From: ccchu@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Conrad Chihta Chu)
Subject: More Than a Chance Meeting 

Over a year and a half ago a thread about fighters and carriers versus
the Enterprise were raised.  Now more recently the same topic has come back.
Previously I had written an outline of a story for my interpretation of those
arguments and results.  The following story is a recently completed work
based on that outline.  No copywrite infringements were intended.  The use
of characters belonging to Paramount Communications Inc, Glen A. Larson
Productions, and Lucasfilm Ltd were borrowed for contrast and were very
integral to the arguements and solution written into the story.  Reprinting
of this story is permitted by this author so long as name and disclaimer,
(this message) are appended.
Comments and Congratulations are welcome.
It is after all nearing the end of an academic semester.
    Conrad C. Chu

Star Trek: The Next Generation    Star Wars    Battlestar Galactica

             More Than a Chance Meeting
                        by
                   Conrad C. Chu

Players in this drama/fiction
Enterprise-D
Romulan Warbird
Rebel Transport(2)
Rebel Light Cruiser
Councilor Ship
Star Destroyer(2)
Battlestar Pegasus
Cylon Basestar(2)
Numerous Fighters

Opening 

     Captain's log: The Enterprise has been dispatched to the Neutral Zone to
investigate an unusual report of a nebulous cloud transversing the length
of the Neutral Zone.  Starfleet Headquarters wants the Enterprise to
determine whether this phenomenon is a natural one or not, and if not
whether the Romulans are behind it.

     "Captain, we have arrived at the designated coordinates," said Data. 
     "Good, begin sensor scans of the area," Picard replied.
     "Sensors have detected the cloud but readings are unclear at this
distance," reported Worf.
     "Number One, take us in for a closer look"
     "Aye, aye Captain," responded Riker.

     The Enterprise approaches the cloud.  It appears rather nebulous and
dark.  It spans several thousand cubic kilometers.  Suddenly the Red Alert
siren sounds.

     "Mister Data, report!" cried Picard.
     "Sensors detected another vessel approaching from around the cloud,
scanners indicate that the approaching ship is a Romulan Warbird."
     "Worf, open a channel to the Warbird."

     While Worf is attempting to hail the Romulan, the Warbird stops on the
viewscreen, pauses a moment and proceeds to enter the cloud, without a
sound.  The Romulan is no longer in view.

     "Hailing ignored, Romulan has entered the cloud and is no longer
registering on my scanners, sir," reported Worf.  "Ionized gases and metallic
particles of the cloud prevent our sensors from scanning the interior of
the cloud at this time."
     "Your assessment Number One."
     "Can't see that we have much choice, we are on our side of the Neutral
Zone after all, Starfleet did order us to determine the nature of this
phenomena.  I say, go in after them."
     "A bold decision, one that I agree with.  Helm take us in, maintain Red
Alert.  Worf, ready phasers and find me that Romulan."
     "Aye, Sir," Worf replied with a grim grin.
End Opening

Opening
The Rebel Rendezvous at 135.467 by 011.053 has been betrayed.  Several
Rebel ships have gathered to receive information from a Senator to further
the cause of the Rebel Alliance.  There are several transports, frigates,
light cruisers and carriers present, plus numerous Rebel fighters.  Six Star
Destroyers jump in just as the meeting is underway in the Councilor's
Ship.  The first volley disables the Councilor Ship's hyperdrive.  A frigate
drives toward the six Star Destroyers on a collision course.  The frigate is
fired upon massively and disintegrates and exploding right in front of the
Star Destroyers, all scanners facing the explosion are temporarily blinded. 
The Rebels disengage and flee in groups.  The Councilor ship is joined by
two transports and a light cruiser plus several Rebel singleships.  Before
the Star Destroyers can react properly the Rebel units have broken up and
are taking order to leave via hyperspace jump.  Two Star Destroyers pursue
the Councilor's group.  The rest go after Rebels which have just made the
jump to hyperspace.  The remaining rebel group heads toward a dark region
of space, a dense conglomeration of dust and debris.  The Two Star
Destroyers pursue and begin to gain on the fleeing rebels.  The rebels
succeed in entering the dark region without losing any ships to Imperial
fire.  The Star Destroyers undaunted, continue their pursuit of the Rebel
ships.
End Opening

Opening
     One the bridge of the Battlestar Pegasus commander Cain is smiling at
yet another victory and successful raid on a Cylon Supply Depot.  Having
smashed this station the Cylons will have to spend time assembling and
resupplying another one to continue their pursuit of the Pegasus in this
sector of space.  

