain. Just follow the Earth ships and the Klingon ship."
  *I'll take that under advisement, Adama. Cain out.*

The basestar that Kor took over and the Cairo were firing upon the basestar in 
the middle, which was also being bombarded with phaser fire from Deep Space 
Nine. The Pegasus followed the two sections of the Enterprise and they fired 
upon one of the other enemy basestars. The Klingon ship, Defiant, and the 
Galactica split from the other three and took on the other one.
  The Enterprise saucer section and Pegasus fired on the basestar, and the 
stardrive section approached it with phasers firing. It got up close to it and 
fired a volley of quantum torpedoes, and went on its way. The volley hit 
the basestar, taking a section of the upper hull. It approached again, with 
phasers still firing, this time heading towards the lower hull. Its shields 
were glowing from the heat of the laser and torpedo fire from the basestar.
  The Galactica followed with its lasers and torpedoes firing at the third 
basestar, while the Klingon ship and Defiant approached it. The Defiant fired 
quantum torpedoes, taking a part of its upper hull, and the Klingon ship fired 
photon torpedoes, destroying more of the upper hull. Both ships' shields were 
glowing from the laser and Cylon torpedo bombardment. The Defiant and Klingons 
went in for another shot. The Defiant came very close to the Galactica's 
bombardment on the basestar. Both of them simultaneously fired torpedoes at it. 
Small blinks of explosions were visible on the upper half of the basestar. The 
Klingons fired another two volleys of photon torpedoes at it, destroying it. 
The pieces of that collided into the lower half, doing considerable damage to 
it. It fired at the Defiant. The Defiant fired phasers and another volley of 
quantum torpedoes, and the Klingon vessel took a nosedive at it, firing 
disrupters and a volley of photon torpedoes. After it cruised away from it, aft 
torpedoes started a chain reaction of fires on it, and it was destroyed.

The Defiant and the Klingon ship cruised over to the other one to assist the 
Enterprise and Pegasus. As they passed the second basestar, the Klingon ship 
fired disrupters and a volley of photon torpedoes at it. Many of the torpedoes 
were detonated, but a few did damage to the upper hull. The Galactica joined 
the Klingon-run basestar and the Cairo, firing its lasers at the second 
basestar. Phaser fire was still hitting it from Deep Space Nine, and the vipers 
and shuttlecraft concentrated on that as well.

The Enterprise stardrive section, Defiant, and Klingon ship dove at the 
basestar that the Pegasus and saucer section of the Enterprise continuously 
fired directed energy weapons on the basestar. Each fired a volley of 
torpedoes, destroying half of the upper hull. The Klingon ship and stardrive 
section of the Enterprise took another nosedive and hit the intact part of the 
upper hull with torpedoes. The upper hull exploded, sending debris in all 
directions. Some of it collided into the lower hull. The saucer section fired a 
volley of photon torpedoes at the basestar, but most of them were detonated by 
laser fire. Some hit the half basestar doing some damage. The stardrive 
section, Klingon ship, and the Defiant closed in, firing directed-energy 
weapons and torpedoes. At the same time, the saucer section also fired a volley 
of torpedoes, and the Pegasus fired two missiles. The missiles, and half of the 
torpedoes were detonated by laser fire, but the rest of the volleys did 
substantial damage. The Klingon ship fired aft torpedoes as they dove upward. 
Most of them were detonated by laser fire, and the two remaining hit the other 
basestar.

Aboard the Enterprise saucer section, Data was at a science station saying, 
"Shields are down to twenty percent, but I cannot say how long it will last."
  Picard said, "Do what you can, Data."
  Shelby ran over and looked over Data's shoulder, and Data activated another 
station for her to use. "Thank you, Data," she said.

Aboard the Klingon ship, Martok walked onto the bridge. Gowran, Kurn, Worf and 
Drex looked at him. Martok said, "Let me beam over to one of the baseships to 
do damage. Let me die in battle by destroying it from the inside."
  Worf was about to say something, but Gowran gave him his disrupter pistol and 
said, "Let him die honorably. Qapla', my friend Martok."
  A transporter beam dematerialized Martok off the bridge.

Martok materialized aboard the command center of a Cylon baseship. A viewscreen 
revealed another basestar and the Galactica firing upon it from behind, causing 
it to shake, and another revealed vipers and shuttlecraft destroying minute 
parts of it with laser and phaser fire. Martok. With Gowran's disrupter pistol 
in his hand, opened fire on two IL series Cylons. He continued firing his 
disrupter at the various stations, and Cylons that marched in. Several 
simultaneously opened fire with their laser pistols simultaneously, hitting him 
in the chest and abdomen. He hit something on his pistol and threw it 
towards a station, and it landed. Martok died.
  The pistol made a squeaking noise, getting more higher pitched as the seconds 
went by. It exploded, taking half of the command center.

The basestar that the Galactica and Kor's basestar were in pursuit of just 
stopped dead in its tracks. It was no longer firing its weapons, and just 
drifted. The Galactica approached it, firing its lasers, and when it got close, 
fired several missiles at it. The Vor'cha-class Klingon ship cruised to the 
other side of it, bombarding it with disrupter and photon torpedoes, gradually 
destroying pieces of its upper hull.
  Kor's basestar fired its torpedoes at it, along with its lasers, which ate up 
parts of the lower hull. Meanwhile, phasers, and a few photon torpedoes, from 
Deep Space Nine ate at it from the other side.

The Defiant and Enterprise stardrive went again at the basestar fragment, which 
was still firing some lasers and torpedoes at Deep Space Nine's direction, went 
in for the final kill. As they cruised towards it, the stardrive section fired 
a volley of quantum torpedoes, most of them detonated by laser fire. At the 
same time, the saucer section fired photon torpedoes. Some were detonated, but 
some also did damage. The Defiant, the stardrive section and the Klingon ship 
cruised at it, and fired torpedoes at it. That destroyed it, leaving one more 
enemy basestar left.


11

The last basestar was moving again, and firing torpedoes and lasers at Deep 
Space Nine, the Galactica, Kor's newly-acquired basestar and the Cairo. The 
Cairo went up close to it and fired a volley of photon torpedoes and 
backed away. Its shields were glowing from the bombardment of lasers of 
torpedoes from the last basestar.
  The Pegasus, saucer and stardrive sections of the Enterprise, Defiant and 
Vor'cha-class Klingon ship provided extra targets for the damaged basestar. The 
Pegasus, Galactica, and the saucer sections, Deep Space Nine, and the basestar 
commandeered by Kor kept firing its directed-energy weapons at the basestar. 
The Cairo, Defiant, stardrive section and the Klingon ship went for a nose-dive 
at it, firing phasers. When it got up close, they simultaneously fired photon 
and quantum torpedoes, all which detonated against it, destroying the upper 
hull. The Cairo and the stardrive section just stopped dead.

Aboard the Enterprise stardrive section, Geordi announced, "Warp core breach, 
Commander."
  "Eject the warp core, Geordi," commanded Deanna.
  "Ejection systems ONLINE."
  Riker said, "If possible, send it to that basestar."
  "Aye, Commander." After tapping a sequence on the console, he said, "Warp 
core ejected. Heading for the Cylon basestar."
  "Full impulse, away from the basestar," said Deanna.
  The person at the helm said, "Impulse engines offline, Commander."
  "Shields are at ten percent, Commanders. I hope that's enough."
  "Me too," said Riker.

A small object left the stardrive heading for the Cylon basestar. It was 
detonated by a laser blast, closer to the Cylon basestar than to the stardrive. 
Its explosion started the stardrive section in motion towards Deep Space Nine, 
causing its shields to glow. The basestar, however, lost part of the lower 
hull, and also provided some shielding for the other ships.

The Defiant and the Klingon ship went for another pass, destroying half of the 
lower hull. The last pass destroyed it. That sent debris all over.

Aboard the Defiant, Dax pointed out, "Both sections of the Enterprise, the 
Cairo, and both Colonial battlestars are disabled."
  Sisko said, "Well, we'll just have to tow them to Deep Space Nine one-by-one, 
Old Man."

As the saucer and stardrive sections slowly drifted towards Deep Space Nine, 
the Defiant locked a tractor beam onto the Galactica and started towing.
The tractor beam abruptly stopped.

Aboard the Klingon ship, Gowran, Kurn, Drex and Worf were the only survivors on 
the bridge. Three other Klingons laid dead on the floor.
  Worf said, "Both sections of the Enterprise are disabled, Sirs."
  "Drop shields and lock a tractor beam onto the saucer section, Worf," ordered 
Kurn.
  "Yes, Sir." Worf tapped a sequence onto his console, and said, 
"Tractor beam locked on, Sir."
  Gowran said, "Set course. Deep Space Nine. Full impulse."
  "Yes, Chancellor," said Drex.

From outside, the Vor'cha-class Klingon ship headed forward, with the saucer 
section of the Enterprise in tow by a green tractor beam. The stardrive section 
was also being towed by several runabouts, but hardly moving.
  The Defiant also reestablished a tractor beam onto the Galactica, and also 
moved very slowly. Once the Galactica was moving, the Defiant released the 
tractor beam, allowing the Galactica to move on its own inertia. The 
Defiant went for the Cairo.

