Double Crossing the Empire
                               by Ryan Dwornik
                          e-mail: dwornik@eagle.ca

     This story was written for entertainment and is not intended to
inflinge on the rights of Lucasfilms and/or the makers of Star Trek
and/or the makers of Battlestar Galactica.  This story may be copied as
long as this boring information package is attached.  It can not be
erased (Don't even try (Well if you tried you could erase it (Actually
it is very easy to erase but don't.)))

     The Imperial Star Destroyer Majestic closed quickly on a small
group of fleeing Rebel fighters near Kessel.  The massive wedge shaped
ship launched its TIE fighters in massive hordes and fired its turbo
lasers in rapid fire at the Rebels.  Captain Vonnan smiled cruelly from
the bridge.  He could see that the Rebels were heavily out numbered and
due to the closeness of the maw they couldn't escape to hyperspace
without extensive computations.
     "Captain, we are picking up some peculiar readings from the region
of space ahead of us."
     Vonnan turned on the young officer and stared hard at him.  "This
had better be important."
     "It appears to be an unstable reading that-"
     The ship abruptly shook and bridge lights up.  Outside the ship
the fighters encountered a strange phenomena.  They were swallowed up
by space and disappeared from all sensor readings.
     "Status.  Where did the Rebels go?"
     "That appeared to be hyperspace.  I don't know how but-"
     "Inform the Admiral Harov that we are investigating this
phenomena.  Then take us in at half speed."
     "At once sir."

     Adama's Journal
     The signals we have been encountering for the past few days have
been worrying me.  It wasn't a Cylon signal but so far we have been
unable to identify it as anything else.  It was too close for it to be
Earth but it is possible that we are recieving the signals from an
Earth ship.  I have kept this information quiet so as not to get any
hopes up among the civilians.  Silently I have sent a patrol out to
scout out the possibility.

     A pair of Vipers flew at top speed ahead of the fleet.  Starbuck
checked his sensors for the signals source but the radiation from a
near by nebula caused too many problems tracking it.
     "I don't think we're going to find much out here," he said flatly.
     "Orders are orders.  We aren't supposed to return until we
discover where the signal is coming from," Boomer replied.
     "I don't see how-  Hold on.  Do you see that?"
     "You mean that static on the sensors?"
     "No.  Use your eyes."
     "I don't see anything but red clouds of dust."
     "It's gone whatever it was.  It was just there.  It was a ship. 
Ugly, but a ship."
     "I think, Starbuck, you've been smoking too many of them
fumerellos."

     Captain's Log
     We are continuing to scan the nebula for the source of the unknown
chemical traces.  Recent reports also indicated unknown communications
emmenating from this area.  The nebula however is making it difficult
to scan for anything.  It has been playing havoc with many of our
systems and will force us to pull out for several hours to repair the
transporters and sensors.

     "Take us to the edge of the nebula.  Full impulse, engage,"
Captain Jean-Luc Picard said from his command seat.  The Enterprise
accelerated out of the nebula and back into clear space.
     "Captain.  For a moment sensors indicated human life signs inside
the nebula," Worf said carefully.
     "Human life?  Were you able to get a fix on a ship?"  Picard asked
curiously.
     "No ships were present.  There were only two life forms.  It could
have been another fluctuation," Worf replied frustrated.
     "Maybe we should take another look," said Riker.
     "Not at the moment.  I think we should give Mr. LaForge more time
to get the sensors working properly.  We can check out those life forms
shortly."

     "Knight Eight, brake hard right!"  Commander Janson Thanas knew
this wasn't going to be a simple reconnaissance run.  Kessel made the
run harder to make in the first place and second the recent reports of
Imperial activity in the area caused him to doubt General Katarn's
word.  He neatly sliced a TIE fighter in two with his lasers as his
wingman got clear.
     "Those Star Destroyers aren't going to wait forever.  Now what?"
Kea demanded.
     "Knight Leader, this is Knight Two."
     "I copy Knight Two," Janson replied to Spectrum's call.
     "I am picking up some unusual readings.  Maybe you should-" 
Suddenly Spectrum's statement stopped abruptly into static.
     "Knight Two?"  Janson waited.  "Spectrum, do you read me?"  Come
on Spectrum.  You can't have been blown away. "Did anyone see what
happened to Knight Two?"
     "I spotted a flash but it wasn't an explosion."
     "Thanks Seven.  All Knights head towards Knight Two's last known
postion.  Fall onto my wing."
     Four X-Wings flew in diamond formation towards the last known spot
of their friend.  They carefully maneuvered around the laser blasts
from the TIE fighters then suddenly were swallowed up by space itself.

     Captain Vonnan looked at the massive station being constructed. 
He had to admit that Admiral Harov had found an impressive ally.  One
month after he had found the worm hole Admiral Harov had already had a
powerful ally who was willing to build a Death Star in record time. 
The Romulans seemed to have their own plan in mind for the Imperials
but they were unaware of the Empire's true plan.  The worm hole somehow
connected two galaxies together and the Empire had a chance to control
them both.
     "Sir!  We have enemy ships coming out of the worm hole.  X-Wing
class."
     "Stang!  How many of them?"  This was not good.  The force back in
their own galaxy was supposed to stop just such a thing.
     "Only five sir.  Orders?"
     "Launch a squadron of Interceptors.  They mustn't get away."

     Janson winced as what ever happened had brought them from the
frying pan straight into the fire.  An Imperial fleet was massed before
them along with several unidentified cruisers and a Death Star under
construction.
     "Emergency hyperspace.  Set course for the Dukedoom and jump."
     "That may not be wise," Spectrum started.
     "It's better than hanging around here."

     "Phrack!  Looks like I was right," Starbuck said to himself.  They
had continued to the edge of the nebula to find a funny looking ship. 
It clearly wasn't Cylon.  It had a saucer on one end and two glowing
blue engines sticking off the hull.  It was tiny in comparison to the
Galactica but its power readings were very high.
     "Boomer.  Radio the Galactica and inform them of what's going on."
     "What is going on?  Starbuck, what are you doing?" Boomer asked
frightenedly.
     "Taking a closer look."