     "Commander, I've just detected the arrival of two Cylon Basestars on
our scanners, approaching at high speed."
     "Well it took them long enough, waited until we were ladened with our
supplies until arriving, excellent timing," mused Cain.  "How long until
they overtake us if we proceed at only one quarter power?"
     "I estimate we have nearly three centons until they will be close
enough to engage us if we proceed as you indicated," replied the adjutant. 
"They are far too close and aware of our location to attempt to hide using
the camouflage screens."
     "We have to run and escape, the Pegasus is too heavily loaded with
volatiles to risk any engagement until we have time to secure all the
supplies," said Cain, "...excellent planning, I must find this Cylon
commander and personally compliment him on his strategy," he mused.
     "Proceed at one third toward that dark region, once inside perhaps we
can lose them."

     The Pegasus proceeds to flee the Cylons and enter the dark region. 
Without a pause the Cylon Basestars continue to chase the Pegasus into
the cloud.  No fighters are visible yet, but the Basestars are obviously
moving faster than the Battlestar as they enter the nebulous dark cloud.
End Opening

Main Scene
     Space is not black, at least this space the Enterprise finds itself in is
not.  The background appears a rather turquoise color with random streaks
of dark or light.  There in the distance the sits the Romulan Warbird.  It
turns to face the Enterprise, weapons charging.  The Enterprise having
already raised shields locks phasers on the Warbird.  Suddenly the tactical
station beeps a warning, sensors have detected the presence of several
other craft.  

     "Sir, new contacts, from behind the Romulan," reported Worf.
     "On Screen."
     It is the Rebel group fleeing from the Imperial Star Destroyers which
appear on the screen.  Two ellipsoid ships with recessed engine outlets,
one larger blocky craft with what appears to be a hangar entrance and a
smaller yet faster looking craft with large clearly visible engines.  They
are heading right at the Enterprise but the Romulan Warbird lies between
them. Behind them appear two large triangular shaped ships with a tower
or blockhouse on the far end.  The two larger ships begin firing their
weapons at the first group.  Each launches four fighters which streak
ahead, attempting to close with their enemy.

     "Sir, more contacts, bearing 045 mark 13," 
     "Split screen, let's have both on the main viewer."
     Now comes another ship, large and graceful, it appears extremely
massive, probably as much or more than one of the large triangular ships. 
It has three major parts, two outrigger pods ride lower than the main hull
of this monstrous ship.  Its engine housing takes up the rear quarter of
this majestic behemoth.  Behind them appear two circular ships, each a
pair of disks joined by a large but not unduly thick stem.  The Romulan ship
sees these arrivals and decides  to attack the Rebel ships which are
passing very close by and heading toward the Enterprise.  A rebel ship is
lightly damaged and the Romulan decides to fade away and activates it
cloaking device.  

     "Sir, the Romulan has fired on the first arrivals, sensors show light
damage to the approaching ship.  Apparently it has sustained damage prior
to its arrival here." stated Data.  "The other arrival matches the ship
configuration of a Battlestar, one similar to the Galactica, it does not
differ significantly in design from the ship we met earlier, but it
definitely is not the same one."
     "Another Battlestar?  I thought they said they were the last
Battlestar?"  Riker said to no one in particular.
     "Perhaps this ship is a survivor the Galactica crew were unaware of,"
proposed Data.  "It is after all a reasonable possibility that there could
have been survivors and this Battlestar is one of the original twelve."

     Before they can consider to contact the Battlestar, the Pegasus moves
off and fades from view having activated it's camouflage screen.  The
Cylons having arrived late do not appear to notice the existence of the
Pegasus or its timely disappearance.  The rebel ships move to streak past
the point where the Enterprise lies waiting. Most steer clear of the
starship but they are moving to put the Enterprise between them and the
approaching Star Destroyers.