Meanwhile, the lights were very dim on the bridge of the saucer section, the 
helmsman said, "Helm control is offline, Sir."
  Data went on. "Shields are offline, and torpedo launchers offline. Main power 
is out as well. All communication is offline, along with short-range and 
long-range sensors."
  Picard said, "Well, Data. What is working?"
  "Life support is minimal, but adequate. We are on auxiliary power. Phasers 
are online."
  Shelby said, "Well, I doubt that we will need the phasers anymore, Data."
  "Yes, the explosion of the last basestar fragment was what did most of the 
damage, complete collapse of the shields, complete shut-down of main power, and 
sensors, and communications," explained Data. "I believe that the last jolt 
that we all felt was a tractor beam locking onto us."
  Picard said, "I hope so, Data. I hope so."
  Shelby said, "Well, I better check out the rest of the ship." She walked over 
to a turbo-lift door, but it did not open.
  Data turned to a science station and said, "Computer, transfer engineering to 
science station number three."
  There was no response. Shelby said, "I think that the main computer is 
also off line. And, we four are the only ones alive on the bridge. If anyone 
else is alive, we don't know about it."
  Picard said, "Data. Try to get to engineering, and restore life support, 
sensors, communications and perhaps main power. Then try the main computer."
  "Yes, Sir," responded Data. He forced the doors to the turbolift open 
and started climbing down.

Aboard the stardrive section, the bridge had minimal lighting. Geordi said, 
"The only thing we have, Commander, is life support. The helm, sensors, 
tactical and all science stations are offline, Sir. And judging by the 
lighting, so is main power."
  Riker said, "Get to Engineering. See what you can do there, Geordi. The 
first thing is main power, communications and sensors."
  "Aye, Commander," replied Geordi, as he walked towards the turbolift doors. 
However, the turbolift door did not open, and Geordi almost walked right into 
it.
  Deanna said, "There is life on other parts of the ship, Will. I can feel 
their anxieties."
  Riker said, "Well, if there are people left in Engineering, hopefully, 
they can restore some of the stardrive's systems, or, we can just be thankful 
that we're close to Deep Space Nine."
  Deanna said, "Well, we should be towed there for repairs, and we do need a 
new warp core. By the way, Will. I noticed that you had your eyes on that 
Galactica officer, Athena. Keep in mind, that she is Commander Adama's 
daughter."
  Riker said, "Yes, and you seem to really like that Apollo. And, he's 
Commander Adama's son. And your mother, and Adama himself seem to really like 
each other."
  Deanna said, "Well, you know my mother. Going after Captain Picard, and then 
you, when he went into hiding, the bartender on the holideck, Minister Campio, 
and a few others. You know, I also felt a certain loneliness in Adama, and I 
think that my mother is somewhat filling that void for him. And..."

The stardrive section slowly moved, with several runabouts with their tractor 
beams locked on to it, pulling it along. The Klingon ship and the Defiant both 
had their tractor beams locked on the massive Battlestar Galactica as it towed 
it towards Deep Space Nine.
  On the Defiant, Nechayev said, "Be careful, Benjamin. With both, you and the 
another ship both towing the massive battlestar together, one mistake by either 
of you can burn out the tractor beam emitters, on both ships. Also, the 
Galactica is a massive vessel."
  Sisko said, "I'm aware of that, Admiral. He signaled towards one of the 
viewscreens which showed Gowran's and Kurn's faces aboard the Klingon ship. 
"You see, Admiral. At the first sign of trouble, one of us will say something."

The saucer section was docked by Deep Space Nine, and so was the Cairo. O'Brien 
materialized on the bridge of the saucer section. The transporter lit up the 
bridge, startling Shelby. She pulled her phaser out of her belt and pointed. 
When she saw O'Brien, She took a deep breath and lowered her phaser. "Ah, 
Chief," she said.
  "Hello, Commander Shelby," responded O'Brien. "I'm here to help with some of 
the repairs."
  Picard said, "I think that you and should transport to Engineering, Chief. 
Data should have reached there by now. The turbolifts are out, as well as main 
power. The only things that seem to be functional are life support and the 
environmental controls. Just at least, try to get communications and main power 
back online, Chief. Then beam over to the stardrive section and help Commander 
LaForge out."
  O'Brien said, "All right Captain Picard." He stood, and hit his com 
badge and said, "O'Brien to Deep Space Nine. Beam me to Engineering." He 
dematerialized off the bridge.

The Galactica reached Deep Space Nine, by the efforts of the Klingon ship and 
the Defiant. Aboard the Defiant, Sisko turned to Nechayev and said, "Perhaps 
you and your crew should beam over to Deep Space Nine, Admiral."
  Nechayev said, "We don't have the time, Ben. You have to help the Klingons 
tow the Pegasus and then that basestar over."
  "Suit yourself, Admiral."
  They reached the Pegasus, and Dax said, "The Klingons are hailing us, 
Captain."
  Sisko ordered, "On screen, Old Man. And get ready to lock on a tractor beam."
  Dax said, "Yes, Ben."
  "Old man??" inquired Nechayev.
  "Dax's previous host used to be Curzon Dax, Admiral. A good friend during my 
younger days."
  Gowran announced over the viewscreen, "We're ready, Captain."
  "You give the word to start moving, Chancellor," responded Sisko.

The Millennium Falcon was docked at Deep Space Nine, along with two 
shuttlecraft. Many of the Colonial vipers were "floating" around Deep Space 
Nine as well. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2 were gathered around a 
table at Quark's, along with Dr Bashir, Duncan MacCleod, Amanda and Ritchie, 
and Apollo and Boomer. Duncan said, "Ritchie, What happened to Peter?"
  Ritchie said, "He beamed himself over to the Cylon baseship to help the 
Klingons that boarded it. He went with Luke Skywalker."
  Amanda said, "I hope that he's OK."
  Leia said, "He and Luke are both fine."
  Duncan asked, How do you know that, Leia?"
  Solo answered for her. "She and Luke are brother and sister, and- well, the 
best way to describe it is, there is some kind of telepathic or empathic link 
between them. Also, if I understand correctly, there may also some kind of link 
between her, Luke and your friend, Peter, as well."
  Apollo said, "I wish there was a way I could help. Especially with the 
consequences they now face with helping us."
  R2-D2 squeaked. C-3PO translated. "Artoo and I can use your transporter 
technology to transport over to the disabled ships and help with the repair."
  Apollo said, "Yes, I should find my way back to the Galactica to let my 
father know that I'm still alive. He must be saddened from the destruction of 
my viper, thinking I went along with it."
  Duncan said, "We'll take my shuttlecraft. And we'll work on the 
Galactica first."
  All of a sudden, Lwaxana Troi said, "Well, Duncle, if you're going to the 
Galactica, I'm going with you," startling Ritchie and Duncan.
  Duncan turned around and said, "It's Duncan, Mrs Troi. And about you coming 
with us to the Galactica, It may not be a good idea. You may just get in the 
way, and be distracting."
  "Distracting? responded Lwaxana with a grin. "Duncle, should I take that as a 
complement?"
  Ritchie said, "Yes, Mrs Troi."
  "Then I'm going. Commander Adama needs me, to help pull him through this."
  Duncan was about to say something, but Apollo said, "Maybe she should come 
along. The last time I've ever seen my father this happy was before my mother 
died. She may be of help in, the way she said it, 'pull him through this.'"
  Apollo looked at Duncan, who said, "All right. Apollo may have a point there, 
but, Mrs Troi, I am Duncan MacCleod of the clan MacCleod. Not 'Duncle.'"

The shuttlecraft and the Millennium Falcon approached the Galactica, which was 
still being towed by the Defiant and Klingon ship. The two ships turned off 
their tractor beams and went back.
  On the dark bridge of the Galactica, the materialization of Apollo and 
Lwaxana Troi lit everything up momentarily, until the process was complete. 
Boomer and Dr Bashir followed, and C-3PO and R2-D2.
  Adama looked and said, "Apollo?"
  Apollo said, "Father, Boomer and I brought C-3PO and R2-D2 to help with 
repairs of the Galactica, and Ambassador Troi is here to give us... moral 
support."
  Athena joyfully approached, "Apollo, you're alive." She and Apollo 
embraced.
  Adama and Apollo embraced. Adama asked, "Apollo, how did you 
survive the destruction of your viper?"
  "Ambassador Duncan MacCleod used his molecular transporter on Boomer and 
me, right before our vipers blew up. All I know that I was getting ready 
to be blown to pieces. The next thing I knew, there was some kind of 
tingling feeling throughout my body, the cockpit of the viper faded out, and 
I was on his shuttlecraft." Apollo looked around.
  After D2-D2 let out a few squeaks and beeps, C-3PO said, "We have to get this 
battleship repaired. Where do we start?"
  Adama said, "Well, let's start with the viper bays, before the vipers from 
both, the Galactica and the Pegasus completely run out of fuel. But, how will 
you get there?"
  "We can just transport there," said Bashir. "I am Dr Julian Bashir of Deep 
Space Nine. I'm here to attend to your wounded, Commander."