     "Captain!  There is a small ship coming out of the nebula.  It has
a single human pilot and is armed with laser weapons.  It is moving at
high speed towards us," Worf said anxiously.  He stood waiting for the
order to fire.
     "On screen," Picard said quickly as he stood up.  A single dart
like ship appeared.  It was not familiar in design to anything he had
ever seen before.  "Hail it."
     "Hailing frequencies opened," a disappointed Worf said.
     "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise. 
Please identify yourself."  When the ship failed to respond he turned
to Data.  "Data, do you recognize it?"
     "No sir.  This ship is not in any starfleet records.  However the
ship is not able to get this deep into space on its own."
     "Why not?" Riker asked quickly as he looked at the ship.
     "It is not equipped with a warp drive.  It had to be carried this
far.  It also must be a fighter craft due to its size and armament."
     "Try again Mr. Worf," Picard said.
     "Receiving audio only from the ship."
     "Hello!  You wouldn't happen to have directions for a lost
traveler would you?" a confident voice asked.
     "Counselor?"  Picard asked carefully.
     "I sense anxiousness but no dishonesty," Deanna Troi said quietly.
     "May I ask who you are and why you want directions first?"
     "You could," the voice replied.  This brought a smile to Riker's
face.
     "There is another fighter approaching from the nebula," Worf said
quickly.  Picard ignored him.
     "Who are you?"  Picard tried again.
     "Is that really all that important?  Have you ever heard of
Earth?" the voice asked.  
     Picard jumped at the way the pilot mentioned Earth.
     "I have.  Is that where you wanted to go?"
     "Really?  Hold on."
     The channel quickly closed.  Riker looked at Picard quickly with a
curious look on his face.  "He sounded surprised we heard of Earth."
     "Sir!  Five unknown ships have just come out of nowhere nearly on
top of us.  These are also one man ships but are different designs and
powered by different methods," Worf said quickly.
     "What is this?  A convention?" asked an officer silently from the
science station.

     "Damn!  I just don't have any luck today.  Evasive maneuvers." 
Janson nearly collided with the strange gray ship as he pulled up
sharply.
     "Now may I speak?" Spectrum asked slightly annoyed.
     "Go ahead.  Kea don't shoot at anyone.  This isn't an Imperial
ship."
     "How about those two fighters?" Kea asked hopefully.
     Janson looked at his sensors and spotted the two fighters sitting
in front of the large frigate.  "Not unless they fire first."
     "We are no longer in our own galaxy," Spectrum said quickly.  It
was almost too quick for any of the pilots to catch.
     "Run that by me one more time," Avery said slowly.
     "What ever that was we flew through moved us through incredible
distances.  We basically just did a blind jump and nearly collided with
a native ship."
     "Great.  Form up.  Raise shields but keep weapons off." 
     Janson swung around and stopped beside the frigate.  Its massive
blue engines weren't anything he had ever seen before.  The saucer at
the front was also not a normal design feature.
     "This is Commander Thanas of the New Republic asking for
assistance.  We seem to have taken a wrong turn."

     "Do we look like an information booth?" was what Picard wanted to
ask.  He had two different groups move towards his ship and ask for
directions.  "Are you looking for Earth also Commander," Picard said
frustratedly.
     "Earth?  Never heard of it.  Excuse me but could I have a name?  I
don't think you like to be called, 'frigate' or, hold on- Enterprise?" 
The voice jumped up a pitch as the pilot read the name off the hull of
the starship.
     "This is Captain Picard.  What is it we can help you with?" 
Picard tried to sound polite but he felt quite frustrated.
     "We seem to have been pulled out of our own galaxy.  We actually
are completely lost.  We came out of what ever that was surrounded by
Imperial ships and some ships we could not identify.  We also have
found something that could endanger your entire galaxy."

     "Now who are they?" Boomer asked Starbuck.
     "I don't know but I don't think they were invited.  They nearly
rammed into the Enterprise."
     "They're not taking any hostile moves.  Must have made a wrong
turn."
     "All right.  I'm on my way in.  Inform the Enterprise of my
arrival," Commander Adama said over the radio.
     "Uh Commander?  That may not be such a good move.  It appears the
ship has encountered five fighters from a third group.  They aren't
making any aggressive moves though."
     "I'll bring an escort.  We need those coordinates for Earth."
     "You heard the man, Boomer.  Let's talk to the Enterprise."
     "Enterprise this is Starbuck.  We have a shuttle inbound so our
leader may speak with you.  Uh, does he have clearance to land when the
shuttle arrives?"
     "Hold on, we seem to have a mutual problem here," responded the
captain's voice.

     "So, let me get this straight.  You were chased from your homes by
Cylons?  Weren't you able to counter attack?" Commander Thanas asked
Commander Adama.  Picard sat in his chair and watched the discussion.
     "We were heavily out numbered.  We only have the one Battlestar
and-"
     "You're lucky you had that much.  All we had were a couple of
modified luxury liners against huge battleships," Commander Thanas
interrupted.  "You could have been able to strike hard against them
with hit and run attacks.  They work efficiently and effectively.  The
New Republic was forced to use these tactics in the early stages of the
war."
     "You don't understand the situation, Commander.  Most of us are
civilians.  We didn't want to fight."
     "They would if it meant their lives.  You would be surprised."
     "Gentlemen please.  So the Cylons are still following you?" Picard
said softly.
     "We haven't seen them in a while but we believe they are.  The
fleet should be hidden from them inside the nebula.  For the meantime
however we need to have a place to set down and rest."
     "Would these Cylons be the threat you said threatened the entire
galaxy Commander Thanas?"
     The young man jumped a little nervously.  "Call me Janson please. 
And no, the Cylons weren't the threat.  In fact even the Cylons would
appreciate the fire power on this station.  The Death Star is the size
of a moon and has enough firepower to completely destroy a planet.  Not
just render it uninhabited but turn it into ruble.  It currently is
well guarded by the Imperial fleet and these ships."  He tapped several
buttons on the terminal in front of him and the monitor behind Picard
came alive.  Picard recognized them instantly.  Romulans.  "I thank
your crew for helping transfer the data.  Here are the numbers we were
able to get before hitting lightspeed."  An impressive array of
information appeared instead of the Romulan Warbird.
     Picard couldn't make much sense of the information.  "Commander-"
     "Janson."
     "Janson, I have some news which might change your data.  The
Romulans have cloaking technology."
     "That doesn't change the situation at all.  That fleet is so
massive you would need two battle fleets to put a dent in it.  The
Palpantine will be the greatest threat."  He tapped several more
buttons.  Picard turned and gasped.  It was not like him to do that but
the massive warship that appeared on his screen changed everything.
     "The Super Star Destroyer Palpantine.  8 km long, and heavily
armed.  In close range not even your ships will withstand its attack."
     "How do you know our defense systems?" Picard asked curiously.
     "Well, I had this feeling that you might need everything you could
get.  I had Spectrum slice into your systems and we checked out your
defenses.  Impressive.  I would recommend hitting them from long range. 
You have superior fire power there."
     "Commander Thanas.  You have gained unauthorized access to our-"
     "For a good reason, Captain.  I believe we're going to need to get
help fast.  Know anybody suicidal enough to take a full scan of the
system?"