     "I wonder who they are?" asked the crewperson at navigation.
     "No overt offensive actions detected, no weapons locks exhibited by any
of the passing ships... sensors indicate that each of the ships has some
kind of defensive screen and high energy weapons."  reported Worf.  "The
closing ships appear to be one-man tactical fighters.  The larger triangular
vessels are obviously some kind of carrier."
     "Mister Worf, maintain a defensive posture, do not lock phasers on the
incoming ships, let them pass.  Mister Data, scan those incoming fighters,
see what you can learn about them," ordered Picard.
     "Aye Sir" the reply from both.
     
     Four TIE fighters divert and attempt to close with the Cylon Basestars
and examine it.  Two screening Rebel fighters fire on Enterprise just
before they pass.  The shields hold but the shots are felt by those on the
bridge.

     "Sir, enemy fire has reduced the shields by ten percent.  I'm reinforcing
them now.  Each ship fired twice, equivalent firepower...0.25 gigawatts per
volley per ship.  Rather formidable armament for a one-man fighter,"
reports Worf.
     "Any indication of continued hostilities?" asked Picard.
     "No the fighters have rejoined their group.  Communication detected
between the fighters and other ships of the group."
     "It appears they're getting reprimanded for shooting first," stated
Riker.
     "Mister Worf, try to hail the largest ship of the group.  Open a channel,"
ordered Picard.
     "Pursuing ships are closing on our position and are assuming an attack
posture.  Ships are smaller one-man fighters, opening a channel now, sir."

     Before Picard can speak the TIE fighters sweep over the Enterprise,
firing a few shots themselves, aiming at the port nacelle, the fighters
close to near point-blank range and release four quick shots each at the
nacelle.  Shields flare attempting to dissipate the energy.  A small
explosion can be seen emerging from the nacelle.  The Enterprise rocks. 
The TIE fighters continue on toward the Rebel Group.

     "Bridge, this is LaForge, what just hit us?"
     "Close channel Mister Worf, what just happened?" asked Picard.
     "Damage report, port nacelle struck by enemy weapons fire.  Enemy
fired several grouped successive shots against the port nacelle and
succeeded in penetrating the shields there locally.  Warp Drive is off-line."
     "Mister LaForge, what is the status of the port nacelle?"
     "Well it looks like the nacelle has been struck by a phaser but there
isn't any residual particles and the shields are still up albeit only at 50
percent.  The damage to the nacelle will prevent us from entering warp for
a short time, at least until I can compensate for the damage.  The rest of
the shields show nominal."
     "Very well Mister LaForge.  Contact me once repairs have been
completed."
     "Sir we are being hailed."
     "Same ship we tried to contact?" Riker asked.
     "No sir, the transmission is originating from the smallest of the
crewed vessels of that first group.  The one that sustained prior battle
damage."
     "Put it on screen," ordered Picard.

     There on the screen appears an elderly human, apparently a statesman
of some kind, Picard recognizes a fellow diplomat from his proud carriage.

     "Greetings sir, I am Councilor Brennas, I wish to apologize for the
actions of my escorts, those fighters which fired on your ship."
     "I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise representing the
Federation of Planets.  I accept your apology.  Would you care to meet face
to face to discuss our situation?"
     "I'd be happy to Captain, except first we need to deal with the
Imperials."
     "Imperials?  are those the ships which damaged my vessel?
     "Yes, those TIE fighters are currently engaged with my fighter escort,
they come from those Imperial Star Destroyers.  The ones which disabled
my ship."
     "Permit me to contact you later,... once the situation has stabilized."
     "Certainly Captain."

Meanwhile the TIE fighters have disengaged from the Rebel Group, several
Rebel singleships were launched from one of the transports, a converted
carrier.  The TIEs head back to the Star Destroyers seeing that the rebels
clearly outnumber them at the moment.  The other TIE group closes with
the Cylons, but suddenly veer away and leisurely proceed to return to the
Star Destroyers, now slowed and appear to be evaluating the presence of
the two Cylon Basestars.  The TIE retreat, but Cylon fighters are launched. 
Fifteen fighters fly out after the retreating TIE fighters.  The TIEs turn
back and engage the Cylon Raiders.  A quick dogfight ensues, the Cylons
lose eight of their ships very quickly and retreat to their Basestar.  The
TIE fighters also return to their mother ship having only lost one TIE to a
small pinwheel attack.  The Cylon Basestars after recovering their
fighters retreat quite a distance but remain in visual range.  The Star
Destroyers send out four fighters each to establish a perimeter and move
off from where the Enterprise and Rebel ships sit.  A standoff has occurred
and silence descends.