Aboard the Enterprise stardrive section, O'Brien and LaForge, and a few others, 
were hard at work. O'Brien turned around to reach for something, and he 
noticed what was left of a blown component. He asked Geordi, "What was 
that, Geordi? That was not there when I left the Enterprise."
  Geordi looked and knew what O'Brien was talking about. "That, Chief, is 
what's left of a Klingon cloaking device. Besides, this isn't the Enterprise 
you left, Chief."
  O'Brien went back to work. "True. But there was also one on the saucer 
section," said O'Brien. "But what about the treaty with the Romulans?"
  Geordi went to another station and started tapping a sequence. "They were 
both installed by Chancellor Gowran and Captain Kurn to give us a better chance 
against the Borg. If it wasn't for that battle, I doubt that we would have 
sustained the damage that we did." LaForge said, "I think that if we get 
main power back online, most of the other systems will also be back online."
  O'Brien said, "Yeah, Geordi. I believe so."
  On the bridge, Deanna was talking. "-only did I feel a powerful mind in 
Commander Adama, I also felt as if he found happiness for the first time in a 
long time when he was with my mother."
  All of a sudden, the lights came on. Over the com was Geordi's voice: 
"Laforge to Bridge."
  Riker said, "Go ahead Geordi."
  "Main power and communication is back online, Commander."
  "No joke, Geordi. Good work, Chief and Geordi."
  "Sensors are back online, and you have one-quarter impulse power."
  O'Brien said, "Commander, Captain Picard ordered me to return to the 
saucer section with Geordi to do repairs there."
  Geordi said, "The rest of the engineering crew can do the rest of the 
work. I don't have to be here for the rest. But Commander, I must say that the 
cloaking device has been damaged beyond repair."
  Deanna asked, "Can we reunite with the saucer section?"
  "Not until some repairs are done on the saucer section, Counselor," replied 
O'Brien.
  "How about transporters?"
  O'Brien said, "Recalibration of the compensators and biofilters will take 
about four hours, Commander."
  Riker said, "Well, get to the saucer section and get the rest of the 
repairs done there so we can unite. Then take care of the transporters."
  Both, Geordi and O'Brien said, "Yes, Sir."

Captain's Log
Most of the systems on both sections of the Enterprise have been restored. What 
is now needed is the replacement of our warp core, which is being brought here 
by the Gorkon, due to arrive in three days. Chief O'Brien is helping 
Lieutenant-Commander LaForge and Commander Data with the calibration of our 
transporters.
  The Colonial Battleship Galactica seems to have repaired itself, and the 
Defiant and the Klingons are in the process of towing the colonial battlestar 
Pegasus to Deep Space Nine.
  Speaking about Klingons, Chancellor Gowran seems impressed about a 'Picard 
Maneuver.' It seems that Worf implemented it under Gowran's orders during the 
battle with the Cylons.
  With all that has happened, we have made new friends, but we also made a new 
enemy, namely, the Twelve colonies of Kobol, and the Cylons respectively.

Adama's Journal
The worst battle I, personally, have ever encountered with the Cylons is now 
over. But, the Galactica was severely damaged. It was good to see the legendary 
Commander Caine again, but, he, too sustained heavy damage. The Galactica was 
so damaged, in fact, that I need to write this log instead of reciting it. I 
have yet to find out the condition of the Pegasus.
  Based on what we see outside, we were being towed to the Federation Deep 
Space Number Nine space station so that a team of their engineers could assist 
us more efficiently with the repairs of the Galactica.
  Meanwhile, the androids from the Millennium Falcon have helped tremendously 
with the repair of the Galactica's systems. All of the vipers from both, the 
Galactica and the Pegasus are now in our launch bays, and battlestar's systems 
are being restored one by one, and ahead of schedule.
  Their technology, and the technology of the Federation is amazing. It seems 
that their small battleship called the Defiant, which has some resemblance to a 
gigantic Cylon raider, has the technology to pull us to their station with some 
kind of energy beam. However, it seemed that we were too large and massive for 
them to handle. The Klingin flagship had to come and help.
  This Federation of Planets is amazing, a governing body based on democratic 
principles consisting of the Thirteenth Colony Earth, a planetary race called 
the Vulcans, Bajor, Trills, the Klingins and many others.
  I wonder if coming here was the right thing to do. The Federation welcomed us 
with open arms, but we ended up giving the location of the Federation away to 
the Cylons. However, with their superior technology, I believe that we are more 
of a burden for them than anything else.


12

Back on Deep Space Nine, the Enterprise, as one ship, the Klingon vessel, 
Galactica, Pegasus and the Cylon baseship were docked.
  Cmdr Caine, carrying his small staff, walked off the docking corridor to be 
welcomed by Chancellor Gowran, Captains Picard and Sisko, Cmdr Adama, Adm 
Nechayev, and Ambassadors Peter Caine, MacCleod, Amanda and Ritchie. Since 
Gowran was the first one in the line, he used his right hand and took Gowran's 
right inner arm near his elbow while Gowran took Caine's right arm. Gowran 
said, "You honor me with the handshake of a Klingon Warrior, Commander."
  Cmdr Caine said, "You must be Gowran. I hand some fine teachers on Klingon 
traditions, Kang, Koloth, Kor and K'mpec, and Kang's wife, Mara."
  "Yes. My father told me the story many times of your visit to the Klingon 
Homeworld."

At Quark's bar at Deep Space Nine, Cmdr Caine sat at in the middle of a side of 
several tables put together. Around him were Capts Picard and Sisko, 
Ambassadors Troi, Caine, and MacCleod, Gowran, Worf, Drex, Kor, Mara, and Adm 
Nechayev, Ritchie and Amanda, and Luke Skywalker. Drs Crusher and Bashir, Odo,
Garak and Cmdr Riker and Major Kira joined the group. Data, C-3PO and 
R2-D2, Leia and Han Solo walked in.
  Caine started telling his version of his voyages. "We had escaped the Cylons 
with a small complement of civilian ships," explained Cmdr Caine of the 
Pegasus. However, by the time the we finished off the Cylons that came after 
us, the Pegasus was the only ship left. We wandered around, gathering food and 
other supplies. Then several Cylon basestars came after us."

(Two Cylon basestars were in pursuit of the Pegasus. All of a sudden, several 
D7 Klingon vessels and Birds of Prey decloaked. From the Cylon basestars, Cylon 
raiders were emerging. They headed for two of the Birds of Prey.
  The laser fire had very little effect on its shields, but the Klingon vessel 
also could not destroy any of the raiders because of their high speed and 
maneuverability.
  A fleet of vipers emerged from the Pegasus and engaged the Cylon raiders.)

"The Cylons decided to attack the Klingons as well," said Cmdr Caine. "Because 
they were organic lifeforms as were we. We were signaled by one of their 
larger ships."

(Aboard the Pegasus, Cmdr Caine ordered, "Answer it." He was facing the screen 
on the console.
  From the console, a Klingon appeared, saying, "I am General Koloth of the 
Klingon Empire. You are in the space of the Klingon Empire. Identify yourself."
  Caine answered, "I am Commander Caine. I ended up here trying to outrun the 
Cylons that were after me and my ship. Please, help us, General."
  "Well, it looks like some of my ships already are, Earthman."
  "Earthman??" Caine was shocked to be called that. "Does Earth really exist?"
  "Yes it does. I, and my two partners, Kang and Kor have just finished peace 
negotiations with the United Federation of Planets. Earth is the headquarters 
of the Federation. You look human, like you are from Earth."
  "We are humans, from the twelve colonies of Kobol, but Earth was believed to 
be the thirteenth colony that we had lost contact with thousands of yahrens 
ago. We thought that it was just a legend."
  "It is no legend, Caine. The hatred from the war with earthmen and the rest 
of the Federation is still felt in the hearts of MANY of my people. But why 
does your enemy attack US?"
  "Because you are not mechanical life as they are. They want to destroy all 
humanity, and all life not like their own."
  "Well we have a battle to fight. We can talk later."
  "Yes, General Koloth. We go into battle."
  The massive Pegasus and three small D7 cruisers headed for the two basestars. 
The Pegasus was firing its lasers, while the D7 cruisers fired their 
disrupters.)

"Out of nowhere, a Klingon cruiser, slightly different in design to the other 
cruisers, just appeared..."

(A K'T'inga class vessel decloaked very close to one of the basestars, 
bombarding it with disrupter fire and several volleys of torpedoes. That did 
severe damage to lower hull the basestar. The laser fire returned from the 
basestar did hardly any damage to the ship.
  Many of the Cylon raiders broke their attack on the Birds of Prey and went 
heading towards the Pegasus and two D7 cruisers, with the vipers in pursuit. 
Both of the Klingon ships shimmered out of view, and the raiders headed for the 
Pegasus.
  Two Birds of Prey decloaked and maneuvered themselves between the squadron of 
Cylon raiders and the Pegasus, firing its disrupters at the incoming Cylons. 
Many of them were on a collision course for the Klingon vessels that stood 
between them and the Pegasus, causing their shields to glow. Many of the vipers 
destroyed the Cylon fighter craft before they could collide into the Bird of 
Preys' shields, but it did not do enough. One of the Birds of Prey exploded. 
Its destruction, however, took many Cylon raiders with it.
  The other Klingon Bird of Prey continuously fired its disrupters and 
torpedoes, many of them missing the Cylon raiders bombarding it. That one was 
hit by many Cylon raiders on its aft, and that, too, exploded, destroying some 
of the raiders with it.
  Between the destruction of the two birds of prey and the Colonial vipers from 
the Pegasus, the number of Cylon raiders turning onto the Pegasus was reduced. 
The Pegasus' laser cannons and the vipers were busy destroying many of the 
Cylon raiders that were left. There were three more raiders, on a 
collision course towards the Pegasus, firing its lasers. Several vipers closed 
in, destroying them.)