     The Klingon Bird of Prey lay cloaked at the edge of the Neutral
zone.  It sat silently watching the Imperial and Romulan forces work.
     "They must be building a base on that moon.  Look at the
activity."
     "That's no moon," a second Klingon said slowly.  "That's a space
station."
    "Sir, two large vessels are heading this way.  Multiple smaller
ships closing rapidly."
     "Prepare to decloak and raise shields."

     "How is that disturbance now Lieutenant?" Captain Vannon asked.
     "It's still there.  It's faint, could be a cloaked ship."
     "Get the Rampage to follow us.  Launch all fighters and set course
towards that disturbance."  Those Romulans better not be trying
anything.
     "Are we in range?"
     "Not yet sir."

     "They haven't fired.  Maybe it's a patrol," the second Klingon
said.
     "Possible.  Slowly move us out of their way," replied the Klingon
in charge.

     "It's moving sir.  It has moved out of our path and now lays 50 km
from its original position."
     "Continue on course.  Prepare to fire all turbo lasers on that
disturbance."

     "They haven't changed course.  They will pass close to the ship
however."
     "It is of no concern.  They are unaware of-"  The ship rocked hard
with several explosions.  A support beam crashed down and sparks flew
from several panels.

     "Bingo!" Captain Vannon said merrily as the explosions from the
small ship became visible.  It exploded into several small pieces.
     "Inform the Admiral that the Romulans are beginning their
treachery."
     "Aye sir."

     "Commander Adama has ordered we move the fleet in to the
Enterprise.  Starbuck was correct about the ship being from Earth,"
Tigh said happily.
     "Earth.  We made it," Athena said from the back of the bridge.
     "Patrol checking in.  We are picking up Cylon Basestars closing
rapidly," a voice said over the radio.
     "Looks like you spoke too soon," Starbuck said sarcastically.
     "Inform the Enterprise we have trouble incoming.  Move the  fleet
at full speed towards the Enterprise.  Get all pilots ready for
flight."

     "Sir, long range sensors are picking up many ships closing at
subwarp speed.  Human life signs aboard," Worf reported.
     "Inform the Captain," Riker said immediately.

     "I don't like the situation.  If we were forced to take off we
could never get clear quickly.  Our fighters are spread through out the
Enterprise," Kea said slowly.  
     Four pilots in bright orange flight suits sat around a table in
Ten-Forward.
     "Why would we need to launch?" Spectrum asked happily.
     "Spectrum's right.  This ship could easily out run anything the
Imperials have.  Plus the Imperials wouldn't attack this ship with-"
     "Yes they would," Avery interrupted Lana.  Suddenly red lights
flashed on and several officers ran out of the bar.
     "I knew this would happen!" Kea yelled.

     Three commanding officers stepped out of the ready room.  Captain
Picard stepped onto the bridge and immediately ordered to find out what
was going on.
     "A fleet of ships has just appeared on our sensors," Riker said
quickly.
     "On screen."
     The view was astonishing.  From freighters to luxury liners to
smaller vessels flew in formation around a large cruiser.  It was made
of three parts.  A large center section and two pylons attached at the
sides.
     "My god!" Picard said quickly.
     "Now that is a ship!" Commander Thanas said quickly.
     "That is the Galactica," Commander Adama said proudly.
     "They are hailing us," Worf announced loudly.
     "On screen."
     "Enterprise.  We have a situation.  Two Cylon Basestars are
closing on our position."
     "Cylons," Adama said disappointedly.
     "There had to be a party crasher," Thanas said sarcastically. 
"Captain, should I have my pilots ready for launch?"
     "Yes," Adama said quickly drowning out Picard's no.  Thanas ran
off the bridge.
     "We may not have to fight them.  If we spoke with them then we may
be able to solve this peacefully," Picard said angrily.
     "Weren't you listening?  The Cylons want humanity dead.  They will
stop at nothing to do it."
     "It is possible things have changed.  I am sure they can be
reasonable."
     "Captain, they will destroy you if you try that."
     "I do not believe they can be that reckless."

     "Knights, prepare to launch.  Enterprise, this is Black Knight
Squadron.  We are leaving your ship."
     Five X-Wings flew out of the cramped Enterprise hangar and into
space.  Janson rocked his ship experimentally.
     "Knights check in."
     "Knight Two standing by."
     "Knight Seven standing by."
     "Knight Eight ready."
     "Knight Ten standing by."
     "Hey Janson, what are we shooting at?  I don't see any fighters."
     "We are patrolling Knight Eight.  There are approaching ships. 
These are being chased by UN-friendlies," Janson replied.
     "I'm picking up launches from that large ship.  Fighters.  Can't
tell how many yet," Spectrum said quickly.
     "Let's see if we can join the party shall we?  Lock S-Foils in
attack position and increase speed to full throttle," Janson said
merrily.