Battle Order
     Commander Cain can't believe his luck.  Having successfully evaded the
pursuing Cylons only to be lost in some strange region of space.  Then he
discovers several ships almost all crewed entirely by humans! 
Unfortunately the Cylons appeared and the timely activation of the
camouflage screen seems to have confused the Cylons.  Certainly Cain is
confused, how come so many humans in this strange region of space?  Who
are these humans?  Are any of them the Thirteenth Tribe?  How do the
Cylons figure into this?  Questions, questions.  I need answers,  I need to
communicate with those other humans.  

     "Flight Officer, ready a Starhound and remote escort.  Minimum
preparedness fighters.  The escorts are clearly expendable and my ship
should be also."
     "Your Ship?" queried the surprised Adjutant.  "Just what do you think
you're going to do?" he asked.
     "Why I'm going to a conference.  Maintain the camouflage screen, do not
launch fighters after me.  The Cylons will pick up that the Pegasus is here
so you need to maintain a low profile.  Move the Pegasus away, initiate an
oscillating helix pattern once I contact you.  Finish storing all those
volatiles.  I figure we need to be ready to go into battle soon, very soon."
     "Yes, Commander,  be careful."
     "Adama is Careful, I'm Crazy" smiled Cain.  "May the Lords of Kobol be
with us."

Picard talks to rebels on audio only.  The Councilor explains their flight
and asks for assistance in escaping the Imperials.  They request time to
repair their ship before hostilities begin and they must eventually fight to
gain their freedom.  Picard agrees.  Asks for a face to face meeting.  The
councilor agrees reluctantly.  Ten minutes.  The Warbird remains cloaked
and undetected.  The Pegasus launches two Starhound fighters, the
Starhound is a small one man ship with a flat aerocraft appearance.  The
ship contacts the Enterprise on a tight angle transmission.

     "Sir we are being hailed by a fighter launched from the invisible
carrier.  Its a tightbeam transmission, audio only," reported Worf.
     "On speaker," replied Picard.  
     "Attention, Attention, I need to speak with the commanding officer of
the ship I'm now approaching.  Please Respond." 
     "Sensors show the pilot of one craft is humanoid the other is a
remotely piloted vehicle.  Probably slaved to the first one...  Weapons
systems do not appear to be enabled on either of the approaching fighters."
     Picard looks at Riker, he tilts his head knowingly, "Might as well meet
the other players here." Riker stated.  Picard looks toward the viewscreen.
    "Open Channel Mister Worf,  This is Jean-Luc Picard, Commander of the
Federation Starship Enterprise, to whom am I addressing."
     "This is Commander Cain.  I request a face to face meeting with you. 
Can you facilitate that.?"
     "Certainly Commander, I'd beam you aboard but perhaps you'd rather
land in our main shuttle bay."
     "Negative, matter transmission is perfect for the circumstances.  I
request that you destroy my ship and its escort after you transport me."
     Riker and Picard exchange confused glances.
     "Please repeat last statement.  You want us to beam you aboard and
then destroy your ship?" asked Picard rather carefully.
     "That is correct.  Trust me, I'm setting my ship on a collision course. 
No further transmission.  Next contact face to face, Cain out."
     "Sir I'm detecting a tightbeam transmission from the fighter to the
point of launch.  The fighters are locked on a collision course with the
Enterprise.  The fighters are not closing overly quickly.  Weapons systems
remain unenergized.  Estimate one minute to optimum transport distance. 
Shall I lock phasers on the fighters?"
     "Yes Mister Worf, lock phasers but do not fire until our guest is aboard. 
Transporter room 3.  Mister O'Brien."
     "O'Brien here Captain, what can I do for you?"
     "Lock transporters on the humanoid in the approaching fightercraft. 
Beam him aboard as soon as its safe.  Signal Mister Worf when you have his
pattern in the transporter."
     "Aye, aye sir, no problem."
     "Mister Worf, prepare tractor beam.  Number One, meet Commander Cain
in the Transporter Room.  We'll save our questions until we can ask them
with our guest."
     "Aye, Captain," acknowledged Riker, "I'll bring him to the main briefing
room."
     "Mister Worf, any sign of explosives or other potentially dangerous
equipment aboard the fighters?"
     "No sir, everything appears normal...Transport verified.  Firing Phasers."