"That was our part of the battle," said, Commander Caine. "Getting rid of those 
Cylon raiders that the Klingon ships were not able to do. But as the Klingons 
say, the crew of two very small Klingon ships, 'died honorably' in helping us. 
The very large cruiser, I assume their flagship and the two smaller ones, and 
several others..."

(The three cruisers were taking nose-dives and firing disrupters and torpedoes 
at the more damaged basestar. Then several Birds of Prey came to a full stop by 
the less damaged basestar, and went onto a collision course for the more 
damaged one. The Pegasus turned and started firing its lasers.
  Cmdr Caine was facing the viewscreen on the red-lit dim bridge. On the small 
viewscreen, two Klingons one very heavy, and another, faced him. "I am 
Chancellor K'Mpec of the Klingon Empire. Beside me is General Kang. One of the 
basestars have been boarded by our warriors, so don't fire upon that one. Call 
off your one-manned fighters, Commander."
  "Boarding them will do no good because of the Cylons, but-"
  Kang said, "Fire upon the less damaged basestar and we'll destroy you, 
Caine."
  "Alright, General. Let's destroy the other basestar. I will send some troops 
to help your warriors."
  A few more Birds of Prey came to a full stop by the less damaged basestar and 
went onto a collision course towards the severely damaged one, firing 
torpedoes and disrupters. The cruisers kept on firing, while the Pegasus 
approached with its weapons firing.
  Three Colonial shuttles headed for the less damaged basestar, surrounded by 
vipers taking out various laser cannons and helping the shuttles make it to the 
basestar safely. One shuttle was destroyed by several volleys of laser fire, 
however.)

"The four of us, along with the crews of several of the smaller Klingon ships 
giving their lives for this, destroyed the basestar. Our troops and the Klingon 
warriors did win the battle against the Cylons in taking over the basestar, but 
the Cylons did one last thing," said Cmdr Caine. The Ambassadorial staff, 
Starfleet personnel, Adama and the Klingons looked on silently with intense 
interest.

(On the basestar, Koloth had his betleH in one hand and a communicator in the 
other, with Kang yelling, "GET OUT! GET OUT OF THERE, MY FRIEND!" Along with 
the cheering of victory was a steady counting in a mysterious language. From 
Koloth's communicator, the count said, "Sixty-five. Sixty-four..."
  A Colonial woman said, "Come with us, General. And take these two with us."
  Several more Colonial soldiers picked up the two downed Klingons by their 
underarms and upper thighs and dragged them.
  A laser shot blew out his communicator and sent it flying as they ran, and 
Koloth, with his now-free hand, pulled out his disrupter pistol and fired 
back at the Cylon robot, hitting it squarely in its chest and blowing its 
circuits. They continued running.
  The second basestar exploded twice, destroying its upper and lower 
hulls. Two Colonial shuttles emerged from it.)

"Most of the Klingon warriors that boarded the basestar and my men died on that 
basestar." He looked straight and Kor and Mara and continued on. "But, as Kang 
said, 'they died well, and, we won the battle. It seemed that the Klingons' 
technology was more advanced than ours, and they were an honorable people that 
I would not want to do battle against."

(Cmdr Caine was talking to the viewscreen. "Thank you for your help, 
Chancellor."
  K'mpec said, "Come to our Homeworld. Let's CELEBRATE our victory. We will 
come aboard your vessel and get you, and whoever you want to bring. Just 
establish a synchronous orbit around our homeworld Qo'nos, and come on down. We 
feast in your honor, Commander."
  "Fine. Allow me to prepare a few shuttles."
  Kang said, "No need, Commander. We can transport you and your crew down to 
Qo'noS."
  "And how will you do that?"
  Kang said, "Like this." He backed away and looked behind him. His voice could 
be heard, but very faintly. He leaned one of the tips of the betleH that 
he held in his right hand onto the floor, and held the other end. A Klingon 
woman joined Kang by his left side. Kang said, "jolyI-chu'," and They 
dematerialized off the bridge.
  He and the woman materialized right in front of Caine, standing in the 
same position. He said, "That's how we do it without the need of a 
shuttle. I am Kang, a general, and commander-in-chief of the Klingon military. 
This is Mara, my wife, captain, and science officer of the Imperial Klingon 
Cruiser K'T'inga, the flagship of the Klingon Empire." Kang let the betleH 
fall in front of him and caught it with his left hand. He held out his 
right hand to Caine.
  Caine looked at the hand, held out his hand, and took Kang's hand.
  Kang said, "Let me show you the handshake of two fellow warriors, Commander. 
It is a sign of friendship between true warriors." Kang took Caine's right arm 
and held it, close to his elbow. Caine put his hand around Kang's arm as well. 
Kang said, "That is the handshake of a warrior.")

"That was the start of a great friendship," said Caine. "K'mpec, Kang, Kor and 
Koloth gave me a great gift: The ability to turn invisible and be undetectable 
by many sensors of other ships. Mara installed them. Several cloaking devices 
on my battlestar. And they upgraded some of the battlestar's systems. Because 
of the incompatibilities of the Pegasus's technology and the cloaking devices, 
it took awhile, and I got to know Kang, Koloth and Kor. I learned alot about 
their culture, customs, and many stories about the Klingon Empire. And they all 
told them well, especially Kor."
  Adama and Lwaxana Troi were holding hands, staring intently at Cmdr Caine.
  Caine went on. "They also told me where Earth was. As we bid farewell to our 
new friends, my mission was to remain cloaked so that no one knew the Pegasus 
existed. I did what I could to guide my friend, Adama, and the Colonial fleet 
to earth, and help him evade the Cylons. As a result, I ended up guiding them 
to Qo'nos on the way.
  "Along the way, a cloaking device failed, and next thing I knew, I had to 
face Adama. That was why I went after the Cylon fleet, leaving behind my 
daughter Sheba, and my love, Cassiopeia. When the cloaking device was fixed, 
Adama and I went after the Cylon basestars that were after us. When the last 
basestar was destroyed, we engaged the cloaking devices as it exploded, and 
went to light speed. Because I wanted Adama to THINK the Pegasus was also 
destroyed, and that HE found Earth. And, here we are."
  Everyone clapped. Kor and Drex went to him and Kor said, "You tell it well, 
Commander." They shook hands, Klingon-style. Kor introduced Drex, "This is 
Drex, Son of Martok. Martok is the son of Kang."
  "I thought that Kang's son was Dax, and died as a child."
  "Dax, son of Kang, was Martok's elder brother."
  "By the way, what happened to Kang and Koloth."
  "They both died well."
  "What battle did they fight?"
  "That is a long story, Caine. One that I look forward to telling you."

In a conference room, Gowran, Kor, Drex, Worf, Dax, and Kurn and the Klingon 
High Council was meeting. Gowran said, "Well, General. It seems that you got 
yourself a trophy, but its technology is completely useless to us. Even that 
ancient D7 cruiser that you were so fond of was more advanced than that massive 
ragh."
  Kurn said, "We can make it the new Klingon flagship." He let out a belly 
laugh, and there was laughter throughout the entire room. Even Worf laughed.
  Worf got serious. "With an upgrade in the weapons and shields, and then 
warp power capabilities, the Romulans would have one big problem trying to stop 
it."

In Sick Bay, Dr Bashir was treating a patient. Adm Nechayev, Cmdr Shelby, and 
Amanda, was helping with treating others. Duncan and Ritchie were also in Sick 
Bay. Dr Bashir said to them, "So, do you want to take that voyage to the Pollux 
system?"
  Duncan said, "I don't know, Julian."
  Nechayev took Duncan aside and said, "When I get another ship, which may end 
up being the USS Gorkon, I'll take you there if you want. Being an admiral does 
have its advantages, you know." After a few seconds of silence, She said, 
"Think about it, Duncan. We have time before my new ship arrives with the 
Enterprise's new warp core."
  "Well, Allyna, I'm not sure if I want to investigate the Pollux system 
because if there is some kind of energy there, I'm not sure what it would do to 
me. I mean, I don't want to become a god or anything like that. Besides, I may 
have the same organs that the Colonists of Kobol have, but they're mortal. I'm 
not. We don't know what will end up happening to me. Or how it would affect my 
friends."
  "Well, Duncan. You will never know until you try."