     Admiral Harov watched as his trap took shape.  The Romulan
warships were in a perfect position to be ambushed.  His smile grew.
     "Admiral, it's the Romulan commander again."
     "Excellent.  Order our ships to engage in forty-five seconds.  Put
the commander through."
     "Yes sir."
     "Ah Commander.  What is it this time."
     "Our scout ship has not yet found the fighters which entered the
system."
     "Order the scouts back.  We'll handle that from now on."
     "Certainly."  The Romulan turned and signaled to another of his
officers.  Harov looked to his commander who nodded slightly.
     "Oh, and Commander?"
     "What is it, Admiral Harov?"
     "Do me this one small favor."
     "What is it?"
     "Die," Harov said with a smile.
     The Romulan took a moment to register what was said.  The Imperial
ships decloaked behind the Romulans and opened fire.  They fired not
only with lasers but Romulan disruptors as well.  The entire Romulan
fleet was destroyed with their shields down.  Several more warbirds
decloaked and attacked the Imperials.  Their attack was pointless.  The
Imperial ships easily withstood the blasts and returned fire.  It was
over quickly.
     "Continue work on the Death Star.  How long until it's ready for
hyperspace?"
     "Five hours Admiral.  What course do you want to take when that is
completed?"
     "Set course for Romulus.  We can't let them warn anybody else."
     "With pleasure Admiral."  The commander turned and marched off the
bridge.  This was almost too easy.  The Rebels would be crushed as soon
as he finished taking over this galaxy.

     Cylon fighters launched from the Basestars.  Easily four hundred
fighters rushed towards the battle weary fleet.  Inside the lead
fighter three Cylons just discovered something alarming.
     "There is another human ship near by," Cylon 1 said mechanically.
     "It is of unknown design," said a second.  The centurion paused
for a moment.
     "Continue with the attack."

     Starbuck watched as five strange fighters flew in formation with
Blue squadron.  He shook his head and smiled.  "Apollo, we have
company."
     Apollo looked over his shoulder at the fighters.  "Hey, yeah I see
them.  Is there a problem?"
     "No, no problem.  Why?"
     "Sorry to interrupt this conversation but we have Cylon fighters
closing rapidly," Boomer said quickly.

     "Fire at the flying plates Kea.  Here we go!" Janson called out
happily.  The fighters accelerated and fired at the Cylon fighters. 
Several blew up before they could react.  Several hits on the X-Wings
were stopped by the shields.
     "Knight Leader this is Two.  My shields are gone.  There's too
many of them."
     "That's what they said of Endor," Janson replied.  "Knight Seven
pull in and give Two some of cover."
     "I copy Knight Leader," Lana replied.

     Commander Volurn watched as his men repaired his cruiser.  The
Imperials double crossed the Romulan Empire and nearly destroyed the
entire fleet.  They also had stolen Romulan technology and were able to
use it.  Now that battle station was ready and the Empire was in
trouble.  There was only one thing to do.
     "Centurion, set course for Federation space."

     "Captain.  The human fighters are winning but they are losing
ships as well."
     "We will not engage.  We will stay neutral."
     "What?!?" Commander Adama yelled.
     "Our prime directive will not allow us to engage them."
     "You're kidding," Adama said quietly.  "We find the Thirteenth
colony looking for help but they turn their backs on us.  At least
those starfighter pilots are willing to fight with us."

     "I've got one on my tail.  Stang!  There's two more!" Avery
yelled.
     "I'm on my way.  Knight Eight cover me," Janson responded.  He
moved in towards Avery's X-Wing which was surrounded by Cylon fighters. 
They spun around him firing madly.  Several bursts struck the X-Wing
severely damaging it.
     "Janson!" Avery yelled.  A Colonial fighter zipped through and
wiped two Cylon fighters off Avery's tail but it wasn't enough. 
Avery's X-Wing was struck multiple times and exploded.
     "Damn!" Janson yelled as he fired at Avery's killers.

     A Viper fired several bursts at a Cylon Raider and destroyed it.
     "Got him.  How we doing?" Starbuck asked.
     "They're pulling back," Apollo said slowly.
     "Phrack!  Two Basestars closing in.  They'll be launching more
fighters shortly," Boomer announced.

     "Captain, two large ships are closing on the battle," Worf
announced.
     "On screen."  Picard saw what reminded him of spinning tops moving
towards the battle.  They were quite large.
     "Cylon Basestars," Adama said slowly.
     "Hail them Mr. Worf," Picard said quickly.
     "Hailing frequencies open."
     "This is Captain Picard of the-"
     "Ah, you have a criminal on your bridge Captain.  Detain him
before he kills someone," said a human in a dark room.
     "We would like you to stop your hostile actions.  We will
discuss-"
     "We cannot stop.  These are murderers.  They must be stopped." 
The communication abruptly stopped.
     "As I said, speaking with them is not going to work."
     "He was human," Picard said slowly.
     "That is debatable.  He lead the Cylon fleet against us and
destroyed our worlds."
     "Captain!  Romulan Warbird decloaking!"  Worf yelped.
     "On screen."  Picard turned and looked at the monitor at the
battle scared Warbird.  "My God," he said quietly.
     "They are hailing us," Worf said uncomfortably while anticipating
Picard's order to put it on screen.
     "I am Commander Volurn.  We require your assistance.  The Romulan
Empire is in great danger."

     "The Cylons are retreating!  Shall we follow?" Kea asked
hopefully.
     "No.  I don't think so.  Hold on.  One of those unknown ships that
was with the Empire is by the Enterprise."
     "I see it," Spectrum said quickly.
     "Follow me in.  I want to find out what is going on."  Four
X-Wings accelerated towards the Enterprise and the large green ship.

     "The Cylons are closing but they aren't launching any more
fighters," Apollo announced. 
     Starbuck checked his sensors.  "Maybe we should refuel.  We can't
do any more at this time."