     Two orange beams streak out from the Enterprise's ventral phaser
array, a bit of virtuosity by Worf as both fighters are simultaneously
destroyed.  No wreckage or flotsam escape the expanding sphere of gas.

     Seated at the head of the conference table in the main briefing room of
the Enterprise, Picard stands quickly as the doors open and admit
Commander Riker preceded by Commander Cain.  Worf, Geordi, Troi,
Dr.Crusher and Data are also present.

     "Greetings Commander Cain, I'm Captain Picard, and these are my senior
officers aboard the Enterprise."  Picard introduces Cain to each officer
present.  "I'm sure you have some questions to ask us, but please wait a
moment as another delegation is arriving, that way we spare ourselves
unnecessary repetition."

     Cain takes a seat to the right of Picard's chair.  From the other doorway
arrives the Rebel delegation, led by Senator Brennas.

     "Well met Captain, I'm Senator Brennas, these gentlemen with me are
my assistants."  Brennas pauses a moment, glances at Cain and addresses
him.  "Greetings Sir, I wish everyone here the very best."
     "Commander Cain here has come from the hidden Battlestar which
arrived after you did in this space.  We seem to have met one another under
most combative circumstances," remarked Picard.
     Commander Cain looks askance at Picard, thoughtful about his remark
about the Pegasus.  "Yes Senator, I'm the commander of that warship and
I'm deeply interested in why we are all here."
     "Certainly, why don't I begin the explanations," said Brennas.

     Brennas spends several minutes explaining the circumstances of his
arrival.  How his rendezvous was betrayed and his ship damaged.  The Star
Destroyers represent an oppressive government he is dedicated to
overthrow and restore the old republic.  Picard quickly explains how they
were on a mission to examine an unusual phenomena and how they sought
the Warbird within the cloud.  Picard also remarks that the Romulan ship
is not of his fleet and represents a neighboring spacefaring race.  Cain
stands and addresses the crowd in the briefing room.  He explains that for
several yarhens the Pegasus has been raiding and fighting the Cylons, a
race of lizard-like creatures devoid of any shred of humanity and whose
goal is to wipe out every trace of humanity they can find.  The Cylons
destroyed almost all of his race.  A few humans managed to escape, the
Pegasus continues to fight the Cylons but it is an uphill battle.