Adama and Lwaxana Troi, Cmdr Caine, Capts Picard, Sisko and Jellico, Peter 
Caine and Cmdr Shelby, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia sat at four tables 
put together into one long table. Cmdr Caine was talking. "I knew the location 
of earth, because I knew that the Klingons wouldn't lie to me. The Pegasus just 
sat back and watched for Cylon activity near the Colonial fleet, and sort of 
guided the Galactica to earth. However, I did not realize that Baltar followed. 
When the Cylons arrived with eleven baseships, I couldn't just sit back and 
observe. I had to help. The fighter pilots wanted to help as well, so I let 
them."
  Data and Geordi materialized near them, giving Adama and Cmdr Caine a slight 
startle. Data said, "Captain, we may have found several star system for 
the Colonists."
  Picard, Adama and Caine responded with, "Where?"
  "The third, fourth and fifth planets of the Secarus System, are all class M 
planets, along with two moons orbiting the third planet. The sixth is a 
class-L, and rich with what the colonists call tylium. Tylium is their fuel 
source of their ships." Data continued on. "The Delphi Ardu system was recently 
explored, and two of the eleven planets there are also suitable for human life. 
There is the newly-explored system that was not named yet, with ten 
planets. Two of them are class-M with plenty of vegetation."
  Adama said, "Can I report to your Enterprise and take a look at them?"
  Picard said, "Yes, Adama."
  Cmdr Caine said, "I'm coming too."
  The five of them, along with Lwaxana Troi, stood in a circle as Adama and 
Picard positioned Cmdr Caine. Picard said, "Picard to Enterprise. Six to 
beam up."
  They all dematerialized.

On the Enterprise, Cmdr Riker was showing her around the battle bridge. "It's 
like the main bridge, but there's only one chair in the middle for the present 
ship's commander. It also has helm control and navigation like the main bridge, 
and behind the Captain's chair is tactical."
  Athena and Riker looked at each other. Riker said, "How about dinner in my 
quarters tonight, Athena?"
  She walked up to him and said, "Gladly." They embraced and kissed.
  The sound of the doors opening made them both jump. Deanna Troi led 
Apollo by the hand onto the battle bridge. Riker and Athena both separated and 
Riker said, "Deanna. Apollo. Taking a tour again as well?"
  Deanna said, "Yes. I'm just showing Captain Apollo around."
  Apollo said, "Yes, Athena. This ship seems to be more of a luxury cruise ship 
than a battleship. And yet, this ship was able to do more damage to the Cylon 
basestars than the Galactica and our viper pilots could ever hope to 
accomplish."
  "Wait until Father gets this more thorough tour," responded Athena. "He would 
be impressed."
  "Speaking about Father, I never seen him happier than since mother was still 
alive."
  Riker and Troi looked at each other. Troi said, "I think that my mother has 
never been more sure of herself, Will."
  Will said, "I'm happy for her, Deanna. And, Did you know, that Apollo is 
Commander Adama's son?"
  Deanna said, "Yes, I did. But, did you know that Athena is his daughter? And, 
Adama does have a powerful mind."
  They both giggled.


13

Gowran said, "Martok has had his second chance. He died honorably by beaming 
onto one of those Cylon basestars and doing some destruction to its systems."
  Worf said, "Martok has redeemed himself. He died in battle. He died in the 
line of duty. He died well. Also, as Captain Picard had testified, he could not 
help what he was doing. He was controlled by the Borg."
  Kurn said, "The House of Martok has been an honorable one. I choose NOT to 
discommendate his family. His son, Drex has proven himself a warrior."
  Drex said, "And so has my father."
  An elderly Klingon stood up and spat at Drex and cried, "I do not hear 
the words of that petaQ!" He carried on. "Are you asking us to forgive? We 
Klingons don't forgive, or forget. Do you think that an honorable deed will 
undo a dishonorable deed? NO! It does NOT!!"
  Kor stood up, banged his fist on the table and said, "No Klingon warrior goes 
off into battle and leaves his comrade behind. Especially when that warrior is 
a D'Har master. If there are to be ANY discommendations, it should be Gowran."
  Gowran ignored Kor's remark. He stood up and said, "The vote by the High 
Council will be passed. And, I vote NOT to condemn the House of Martok."

Cmdrs Adama and Caine were on the Enterprise with Capt Picard, Data, Riker, 
Nechayev, Lwaxana Troi, MacCleod and Peter Caine, Amanda and Ritchie. Adama 
spoke. "My people wanted to spread out to the star systems that you told me 
about. We're all human, but we within each of the twelve colonies, we each have 
different cultures, beliefs and principles. Personally, I would prefer to keep 
us in one system, if not on one planet."
  "I agree with Adama," pointed out Cmdr Caine. "We all should stay in one 
system. Then if the Cylons come back, and I'm sure they will be back; it'll be 
easier for us all to get together to fight them. A system close to Klingon 
space may be ideal, that way if needed, we can also get help from both, the 
Klingons and the Federation."
  MacCleod said, "You have to be careful with the Klingons. They take offense 
very easily."
  "I know that," responded Cmdr Caine. "During my visit with them while they 
upgraded my battlestar, I had experienced their nature. They take offense quite 
easily. Sometimes I had tried to be humorous, and they got offended instead. I 
ended up in a fight with General Koloth one time. That was when I found out how 
strong these Klingons were physically."
  MacCleod pointed out to Cmdr Caine, "Since you know a great deal of the 
Klingon Empire and Klingon nature, perhaps you should be the Ambassador to the 
Klingon Empire for your people."
  Peter Caine said, "Yes. You've proven yourself as a warrior to them, and they 
respect you."
  Cmdr Caine said, "That is why I'm reluctant to take on the task. I should 
really be awaiting orders from Adama when the Cylons come to try to attack the 
Federation."
  Adama said, "Caine, you are the right man for the job. I will meet with my 
people. Thank you for your help."

Gowran walked into the room. The room was completely empty except for the 
Council members, Kahless, Worf, Drex and Lt-Cmdr Jadzia Dax. Gowran announced, 
"Despite the vote against condemning the house of Martok by the Chancellor 
himself and one of the members of the High Council, the votes to dishonor the 
House of Martok for seven generations were too great. I have no choice but to 
declare that the name Martok is NEVER to be spoken again."
  Kor and Mara growled. Drex did the same. Three other Klingons stood up and 
growled back, one with his d'ktagh in his hand.
  Gowran continued on, looking at Dax. "Jadzia Dax, your vast knowledge of 
Klingon law is commendable. Your idea of Drex being the son of Kor and Mara was 
approved unanimously approved by the entire high council." He looked at 
Kor and Mara. "Kor, I understand that you and Mara had completed the oath of 
mating. Are you both willing to take in Drex as if he is your son?"
  Mara and Kor stood up and said, "Yes."
  "Does the cha'DIch concur?"
  Worf looked at Kor, Mara, and Dax. He and Drex stood up and said, 
"Yes."
  Gowran pulled out his d'ktagh and Kor walked up to it, grabbed its blade, and 
dragged his hand off of it, leaving his blood on it. Drex did the same. 
Gowran said, to Drex, "I restore your honor, as 'Drex, Son of Kor.' You are 
now a family member of the House of Kor."
  Kahless approached Kor and put his hand on Kor's shoulder and said, "Kor, 
Kang himself has not been dishonored. Martok was. Kang's statue stands, and 
will always stand. But Kor, If you had went along, that may have been you who 
was taken by the Borg and now facing dishonor. Just like they grabbed Captain 
Picard because of his honorable reputation, you would have been the most 
reputable one. Therefore, you would have been the one facing dishonor right 
now."
  Kor looked at Kahless, and just stared. Gowran, Worf and Drex approached. 
Kahless said to Drex, "You yourself have served the Empire well, in such a 
short time, Drex, Son of Kor. Just stop lying and you will be more honored than 
you have ever been."

Luke Skywalker and Peter Caine were aboard the Enterprise in a holideck, 
dueling with the light sabers. Peter managed to knock Luke's saber out of his 
hand and across the holideck.
  "You have surpassed my skills with the light saber, Peter. Very good. One 
thing... Get my light saber."
  Peter was just about to go and get it, but Luke stopped him, saying, "No, 
Peter, use your mind. Use the power of The Force."
  Peter held out his hand and thought about it, but nothing happened. 
Luke commented. "You did it well aboard that basestar, Peter. You CAN do it."
  The light saber wiggled on the floor of the holideck, and slid slowly 
across the floor to Peter. It suddenly jumped up and into his hand, and 
he handed it over to Luke. Luke said, "See? the force is strong 
within you, Peter."

MacCleod, Adama, Lwaxana Troi, Peter Caine, Picard and Nechayev sat in a 
conference room. Picard started with, "Congratulations on being elected 
President of the Council of Twelve, Adama."
  "Thank you, Captain Picard. I'm not sure if I want to be the President of the 
Council of Twelve. I've spent my life as a soldier. A warrior. But, I have 
shown the recommended star systems to my people, and they have decided. We will 
all be scattered throughout the inhabitable planets of that system. and will 
become members of the Federation, since it is within Federation space. It is 
also close to the Klingon Empire."
  MacCleod said, "The system was recently explored. I believe that Data 
said that it had twelve planets, some of the moons around some of them rich in 
tylium. However, it was not named yet. Perhaps we can call it the Kobol 
System."
  Picard said, "That will be up to the Federation, Duncan."
  "Actually," said Adama, "I kind of like that name. That is, if it's alright 
with the Federation."