     "So you have been operating with the Imperials and they double
crossed you?  Now their Death Star is closing on Romulus.  It looks
like you might have got more than you bargained for," Picard said
angrily.
     "Picard, you know what you need to know.  Let's get moving before
they destroy the planet."
     "Surely your fleet could hold them off."
     "Not for long.  The Imperials also have disruptors and cloaking
devices.  I'm afraid this may be a losing battle.  Please we must go
now."
     "First we must deal with the Cylons.  We can not leave my fleet to
be destroyed," Adama put in.
     The turbo lift opened and four orange suited pilots walked out. 
Commander Thanas in the lead.  "Captain Picard.  You must do something
about those Cylons.  They are more suicidal than TIE pilots.  They
don't care about their own loses if they get some of us.  I lost a good
friend and pilot out there while you did nothing.  This,"  Janson
paused motioning at the monitor, "thing has been working with the
Imperials and you would rather talk to them then help out saving our
lives," Thanas said angrily.
     Commander Volurn's face contorted with anger.  Then something in
it softened.  "You are the ones Admiral Harov feared."
     "Huh?"  Thanas asked.
     "He sent scouts throughout the galaxy looking for five Rebel
pilots who escaped us.  You might come in handy against him.  Why would
he fear you?"
     "Obviously you haven't a clue in that ugly face of yours," a
female pilot bit angrily.  
     She was quickly scolded by the other pilots while Thanas tried to
smooth things out.  "Sorry about that.  The Death Star's only weakness
is a starfighter attack.  We discovered that six years ago.  We have
destroyed two that way.  My squadron has faced one," Thanas said
diplomatically.  It was good enough to make Picard slightly jealous. 
Not the choice of words but the relaxing feeling that spread when the
pilot spoke.  No one spoke and Thanas looked around the bridge.
     "Are we going to do something?  We have to destroy the Cylons
quickly to save the Galactica then head for the Imperial fleet," Thanas
said irritably.
     "Could your fleet move faster?"  Picard asked Adama.
     "Not without fuel.  We are in short supply.  We could hit
lightspeed and be away from the Cylons."
     "Could you get us a sample.  Perhaps we can replicate some fuel."

     Over Romulus the Death Star sat in orbit of the homeworld of the
Romulans.  Admiral Harov grinned cruelly as he watched the last Romulan
Warbird disintegrate.  They had ambushed the Imperial fleet but to no
avail.  All fifty of the warbirds were destroyed with the loss of five
star destroyers.  It was a fairly equal battle.  The real turning point
was when the Death Star itself fired upon the Romulan fleet.
     "Recharge the superlaser.  Prepare to fire on my mark."

     On Romulus the planet sent out a distress call explaining the
problem.  They also knew there was no way to get help fast enough.  The
Romulan Empire was doomed.

     "Fire at will, Commander," Admiral Harov said slowly.
     "With pleasure.  FIRE!" the commander yelled.
     The Death Star fired its massive superlaser and destroyed the
planet.

     Inside the conference room on the Enterprise the four leaders
discussed how to go about saving the Adama's fleet.  Janson found
himself growing board with the diplomatic talks and leaned back. 
Talking was never one of his strong suits.  He seemed good at it but he
preferred flying in a snub fighter.  Janson suddenly stood up.  Every
one in the room turned and stared at him.
     "I've got a very bad feeling about this," Janson said quietly. 
Everybody in the room heard it.  Captain Picard seemed to be about to
ask when he was called to the bridge.

     "We have just received a distress signal from Romulus.  It was
abruptly cut off," Worf said.
     "I hate it when I'm right," Commander Thanas said slowly and
quietly.
     Picard looked at him the to Commander Volurn.
     "Captain.  The time for revenge is upon us.  We must strike now."
     "Agreed.  Send word to Starfleet.  Tell them to send all starships
to-"
     "Earth," Volurn interrupted.
     "Earth?" Adama asked.
     "Earth," Picard whispered.

     The Cylon Basestars continued to close on the humans.  Just when
it seemed they were going to get there way the human fleet hit light
speed.  The humans disappeared.  The strange green ship and the unknown
human vessel both turned and ran at incredible speeds.  Baltar was not
amused.
     "Follow them.  They mustn't escape!"

     The Federation and Klingon Empires came to an agreement.  Several
Klingon cruisers joined the Federation starships.  It wasn't much of a
force in comparison to the Imperial fleet but it was the best
available.  The ships massed near Earth in preparation.  The Enterprise
was still hours away still.  The Galactica was expected shortly
afterwards.  On route Worf watched the Romulan ship closely expecting a
trick.  He noticed the energy fluctuations instantly.
     "Captain.  The Romulan vessel has a power failure in their warp
field.  They are losing power."
     "Hail them."
     "They are hailing us.  Audio only."
     "Captain Picard.  I am sorry but we will not be able to help you. 
Our repairs have failed and we have lost power.  We will follow as soon
as we're able to.  Volurn out." 
     The signal closed and the Romulan ship stopped abruptly in space. 
Its green glow from the warp engines suddenly fading out.
     "Well, it appears things shall get a bit more interesting now,"
Picard said mildly.

     "Admiral, the fleet is in position.  If the coordinates are
correct we shall arrive at Earth in a days time," Captain Vorran said
happily.
     "Excellent.  Move the fleet into hyperspace on my mark."  Captain
Vorran waited until he received the signal.  Once it arrived the fleet
jumped into hyperspace.