     "I'd like to express my apologies to Captain Picard.  When I saw that
your fighters were destroyed by the Enterprise I was quite shocked by that
action," said Brennas to Cain.  "I can guess why you chose to have your
transportation destroyed."
     "Of, course," Riker said, "You wanted to prevent the Cylons from
discovering that you had contacted the Enterprise, but what made you think
we could retrieve you safely while destroying your vessel?"
     "Our scanners showed a large vessel, the Enterprise, with only minor
shuttlecraft capability.  Given the number of human lifesigns and the lack
of hull exits I surmised that matter transmission was a technology both
mastered and employed by your vessel.  Further the number of transparent
surfaces indicated a ship not devoted to conflict, and your lack of
combative response to either the Councilor's forces of those of the
Imperials, indicated to me that I could reasonably approach your ship and
that it would be a better than even chance that I could convince you to take
me aboard."
     "Not that you didn't suceed Commander Cain, but that was a grave risk
you took attempting to contact us.  It is quite fortunate that we have
already encountered other humans of your like, probably ones you once
knew."
     "I can hazard a guess that you were referring to Commander Adama of
the Battlestar Galactica, right?" responded Cain.  "I noticed some unusual
references in our communication that gave rise to my suspicions.  Just
how did the Galactica and her fleet fare?"
     "At our last encounter the Galactica and her fleet were given asylum
within the Federation from the Cylons.  We haven't had any further
opportunity to see what their progress is.  The Galactica failed to mention
anything about the ability to render a Battlestar invisible," spoke Picard.
     "There were basically three major lines of Battlestars, long-range and
duration cruisers like the Pegasus, capital warships with independent
sustainable systems and a command Battlestar for fleet organization, the
flagship.  The Pegasus was the only Battlestar which had operable
camouflage screens when the Cylons destroyed our homeworlds.  The
screens hadn't even been tested prior to that, and were installed over the
objections of Commander Adar, of our flagship.  I ordered the completion
of those systems mere hours prior to that devastating Cylon attack.  I've
dedicated my life to destroying the Cylons, and as far as I know, the
Galactica and Pegasus are all that remain.  
    "Captain if I may, I'd like for you to keep any reference of your contact
with the Pegasus from those survivors."
     "But why would you want us to do something like that?" asked Picard.
     "The Pegasus is not currently battleworthy and I should hope that if the
Pegasus is destroyed that the news not reach the survivors, I'm sure many
assume that the Pegasus was destroyed after our brief encounter with the
Galactica against three Basestars.  But since the Pegasus managed to
disappear entirely without a trace the general populace can't assume that
I've been destroyed.  I've been harassing and hindering the progress of the
Cylons in their pursuit of the Galactica for quite some time now.  I'd like
the people to think or at least have hope that I'm still out there fighting
and winning against the Cylons.  It would be counterproductive to inform
them that I was destroyed or that I survived.  If you report that I was
destroyed at this battle then the populace will lose faith.  If you inform
them I'm still alive and well, there will be those who would insist that an
effort be made to recover my forces and bring them back to the whole. 
This I fear is extremely counterproductive as the only ship capable of
doing so would be the Galactica and I cannot ask that of Adama to abandon
his fleet to come searching in some vain rescue attempt to find me.  So I
ask you Captain, should you have further dealings with the Galactica or her
survivors that you refrain from mentioning me.  I suspect that I'll
eventually find my way to your normal space, but first I have a job to do
and your silence will allow me to keep doing it as best I can."
     "I understand Commander Cain, I'll do my best to see your request is
carried out.  First I'm curious about the ship you came in, it looked like a
Viper but it certainly wasn't.  Can you enlighten us about your situation
some more?" asked Picard.
     "Certainly, the majority of the Pegasus' fighterpower is in remote
piloted Starhounds.  We discovered an old supply depot with hundreds of
out of date Starhounds, preserved along with supplies and munitions.  We
determined is was an old resupply and manufacturing facility, abandoned
once the Battlestar program was started.  We modified those old fighters
into remotely guided fighters with some on-board command capability. 
These old fighters represent the bulk of the fighter squadrons we have
aboard.  In addition we have several modified Vipers, now Super-Vipers
which are improvements on the design the previously mentioned. 
Super-Vipers are crewed by pilots but are seldom used as those pilots also
represent the guiding force for the remote Starhounds.  The modifications
made to the remote Starhounds make them as maneuverable as the Viper is
while the Super-Viper is even more so, greater firepower, range and
speed."
     "It sounds like you would have no difficulty becoming battle-ready
Commander, so why the comment that the Pegasus is not battleworthy at
the moment?" asked Brennas.
     "Well the Cylons caught us right after we had loaded volatile supplies
we captured from their resupply depot.  What I've got aboard the Pegasus
will keep her in fuel and replacements for more than a yarhen. 
Unfortunately those supplies have not been properly stored yet, and cannot
be totally safeguarded since the Pegasus lacks secure facilities to house
all those supplies.  One lucky shot and the whole Battlestar could go up."
     "A nasty situation I agree, how long until you can be reasonably secured
for battle, Commander?"
     "I believe that once I return the Pegasus will be as ready as she'll be
for battle Captain."
     "Councilor Brennas can you enlighten us about the Imperials?"
     "Certainly Capt--"
     WHEEP-WHEEP-WHEEP
     "Red Alert, Red Alert, Captain to the Bridge!"

     The bridge crew rush out of the conference room and onto the Bridge,
quickly replacing the standby crew at their stations.