Worf walked into Sisko's ready room, dressed in his red Federation uniform. 
Sisko looked at him and said, "What can I do for you, Mr Worf?"
  "Permission to report to duty, Captain."
  "Granted. Have the Klingons left yet?"
  "No, Captain. They're waiting for the Colonial Fleet. Gowran wants to escort 
them and the Enterprise and Gorkon to their new homeworld. Right now, they are 
awaiting the Gorkon under Lieutenant-Commander Williams to arrive."

On the Enterprise, Peter Caine and Cmdr Shelby were talking in his quarters. 
"Are you sure that you want this? Liz, think this through. You will get older 
and older, and I won't age a day. Wouldn't THAT bother you?"
  "Actually, it seems kind of appealing to me, Peter. But, if you're willing to 
have someone who will grow older and older and then no longer be around for the 
rest of your life..." She trailed off there.
  "It happened between me and my father, twice, back in the late twentieth 
century."
  All of a sudden was the ship's com interruption, "Nechayev to Shelby."
  Shelby tapped her combadge and said, "Shelby here."
  "Commander. Please report to the Captain's ready-room."
  "On my way." She said, to Peter, "We can continue this discussion later, 
Peter." She walked out.
  Peter heard his name being called. He looked around and heard it again. 
[Peter. Meet me in holideck 2.] He realized that it was Luke Skywalker. He 
walked out of his quarters.

Commander Shelby met Picard, Riker, Sisko, Jellico and Nechayev in Picard's 
ready-room. "What's this all about, Admiral?" asked Shelby.
  "I understand that you served well under Captain Picard," said Nechayev.
  "I did my best, Admiral."
  "Well, Commander Shelby," said Nechayev. "You served well as the USS 
Ambassador's commanding officer. I have seen that with my own eyes." She got up 
out of her chair.
  Nechayev continued with, "Well, I hereby promote you to Captain." She walked 
up to Shelby and put a fourth gold pip on her collar. "Congratulations, Captain 
Shelby. You are the commanding officer of the Gorkon, that is, after you drop 
me off at our Starbase."
  Shelby all of a sudden found herself staring at Riker, with Riker giving her 
a look of approval.

Peter found his way to holideck 2. As he walked to the door, he realized that 
he was not going for more training. There were too many people to just be for 
that.
  He went in, to see Luke, Apollo, Leia, Athena, Dr Selar, Counselor Troi, 
and Lwaxana Troi and Commander Adama. Luke said, "Peter. Meet your fellow 
students."
  After Peter greeted everyone, Luke announced, "With the light saber, he is 
the most efficient Jedi warrior. It may be from his martial arts training." He 
turned to Lwaxana and Deanna and said, "Don't tell each other, but there is 
something else special about Ambassador Peter Caine here. Can you tell me?" 
Telepathically, he said, [Don't say it, tell me telepathically.]
  Lwaxana thought to Luke, [Oh, my. He's been alive for four-hundred years!]
  Deanna said thought, [He is an immortal, and so are his ambassadorial 
partners.]
  Luke said, "Yes. Ambassador and Counselor Troi." He backed up with Leia and 
said, "We have both given you some training, starting with your strongest 
abilities with The Force. Commander Adama and Captain Apollo, with your 
mind-over-matter; Ambassador and Counselor Troi, with your telepathic 
abilities; Leia and Athena with your insight. Dr Selar, you have developed some 
of these abilities. I think that it may be that the Force is strong with ALL 
Vulcans." Luke turned to Leia and said, "You have developed your insight and 
telepathic abilities, Leia. It is now time for you to develop your combat 
abilities of a Jedi knight and work on telekinesis."

Captain's Log
With all the repairs on the Federation ships complete, we are ready to escort 
the Adama and the rest of the Colonial fleet to their homeworlds, now called 
the Kobol system. We await the completion of the repairs to the Colonial 
battlestars Galactica and Pegasus. At least they have help, but the Starfleet 
engineers are doing what they can with the Galactica. Gowran decided to oversee 
the repairs on the Pegasus himself with his engineers.
  I am pleased to see that a new alliance between the Federation and the 
Klingons has been established, and we now have new friends. Based on what Adama 
told me, we also now have new enemies, namely, the Cylons.

Captains Picard and Sisko, Riker and Major Kira, Dr Bashir, along with Captain 
Jellico, Adm Nechayev, the four immortal ambassadors, Counselor Deanna Troi and 
Ambassador Lwaxana Troi, Battlestars Commanders Adama and Caine, and Luke 
Skywalker and Han Solo were at a docking section on Deep Space Nine.
  Riker said to Jellico, "Thank you for coming to help us out in that battle, 
Captain."
  Jellico said, "Will, I am a Starfleet officer. It was my duty to come and 
help. I happened to be one of the ships closest because of my patrolling near 
the Cardassian border. Even then, with the rescue of the Civilian government, 
by Captain Sisko, I believe that I may not be any need to patrol the area 
anymore. And, Will, no hard feelings. My short assignment as captain of the 
Enterprise may have caused problems between us, but we were both trying to 
accomplish the same thing." He held his right hand out to Riker.
  Riker shook his hand, and Jellico said, "Take care of yourself, and the 
Enterprise, and her captain."
  "I will, Sir. And take care of yourself, Captain."
  Admiral Nechayev said, "Captain Jellico will take me to my starbase. Captain 
Shelby, you will take the Gorkon and go with the Enterprise and the Klingons 
and escort our new friends to the Kobol System and patrol the sector. As you 
know, there was a major refit done with the Gorkon. Commander Data, 
Lieutenant-Commanders LaForge and Dax, and Lieutenant O'Brien have completed 
the modification of the weapons systems, particularly, providing the Gorkon 
with a blade of armor and enhancement of the weapons systems. The Gorkon is 
even supplied with quantum torpedoes."
  "Take care of yourself, Alynna," said Shelby.
  MacCleod said, "Yes, Admiral. I'll see you again."
  Nechayev said, "Yes, but in the meantime, take care of our new friends, OK?"
  "We will, Admiral."
  Jellico and Nechayev nodded to each other. They stood in formation, 
and Jellico hit his combadge and said, "Cairo. Two to beam up."

Gowran, Drex and Commander Caine were on the Pegasus. Caine said, "I'm not sure 
about just... settling down and living out the rest of my life... just doing 
politics. I feel that I should really be back out there trying to destroy the 
Cylon Empire for what they did to my people."
  Gowran said, "Let them come to us, Caine. It would do my people good to do 
battle against those metallic petaQ! But for now, just stay quiet. You will get 
your chance. As the Kobolngan Ambassador to the Klingon Empire we will keep you 
informed. When the time comes and we have our forces mobilized, YOU will lead 
them to victory. Meanwhile, tell your Commander Adama that you want to take the 
Pegasus to the Klingon Homeworld to visit us again. There, we will do a major 
refit on the Pegasus, and that basestar that my general captured. There, we 
will go into battle again."

"NO!" yelled Adama. "You are NOT going to the Klingon Homeworld. We need every 
man we can get to help settle the colonies, Commander Caine."
  "Adama. It is not MY request. It is what Chancellor Gowran wants. He feels 
that I can best serve you, on their homeworld, Qo'noS."
  "But what of the crew on the Pegasus? What do THEY want? And what about 
Cassiopeia and your daughter, Sheba? She needs her father. And what about- " He 
was now at a loss.
  "Well, if they want to go with you, I'll let them. As for Cassiopeia, she's 
got Starbuck. I'm too old for her. And, Sheba, I'll talk to her."
  "What happens if EVERYONE on the Pegasus wants to settle on the Kobol system? 
Even one man from the Pegasus will cripple the battlestar's operation."
  "Then Gowran will assign some of his men to take their places. Adama, over 
half of the equipment, systems and parts running the Pegasus happens to be 
Klingon technology. And now that it is repaired, by Klingon hands, and Klingon 
parts, I'm sure that they can almost call the Pegasus their ship."
  Adama looked at Caine. Caine followed Adama to the bridge of the 
Galactica. Adama said, "Athena. Open communications with the Klingon flagship."
  "Yes, father."
  A Klingon appeared on the screen. "Yes, Commander Adama?" said the 
Klingon.
  "I need to speak with Chancellor Gowran."
  "Gowran is aboard the Pegasus, overseeing repairs."
  "Thank you, Sir." The screen went blank.
  Athena said, "Communications cut from their end, Sir."
  Adama said, "Open a channel to the Pegasus."
  "Yes, Sir," responded Athena. "Channel open."
  Tolen appeared on the screen. "Ah, Commander... or should I call you 
'President'? It is an honor, Sir."
  "Thank you, Colonel. Adama is fine. Where is Chancellor Gowran?"
  "He's right here."
  Gowran approached and stood beside Tolen, and said, "Repairs on your other 
battlestar are almost complete, Adama."
  "Thank you, Chancellor, but I wanted to ask you a question. Is it true that 
you want Commander Caine to go to the Klingin Homeworld?"
  "Adama, we are KlinGONS. Not Klingins. And yes, I want Commander Caine to 
come with me with the Pegasus. If need be, I can give him a Klingon crew to 
serve under him. He can best serve you on Qo'noS, as ambassador."
  Adama looked at Caine, then back at the screen and said, "Thank you, 
Chancellor." The screen went blank.
  Caine stared at Adama. Adama said, "I don't like this, but we need all the 
friends we can get. By finding the Thirteenth colony, we also revealed its 
existence and location, to the Cylon Empire. I'm sure Baltar will be back. Your 
leadership would have served well as we settled the Kobol 2 system."
  Caine said, "YOUR leadership is the real necessity for our people, Adama. YOU 
were the one that was elected President. And as for the Cylons returning, the 
Klingons want to prepare for them. Remember, they would want to destroy the 
Klingon Empire as well."
  All of a sudden, Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, and Cassiopeia materialized on the 
bridge. Adama said, "Well, Caine. Good luck, and have a safe journey to the 
Klingon Homeworld."
  Sheba and Cassiopeia looked at Caine and gasped, "You're not coming with us?" 
in unison.