     Janson leaned back in the seat in the bar aboard the Galactica. 
He welcomed the change.  The Galactica wasn't as formal feeling as the
Enterprise and it also had larger hangar bays to support his fighters. 
The only down part was that they were crowded by many people.  Another
two pilots approached the table.  One had blonde hair and the other had
dark.
     "Hello, you must be the new boys."  He looked over at Kea and Lana
and bowed his head slightly.  "No insult intended ladies," he said
gently.
     "None taken."  Kea smiled.
     Janson recognized the look in her eye and by the time he stood up
the blond was on the floor.  "Kea!"  Janson growled.
     "You certainly have a way with people, Starbuck," said the dark
haired man helping the blond off the floor.
     "How do you know me?" Kea demanded.
     The man looked at her.  "I don't.  Why?"
     "You said my last name.  Nobody in this galaxy knows it."
     "I'm sorry, I don't know you.  I'm Apollo.  This is Starbuck."
     "Pleased to meet you," grunted Starbuck as he stood up.
     Kea stood up in shock.  Her jaw hung open.  "I'm Kea Starbuck. 
Sorry about that."
     Lana looked around confused.  "Starbuck?  This shouldn't be
possible."
     "But it is.  I'm Spectrum."  He reached out and shook hands with
Apollo.
     Starbuck however wasn't eager to shake hands.  "I knew a Cylon
robot who had your name."
     "It's a nick name.  I don't go by my real name.  If it helps out
any it's Dave."
     "All right then.  Nice to meet you."
     "I'm Janson and this is Lana.  I'm curious.  How long have you
been running from the Cylons?"
     "A couple of yahrens.  Why?"
     "Couldn't you have counter attacked?  You seem to hold your own
against the Cylons."
     "It's complicated.  I rather not get into it," Apollo said slowly.
     "Any tips on the Empire?" Starbuck asked cautiously looking at
Kea.
     "Well, they have fast maneuverable fighters but they can't take
much of a beating.  The big ships are the threat.  Their main cruisers
are 1600 m long."
     That left confused looks on the two pilots faces.
     "Uh, there really big," Janson finished.
     "So, what do you guys do for fun?" Kea asked hopefully.
     "Ever play cards?" Starbuck asked with a smile on his face. 
Janson immediately raised his hands and leaned back.
     "I avoid gambling.  My luck is placed in my cockpit."
     "Same here.  The odds are just too great," Spectrum said quickly.
     "Uh, I'm just not very good at cards," Lana said quietly.
     "Anytime.  What do you play?"  Kea asked happily.

     The Defiant closed rapidly on Earth.  Commander Sisco relaxed as
they slowed their approach.  He hoped it wouldn't come to blows but if
it did he was more than ready.

     The Enterprise waited with the rest of the fleet.  All
non-essential personnel were evacuated to Earth.  Though that idea
didn't seem all that intelligent the idea was to stop the Death Star
before it fired.  The Galactica arrived and it stationed itself near
Earth.  The rest of the fleet was temporary sent to the far side of the
planet Mars to hide from approaching ships.  It was said that if Earth
went at least they would continue to live.

     Kea leaned back in her seat and looked at her cards.  She knew she
had a bad hand but it was possible to bluff her way through.  She
almost smiled but kept it under control.  On the other side of the
table Starbuck sat smoking a cigar.  He had a big smile on his face and
slid a handful of chips into the center of the table.  Around the table
pilots and crew members crowded the table to watch.
     "Don't worry.  I have a system.  I can't lose!" Starbuck said to
his friends.
     Kea leaned forward sliding chips to the center.
     "Hurry up will you.  I would like to finish this hand before the
Imps get here," Starbuck shrugged and smiled.
     "Careful now, Starbuck.  It looks like she plays for keeps,"
somebody yelled from the crowd.  Starbuck moved some more chips into
the center.
     Janson watched the action from behind Kea.  He didn't have the
full idea of the game but he knew Kea was not making a bright move by
continuing.  He did however feel that the game would end in a way that
would make nobody happy.  That meant that the Imperials would likely
interrupt the game.  Kea and Starbuck continued pilling chips down in
the center.  Then it hit Janson.  They were both bluffing!  Neither
wanted to be the first to lay their cards because they were both
thought they would lose.  Then Janson noticed Starbuck twitch.
     "All right.  Let's see what you have."  He laid his cards.  Kea
smiled and put hers down on the table.  They were the same.
     "Draw," Janson mumbled.
     "What would you expect from a Starbuck?" Kea laughed.

     The Cylon Baseships closed rapidly on the system.  They also
started receiving signals.  The entire section of the galaxy seemed to
be full of humans.  The Thirteenth colony.  It had to be.  Baltar
couldn't wait to reach Earth.  Then the destruction of humanity would
be over.

     Janson was watching another hand when suddenly he knew something
was wrong.  He started moving just as an alert sounded.
     "Every one to your fighters.  It has begun," he announced and he
took off for the hangar.  He could hear the foot steps of people
following him.

     The Imperial fleet exited hyperspace near Earth.  There was a
collision as a Star Destroyer slammed into a small starship.  The
Federation vessel was crushed and the Star Destroyer suffered hull
damage and several hull breaches.  Immediately fighters swarmed over
the Federation vessels.  The small TIE's were nimble enough to avoid
the phasers in theory.  The problem with that is if the pilot spent all
his time dodging then he couldn't get a shot off.  TIE's were sliced to
pieces by the phasers.  Four X-Wings and several squadrons of Vipers
entered the fray and started wiping out TIE's.  However the numbers
were so one sided in fighters that for every six TIE's lost the
Galactica lost a Viper.  Those numbers didn't seem bad except that it
was over ten to one odds to begin with.

     "Janson, brake right," Kea called out.  Janson did as he was told
and the cockpit lit up as Kea vaporized the TIE fighter.
     "Thanks Eight.  We have to move towards the Death Star.  It's our
only hope."
     "There's too many fighters at this time.  We have to wait until
things clear up," Spectrum said quickly.  An explosion rocked Janson's
fighter as another TIE blew up.
     "We may not have time on our side."

     Captain Vannon was impressed.  They had lost three Star Destroyers
so far but the Federation had lost several starships.  He had never
seen anything like the dark cruiser that was taking on two Star
Destroyers.  The Romulan records didn't have any information either. 
The ship tossed an impressive weapons arsenal against a Star Destroyer. 
The Imperial ship was shredded against the big guns.  It then focused
on the second Star Destroyer.
     "Sir!  Sensors report two massive ships heading this way.  They
are launching fighters!"
     "Send ten squadrons after those fighters.  Also send TIE bomber
squadron Beta in to soften up those cruisers."

     Admiral Harov was impressed by the way Captain Vannon handled the
situation.  From his seat on the Death Star he could see everything. 
He realized now was the time for action.
     "Target one of those new arrivals with the superlaser and fire."
     "Yes sir."

     The Death Star fired its massive cannon and the beam passed over
the Federation and Klingon cruisers.  Captain Picard flinched as the
beam past the Enterprise.  Though it hadn't touched the ship the
Enterprise was scared by the blast.  A large carbon streak marked the
saucer section where the beam had passed.
     "Sir!  The blast destroyed a Cylon Basestar," Worf announced.
     "Where did the Cylons come form?" Picard asked.
     "Doesn't matter that much does it sir?  The Imperials are going to
be wasting fire power on them leaving us open for maneuvering," Riker
said happily.