14

Adama's Journal
I wonder about Caine and his wanting to go to the Klingin- er, Klingon 
Homeworld, and the Klingons. They are a highly honorable people, although 
warlike. I wonder how they can ally themselves with the Federation, who thrive 
on peace, without any friction between them.
  With my training from the Jedi master, Luke Skywalker, I know what Caine's 
intentions are. Caine and Gowran want to assemble a fleet to wage war against 
the Cylons. Caine wants revenge for what they did to most of our people, and 
Gowran wants revenge for their attack many years back before he became 
Chancellor, and for the death of his close friend, Captain Klagg, Commander of 
the vessel, Pagh. By waging war against the Cylons, or anybody, for that 
matter, Gowran holds onto his political power.
  I know that if I stopped them, stopped Commander Caine from going to help the 
Klingons prepare, the results will be disastrous for the us, the Klingons, and 
the Federation.
  With all the repairs complete, we are now ready to depart to our new homes. 
Captain Picard and the Enterprise and Captain Shelby of the Gorkon will escort
us, and so will the Klingon Flagship, Bortas. I hope that I pronounced that 
ship's name correctly. But because most of the civilian ships are not capable 
of faster-than-light speed, the voyage will take awhile. But, it will give me a 
chance to have more pleasurable conversations with Picard.
  At least, now, I know what happened to the thirteenth tribe. But I wonder. Is 
it possible for humanity to start on Earth and on our home planet, Kobol? Well, 
anything's possible, I guess.
  A last thought. Now that I have accepted the role of presidency of my people, 
the Galactica needs a new commander. I have selected Colonel Tigh for that.

Captain's Log
Both battlestars have been repaired, and some upgrades have been made on the 
systems of the civilian ships of the Colonial fleet, and some of the Colonial 
people have been given quarters aboard the Enterprise and the Gorkon. We are 
now ready to take on the long voyage to the Kobol system, where Captain Shelby 
will be helping the colonists build their new homes. The voyage will be long 
because many of the two-hundred ships are not capable of more than full impulse 
power and speed.

Adama walked onto the bridge of the Galactica. He walked over to Col Tigh, and 
said, "Tigh."
  Tigh faced Adama and said, "Yes, Commander. Or should I call you 
'President'?"
  "Tigh, you and I have been together for many yahrens, since we were colonial 
warriors fighting the Cylons. Adama is fine. This is long overdue, my friend." 
He gave something to Tigh, and said, "Tigh, as President of the Twelve 
Colonies of Kobol, I hereby promote you to Commander. The Battlestar Galactica 
is your ship now."
  Tigh stared at him, surprised. "Th-thank you... Adama."

Aboard the Pegasus, Cmdr Caine stood on the newly-installed transporter pad. 
Drex was at the controls. Caine gave the order to commence transport in the 
Klingon language. "jolyI chu'."
  Caine dematerialized.

Cmdr Caine materialized aboard the Galactica, with the green transporter energy 
fading, startling everyone on the bridge. Caine said, "Ah, the new transporter 
installed by the Klingons work."
  Everyone was looking at Caine.
  He turned to Tigh. "Congratulations, Commander Tigh," said Caine.
  "Thank you, Sir." They both shook hands. "Can I help you with something?"
  "Yes, Tigh." Caine paused. "I came to see... Cassiopeia, Starbuck, and my 
daughter. I need to talk with them."
  "Well, Sheba and Starbuck are in the viper landing bay with Apollo, and 
Cassiopeia is in the medical facilities."
  "Thank you, Commander." He emphasized the Tigh's new rank, with a smile. He 
headed off the bridge.

Apollo, Boomer, Starbuck, and Sheba were poking around inside the cockpit of a 
viper, and Athena and Rigel were at a console. Starbuck climbed into the 
cockpit, and Boomer tossed him a helmet. Starbuck caught it in mid-air and put 
it on. He climbed in and hit the three turbo buttons.
  Starbuck said, "Athena... Rigel... Do you read me?"
  They both responded, "Loud and clear, Starbuck."
  They all cheered. "This new uh, I believe their engineer Geordi LaForge 
called it subspace, communication supplied by the Federation works. Supposedly, 
the signal travels faster than our conventional methods, and since the Cylons 
would expect us to use our usual methods, the Cylons will not know how to jam 
it."
  Apollo was already in another viper, and he said, "Starbuck, do you read me?"
  "Loud and clear, Apollo."
  Apollo said, "Athena... Rigel... How do I sound?"
  Rigel said, "You sound like Apollo..." She and Athena giggled.
  Starbuck and Apollo both powered down their vipers, and climbed out. 
Apollo walked up to Athena and said, "Good work, Athena."
  Athena said, "Don't thank me... The people of the Thirteenth colony should 
really be thanked. It was just routine to them to install this system."
  Just then, Cmdr Caine walked in with Cassiopeia.
  They all went up to Caine and Starbuck said, "Congratulations on your 
ambassadorship, Caine."
  Caine said, "Thank you, Lieutenant. Can I have a moment with you and Sheba?"
  Sheba said, "What is it, Father?"
  "Sheba, When we get to our new home, I will be taking the Pegasus to the 
Klingon Homeworld. Chancellor Gowran of the Klingon Empire feels that I can 
serve our people better from there. And because President Adama felt that they 
made better allies instead of enemies-"
  Athena said, "You're not going to the Klingon Homeworld just to coordinate 
efforts of the Klingons to help us. You're going there to prepare for an 
all-out war against the Cylons!"
  Caine paused and said, "Yes. The Klingons are a warrior race, and they 
feel that they have been at peace for too long. Well, I believe that it's 
better that they attack the Cylons instead of us, or the Federation. They feel 
the same way."
  Apollo inquired, "And how about your crew? Do they want this?"
  "Most of them chose to transfer to the Galactica or will disembark as soon as 
we reach our new homes," said Caine. "Many of the crew will be replaced by 
Klingon warriors. The vipers on the Pegasus will be upgraded with their 
disrupter technology and-" He paused. "Well, many other things as well." He 
looked at Starbuck and said, "Take care of Cass for me, Starbuck."
  Starbuck said, "Commander, I'd like to go with you."
  Sheba said, "So would I, Father. You'll need someone who knows how to operate 
and repair a viper."
  Cassiopeia said, "So would I. You can probably use a real doctor aboard the 
Pegasus."
  Apollo, Athena and Rigel gave the three of them funny looks. Caine said, 
"Well I would suggest that you talk to Commander Tigh first. I'll be aboard the 
Pegasus, and you can contact me there."
  Caine tapped his wrist and said, "Drex... jolyI chu'!" He 
dematerialized.
  They all watched in surprise as Caine dematerialized. Apollo said, "Well, 
that's what took the Klingons so long on the Pegasus. They weren't just 
repairing it. They were beginning a major refit and upgrade."
  Athena said, "Well, some of our systems were also upgraded, such as 
communications and shields."
  Starbuck said, "Well, it looks like we're finished here. I need to talk to 
Commander Tigh."
  Sheba and Cassiopeia said, "So do we."
  They all walked out of the viper bay.

On Deep Space Nine, Dr Bashir, Capt Shelby, Duncan MacCleod, Peter Caine, 
Amanda and Ritchie were in the infirmary. Dr Bashir asked, "So, are you going 
to take the trip to the Pollux System?"
  "We have alot of work to do before I take the trip there, Julian. We have to 
get the Colonies of Kobol settled."
  "Then you'll take the trip over there, right?"
  "Peter and I will let you know, Julian. Keep me posted if your assignment 
changes, and we may have you come along on the journey."
  "Thank you, Duncan," responded Dr Bashir. "You've better get going... The 
Colonial Fleet and the Enterprise will be leaving soon."