     "Did you see that?  Boom one hit!" Starbuck yelled.
     "Yeah but once the Cylons are gone the Galactica might be next!"
Apollo yelled back.
     "Phrack!  Those Cylons are busy with the TIE's.  Let's move in to
get that Death Star!" Starbuck replied.
     "This is Knight squad.  We need some cover to hit the Death Star's
main reactor.  Any volunteers?" a voice said over the radio.
     "Blue squadron, give the X-Wings some cover," Apollo ordered.
     "I had to say something," Starbuck said solemnly.

     "What in Kobol was that?" Baltar yelled.
     A Cylon centurion turned.  "A high powered laser."
     Baltar grimaced at the thought of that.  "Where did it come from?"
     "Sector zero-zero-one."
     Baltar looked at the screen.  The only thing there was a moon.  He
began to get readouts from the moon.  High population of humans and it
was metal and powered.  There also was a massive energy build up.  A
green line fired and converged together.  The beam flew directly for
his Basestar.  Baltar never had a chance to order evasive maneuvers.

     "We have to move now!" Janson ordered.  "All ships provide cover
for the fighters.  Once we're in you have to give us some time.  Keep
them busy."  Janson raised the ships nose to avoid a disabled TIE
fighter.
     "Janson.  You're all clear.  The TIE's are being kept busy by the
Galactica's fighters and the Cylons.  We only need to avoid the Star
Destroyers," Kea said flatly.
     "You make it sound so easy Eight," Janson responded.

     "You heard them.  Let's give them some time.  Target that Super
Star Destroyer and move us into point blank range," Commanded Sisco
said.  The Defiant had taken several hits but still had a lot of fight
in it.  The ship maneuvered hard as O'Brien avoided disruptor fire from
the battleship.

     "Damn it!  I said recall two TIE Interceptor squadrons.  We need
them to get those fighters heading for the Death Star," Vannon ordered.
     "Captain!  We have a small Federation starship closing on us.  It
has a massive amount of fire power."
     "Target it with all weapons.  It mustn't be allowed through.  Hold
fire with the turbo lasers until my order."
     "Aye sir."

     "This is too easy," mumbled Sisco.  "O'Brien hard to starboard!"
     The Defiant moved out of the way as the Palpantine unleashed its
massive fire of lasers where the Defiant was.  Several hits tore at the
side of the ship.
     "Shields are down to 37%," Kira announced.
     "Fire quantum torpedoes.  Target their disruptors and lasers."
     The Defiant fired multiple times at the Star Destroyer tearing
through the shields and ripping holes in the hull.  The Palpantine
returned fire but do to the closeness of the Defiant many of the shots
are too late to hit the ship.

     "You're clear to the Death Star.  Good luck in there," Apollo said
hopefully.
     "You too.  I think you'll need it more than us," Janson responded.
     Starbuck moved his ship quickly to avoid fire from behind. 
"Apollo!  We have some faster TIE's on us.  We can't hold them off for
long."
     "I'm on my way."
     Another hit rocked Starbuck's Viper.
    "Make it fast will ya.  I haven't got much ship left."
     The TIE Interceptor was destroyed by a precision hit from another
Viper.
     "I just keep saving you, don't I," replied Boomer.

     A Klingon battle cruiser closed on a Star Destroyer.  It fired
repeatedly at the wedge shaped ship which seemed to absorb the
punishment.  Another Star Destroyer decloaked underneath the Klingon
ship and opened up with all its weapons.  The Klingon cruiser was
obliterated in seconds.  Behind the decloaked destroyer three Romulan
Warbirds decloaked.  Though dwarfed by the Imperial ship they fired
with all their weapons at the back of the bridge.  They blasted through
it then promptly moved at full speed away from the area.

     "Captain Picard.  Nice to see you again," Commander Volurn stated
gleefully.  "We have successfully found friends and made repairs. 
Hopefully we can make a difference."
     "I hope so too Commander," Picard said truthfully.  The Enterprise
was being rocked by a pair of Destroyers.  Worf fired several photon
torpedoes into one destroying part of the ship's forward hull.  It
continued to fire at the Enterprise.  It failed to notice a ship that
was larger in size sneak up behind it.  When the Galactica was fully in
range it opened up and vaporized the Star Destroyer.

     The Defiant was making progress against the Palpantine.  It
systematically destroyed the weapons of the huge ship.  It was also
being helped by Blue Squadron from the Galactica.
     "Get some TIE fighters here now!" Vannon ordered.
     "Sir, our TIE's are currently attempting to get here.  They are
being blasted by those flat fighters, dart fighters and starships.  We
sent them out too far too soon."
     "Inform the Admiral of the situation."
     The Super Star Destroyer's reactor overworked, suddenly took a
volley of quantum torpedoes.  The ship was incinerated in one massive
explosion.

     Admiral Harov glared at the explosion.  He realized things were
falling apart.  "Commander, target Earth.  It's time we finished this."
     "With pleasure sir."  The commander turned to leave then stopped
and turned back towards Harov.  "Sir, we have four X-Wings that have
reached the Death Star.  We have no fighters within range to stop
them."
     "Ready a shuttle after you have Earth targeted.  You and I must
survive if we are to take this galaxy."
     "Aye sir."  The commander sprinted out of the room to prepare the
shuttle.

     "Commander!  The Death Star is targeting Earth!" Tigh gasped.
     Adama looked worriedly at the large station.  "We have to continue
fighting.  It's up to the fighters to take that out."
     The Galactica rocked slightly as it took disruptor fire from a
Star Destroyer.  The Galactica itself was in bad shape but it still
could continue fighting.

     The last of the TIE fighters destroyed the Cylon fighters and
started turning on the Vipers.  They were out matched however and were
sent retreating towards the main battle line where the TIE's were
neatly sliced apart by phaser fire.  Most of the Star Destroyers
suffered severe damage.  The few that hadn't been, were regrouping.

     "We should be thirty seconds out if this tunnel continues.  Oops!" 
Janson veered hard to avoid a sharp bend in the tunnel.  They were now
heading perpendicular to their original course.  "Never mind."