Back on the bridge of the Galactica, Cmdr Tigh said, "Starbuck... Sheba... 
Cass... Think about this carefully. You've been aboard the Galactica most of 
your lives. Also, from what I hear, the Klingons are a barbarous people, just 
like the Nomen, if not worse. Are you sure... that you want to do this? 
Personally, I don't like having to command a bunch of barbarians."
  Apollo was there as well, standing there silently.
  Starbuck, Sheba and Cassiopeia said, "Yes, Sir." in a harmonious unison.
  Tigh turned to Cassiopeia and said, "And Cassiopeia. You're just a medtech. 
You're not a doctor."
  "Talk to Dr Salik, Commander, said Cassiopeia, "He will verify that I had 
studied very hard, and he certified me when I proved myself- in his words, 
'more than capable'."
  "I believe ya, Cass. But all three of you, think about it. Athena and Captain 
Apollo tells me that you and the Klingons are going to wage war on the Cylons."
  Starbuck spoke. "Commander Tigh, we have thought about it, and our minds are 
made up. I will be captain of the viper squad."
  Sheba said, "My decision is final as well, Commander."
  "OK, but I just wanted you to know what you were getting yourselves into."
  Starbuck and Apollo shook hands, and they gave each other a quick hug. "Take 
care of yourself, Starbuck... Captain Starbuck."
  They chuckled a bit and Starbuck said, "You too, Apollo... Captain 
Apollo."
  They all laughed.
  Tigh, and Apollo shook hands with the two women and brought 
their hands to their mouths for kiss. Tigh said, "Good luck and take care of 
yourselves."
  Starbuck put his arm around Cassiopeia and said, "You all do the same." 
Starbuck tapped the Klingon communicator his wrist and said, "Starbuck to 
Commander Caine."
  *Go ahead, Starbuck.*
  "The three of us are ready to take our posts aboard the Pegasus."
  *Whenever you're ready.*
  As Sheba joined Starbuck by his other side, Starbuck said, "jolyI chu'!"
  They dematerialized.

Picard and Sisko were in a turbo-lift. Picard said, "Ben, I'm sorry for what 
happened at Wolf 359. I just wish that there was a way for me to bring back 
your wife, and all of our friends that died at that battle."
  Sisko said, "Jean-Luc, I've gotten over it and made peace with myself a long 
time ago. Even then, you had already apologized to me at Martok's 
discommendation hearing only about a hundred times."
  The turbo-lift stopped, and They walked through the doors.
  Waiting there were: Adama, Apollo, Ambassadors Duncan MacCleod, Lwaxana Troi, 
Peter Caine, Cmdr Riker, Data, Cmdr Caine, Capt Shelby, Counselor Troi, Gowran, 
and Drex, and Kor. Worf, O'Brien, Dr Bashir, and Dax and Kira walked up, 
fully dressed in his Federation uniforms and tunics, and Kira in her usual 
Bajoran uniform.
  Gowran spoke first. "WORF! You have redeemed yourself once again. Come visit 
us on Qo'noS..."
  "First chance I get, Gowran." They both grabbed each other's elbows and shook 
arms, so to speak.
  Gowran tapped his arm and said, "jolwI'! jolyI chu'!" He 
dematerialized.
  Picard and Sisko congratulated Shelby on her captaincy. She shook hands 
with Riker, and said, "Command of the Gorkon WAS rightfully yours, Commander."
  Riker said, "She's a fine ship... Captain. Take care of her."
  Shelby turned to Data, and said, "And Data, congratulations on becoming a 
full commander."
  "Thank you, Captain. And congratulations to you too."
  MacCleod said to Picard, "Take care of the Enterprise... She's one of the 
finest in the Federation."
  "And you, Ambassador... take care of yourself, and next time you're aboard a 
Federation vessel, at least, let the crew know that you carry a sword with 
you."
  MacCleod and Peter Caine, both stood by Shelby, and she looked at 
Lwaxana Troi, who nodded to her. Shelby tapped her combadge and said, 
"Gorkon... Three to transport." She, along with MacCleod and Peter 
dematerialized.
  Cmdr Caine said, "What is the Federation way of saying 'jolyI chu'?'"
  Worf answered, "Beam me aboard."
  Caine tapped his wrist and said, "Starbuck... Beam me aboard."
  *What???* came back his wrist.
  "Beam me and Drex aboard. You know, activate transporter?"
  *Commander, I don't understand.*
  "JolyI-chu' Starbuck."
  *Ah.*
  Caine and Drex dematerialized, leaving everyone with their mouths 
hanging open. Kor said, "That was some of the modifications Gowran did to 
the Pegasus, and to my captured basestar."
  "Kor," said Picard. "It is an honor to finally meet you... Studies about you 
and Captain Kirk on Organea, and the toughest negotiations for the alliance 
between the Klingons and the Federations was required reading at Starfleet 
Academy."
  Kor looked at Picard, and said, "Picard! I understand that you have 
acquired vast amounts of knowledge on Klingon culture... As Worf's cha'Dich, 
and as the Arbiter of Succession. It IS an honor, Picard."
  They both performed the Klingon handshake. Kor turned to Worf, and said, 
"Perhaps someday, we can go and try again to retrieve the Sword of Kahless. 
This time, WE will bring it to Qo'noS together."
  "Yes, Kor," answered Worf, as they performed the Klingon handshake.
 He turned to Dax, and They hugged. "Qapla'! Kor." said Dax.
  Kor said, "Qapla' Jadzia Dax... Qapla' Worf."
  He tapped his wrist, gave the transport order and dematerialized.
  Picard said to Worf and O'Brien, "Take care of yourself, and this station, 
and your captain."
  O'Brien said, "We will."
  Worf said, "Yes, Sir."
  Riker said to Worf, "It's good to see you again, Worf... Qapla'!"
  "Goodbye, Commander."
  Riker and O'Brien just nodded to each other, and Deanna Troi gave Worf a hug. 
After that, Picard, Riker, Data and Troi got into formation. "Ambassador Troi," 
said Picard. "You're not coming with us?"
  "No, Jean-Luc. I'm going with Adama."
  Picard mumbled some sort of acknowledge to her, and tapped his combadge, 
saying, "Enterprise... Four to beam up." They dematerialized.
  Last were Adama, Apollo, and Lwaxana Troi. Sisko and Adama shook hands. "Good 
luck, Mr President," said Sisko.
  "Thank you, Captain." Sisko tapped his combadge and said, "Transporter 
chief... Three to beam to the Galactica." They dematerialized.

Aboard the Enterprise, Data was at his station, Picard was standing in front of 
his chair, and Riker and Troi were seated in theirs. Picard said, "Set 
course... 2675 mark 4... Full impulse."
  "Impulse???" asked the Ensign at helm control.
  "Yes. Full impulse."
  Data added his comment. "Ensign... The fastest that the slowest ship in the 
colonial fleet is about what full impulse will-"
  "Data," said Picard.
  "Yes, Sir?"
  "Enough."
  "Course and speed set, Sir."
  "Engage.

The Galactica, Pegasus, Enterprise, Gorkon, the captured basestar with Klingon 
markings on it, and the rag-tag fleet of Colonial vessels moved away from Deep 
Space Nine. The Millennium Falcon followed.


Epilogue

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol managed to settle the planets. Their combined 
efforts, along with that of the crew of the Enterprise and Gorkon and help from 
the Klingon Empire, as well as the Immortal ambassadors, and a Betazoid one, 
made it easier. Homes were built, equipped with Federation technologies. 
Federation outposts and one Klingon outpost were built as well. Peter Caine, 
Apollo, Athena, Deanna and Lwaxana Troi, and Adama, along with others, 
continued their Jedi training.
  Speaking of Adama -n- Lwaxana Troi, Did they continue or upgrade their 
relationship? Or did they break up? That has yet to be answered. The same thing 
with: Riker -n- Athena, and, Apollo -n- Deanna Troi.
  After, Cmdr Caine took the Pegasus, escorted by the Bortas, and side-by-side 
with Kor's captured basestar, to the Klingon Homeworld. It was manned by 
himself as Commander, newly-promoted Colonel Starbuck as his second-in-command, 
newly-promoted Captain Sheba as the viper squadron leader, and Dr Cassiopeia in 
charge of the Pegasus infirmary. She learned Klingon physiology pretty quick. 
Some of the Pegasus crew were Nomen warriors, but most of the rest of the crew 
were Klingon warriors serving under Caine. The rest of the Nomen also took one 
of the ships and traveled with the Pegasus, Kor's basestar, and the Bortas to 
the Klingon Homeworld. The Pegasus underwent a major refit.
  The laser cannons were all replaced by Klingon phasers and disrupters, and 
missile launchers were replaced by photon torpedo tubes. The Pegasus' missiles 
were all brought back for the Galactica, and more stable photon torpedoes sat 
in their missile storage bays. Its deflector shields were also upgraded, and it 
was able to cruise at warp 7 instead of just mere faster-than-light travel, 
thanks to Klingon technology. There were four warp nacelles, two on each side, 
one above, and one below each of the Pegasus' viper landing bays. The old 
Klingon cloaking devices were also replaced by the latest models.
  The vipers' laser cannons were replaced by disrupters, and were equipped with 
Klingon warp nacelles, able to reach warp 1.2, with warp 1.4 the maximum warp, 
as long as it did not try to maintain that factor for too long.
  The basestar that Kor captured underwent similar major refit procedures as 
well. Four warp nacelles were placed in between the upper and lower hulls. Two 
warp cores were also installed, one in each hull. Then, the Klingon Empire put 
together a major fleet consisting of many birds of prey, K'Tinga-class 
cruisers, and a few Vor'cha-class vessels. They felt that they were now ready 
to conquer the Cylon Empire.

End???