     "We are winning.  Why can't they get that and leave?" Picard asked
himself.  If he knew he probably would have resigned.  The Imperials
were focused on the domination of the galaxy.  Earth was the key to its
victory.  "How long until the Death Star is clear to fire?"

     "Another 45 seconds Admiral," Harov smiled.  He waited and counted
to himself the 45 seconds.  "We are clear Admiral." The commander
turned and ran off the bridge.
     "Fire!"  Admiral yelled then ran off the bridge after the
commander.

     "It's about time!" Kea yelled as the tunnel opened up.
     "I'll take the tower.  Spectrum takes the reactor.  The rest of
you get out of here quick," Janson said calmly.
     "I'm gone," qnnounced Kea.
     Janson fired a pair of torpedoes into the power regulator and
maneuvered to get into another tunnel heading for the surface. 
Spectrum followed by firing a pair of torpedoes into the reactor.  He
followed Janson out of the core.

     The Death Star commenced its firing sequence.  Several of the
lasers refused to work so it only received partial power.  It fired but
the beam wasn't on target and it slammed into a hulk of a Star
Destroyer.  The wreckage was spread across space.  Kea and Lana flew
out of the Death Star and headed towards the Galactica at top speed. 
Janson followed barely a few seconds later.  Spectrum found his cockpit
getting steadily lighter.  He looked over his shoulder and wished he
hadn't.  He moved all the power he had into his engines in vain hope to
get clear before the fire ball caught up to him.  He could see space
ahead of him but he could also feel the turbulence caused by the
explosion.
     "I wonder if this is how Cobak felt," he mumbled.  The X-Wing sped
out of the tunnel but the explosion sent the fighter tumbling.

     In the hangar Admiral Harov sat in the Lambda shuttle and started
to rise it off the deck.  He felt the commanders hand touch his arm.
     "Do you hear something Admiral?" he asked.  Before Harov could say
anything the hangar exploded in a furious fire ball.  The shuttles
ashes were thrown into space.

     "That got it!"  Starbuck yelled admiring the explosion.  The Death
Star tore apart and large pieces of it flew through space.

     "Captain, I am picking up three of the four fighters.  The fourth
seems to have been lost," Worf said quickly.  He quickly corrected
himself.  "The fourth one has just been thrown clear of the explosion. 
It has suffered massive damage and its engines are overloading."

     Spectrum started to lose consciousness.  The systems sparked in
front of him as they shorted out.  He could feel the ship shudder as
its engines overloaded.  He could hear a faint hum over the noise of
the engines.  The X-Wing exploded into tiny pieces.
     "Spectrum respond," Janson pleaded.
     "This is just where we came in," Kea said loudly.
     "Except this time we have wreckage," Janson said depressed.
     "What?!?"
     "He didn't make it."

     The remaining Star Destroyers jumped to hyperspace and escaped. 
That left the severely battered alliance floating over Earth alone. 
Many starships floated lifelessly by battered Star Destroyers.

     "What a waste," Picard mumbled to himself.  He left the bridge of
the Enterprise and headed for his quarters.

     Janson, Kea and Lana went toward the bar on the Galactica.  They
were almost refused landing clearance because of the damage to the
massive ship had knocked out several hangars.  The crew was exhausted. 
Janson peered down one hall to see a fire blazing with damage control
trying to contain it.  Janson sniffed at the smoke as he walked past. 
He seriously thought of staying in this galaxy to get out of war.  He
had enough deaths under his command.  He entered the bar and collapsed
into a chair.  Kea went got some drinks while Lana flopped down and
laid her head in her hands.  Janson looked around and noticed Starbuck
and Apollo with a few other pilots.  Jasnon figured they to had lost
friends in the battle.  For them it had come to a happy ending.  They
had successfully found Earth.  The only thing he had found was that he
still wasn't prepared to lose pilots.  Too many had died.  Kea returned
and handed Janson a glass.
     "No alcohol for us."  She slid a glass to Lana then sipped her
drink.
     "Well?"  Lana asked.
     Janson nodded.  He raised his glass.  "In memory of those who died
in order to restore freedom."  He took a drink and Kea and Lana did
likewise.
     "Why are you so glum?" a familiar voice asked.
     Janson jumped.  "Dave!  But how?"  Janson stared at Spectrum in
disbelief.
     "The Enterprise used its transporters.  They have matter
transportation technology.  My ship was out of control and systems were
over loading.  Just before I blacked out they pulled me out of my
fighter.  I was lucky."
     "Look, you're going to be like Wedge Antilles.  Now you have a
Death Star kill.  Not to mention numerous other ships."
     "I don't know guys but I think I would rather wait a few months on
this side before returning.  I think we deserve the rest," Kea said
cheerfully.  The three other pilots nodded their heads in agreement.

     Adama's Journal
     Earth.  The legends were true.  We have made it against incredible
odds.  As Commander Thanas says it's not that odds aren't what makes
things possible.  It is you and your actions.  He has also sent an
application to me to stay on temporarily as part of the ships
complement of fighters.  I don't see why a man like that would want to
but I have accepted it.  The Federation feeling that they owe us are
arranging to find a planet for us to colonize.  They are also
replicating new parts and fighters to get the Galactica ready to defend
herself against future Cylon attacks.  The council are deciding whether
to send an application to join the Federation.  I believe that we may
actually find peace from the Cylons.

     Captain's Log - Supplemental
     The remaining Star Destroyers are being hunted down by the Romulan
survivors.  Commander Volurn has said that the survivors of Romulus
will commence negotiations with the Federation.  The Klingon Empire has
even seemed willing to accept their peace proposal.  The Romulans
timing in the battle had saved many Klingon warriors.
     The Galactica has started repairs and its colonists are waiting
for coordinates for a planet they can colonize.  I have recommended
that Commander Adama send an application to join the Federation.  Also
the pilot we saved from the other galaxy has safely returned to the
Galactica.  I assume for a few months he will become something of a
hero to the people of Earth.  As will the Enterprise for saving the
pilot who destroyed the Death Star.  I look forward to the next time I
meet them.

The End