     "Situation report!" 
     "The Imperial Star Destroyers are advancing toward the Enterprise. 
They've  launched a dozen fighters as a vanguard of their approach.  Those
fighters will be in firing range is just under a minute sir," replied the
crewperson at navigation.  "The councilor's forces are standing to behind
the Enterprise.  Fighters have not been launched yet."
     "Helm, one quarter impulse toward the fighters.  Contact the councilor's
ship, tell then we are moving to intercept and that the Councilor will
remain aboard for the length of this action.  Councilor, please take a seat,
you to Commander Cain.  I'm going to try and dissuade those Imperials from
their current course of action.
     "Mister LaForge, what is the status of the warp drive?"
     "Captain, the warp-drive has been jury-rigged and is operational only at
low warp, just give me a moment before you use it though.  Limit the use
to warp four and lower Captain."
     "Captain, the TIE fighters are attacking, shall I return fire?"
     "Lock phasers and fire, low power, shields have priority.  Mister Data
scan those fightercraft and the Star Destroyers, find me a weakness"
     "Aye Sir,"
     "Phaser's firing,... TIE fighter destroyed.  Firing again.. miss?"

     The Enterprise is rocked slightly from the enemy fire.  TIE fighters are
swarming in and making high speed passes at the Enterprises shields. 
Energies glare of the shields as enemy fire strikes them, phasers are
firing at the TIE fighters singly, after just a minute the attack is over. 
The surviving TIE fighters retreat toward the approaching Star Destroyers.

     "Captain, if I may, the Star Destroyers do not have good firing
capability in their rear quarter, if you can manage it that is the weakest
point in their offense," Brennas remarked.  "The TIE are only sub-light,
also."
     "Thank you Councilor.  Helm prepare a course around the Star Destroyers
and bring us onto their stern quarter.  Ready Photon Torpedoes, Engage."

     The Enterprise jumped into warp heading toward the Leading Imperial
Star Destroyer.

     "Sir, the enemy ship has repelled the TIE attack and has jumped into
hyperspace.  No longer registering on my scanners sir."
     "Sir, the TIE are returning to our position, shall I order them to hold?"
asked the second officer.
     "All sensor operators, report anomalies of the enemy jump.  Order the
fighters to continue to return.  Find me that ship."

     The Enterprise after just a few moments emerges from warp space
behind the leading Star Destroyer,  phasers fire, aiming at the engine
exhaust ports of the Star Destroyer's main engines.  Deflectors flare but
are caught unprepared.  A single photon torpedo is launched.  Explosions,
minor ones compared to the size of the Star Destroyer emerge from the
stern of the ship.

     "Excellent shooting Worf, damage assessment."
     "Enemy ship has sustained moderate damage to port side main engine
assembly.  Acceleration stopped, engine output minimal.  Maneuverability
assessed to be one third or less of normal," replied Worf.  "Defensive
systems are now fully operational but appear to hinder the
maneuverability of the Star Destroyer.  Second Star Destroyer
approaching."
     "Very good mister Worf,.. Data takes us away from the approaching Star
Destroyer, back to the Councilors' group.  Avoid the approaching Imperial
fighters, Warp two, engage."

     The Enterprise warps away leaving a bemused Star Destroyer
Commodore and crew behind.  The Star Destroyer suffered only minor
damage, engine power being quickly restored in only fifteen minutes time. 
The other Star Destroyer meanwhile stops it's advance on the Rebel
Position and takes position perpendicular to the orientation of the
damaged Star Destroyer, covering its rear quarter.

     "Damage assessment," snapped the Captain.
     "Sir the enemy vessel displayed unexpected maneuverability and
aggression in it's attack.  It successfully maneuvered through the TIE
fighters, and somehow managed a hyperspace jump onto our stern, fired
some kind of plasma stream and guided torpedo and damaged the port
engine sir.  Sir the engine will be operational in roughly fifteen minutes. 
The Commodore wishes to speak directly to you."
     "Continue damage repair, pull all records of the enemy ships activities,
have tactical section give me a summary and analysis in twenty minutes. 
Continue observation of the other ships.  I don't want anymore surprises
Lieutenant, do I make myself clear?"
     "Yes Sir, very clear Sir!"

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar the events have taken on a different
meaning.  The Imperious Leader is pleasantly surprised at the
effectiveness of the enemy ship against another over twice its size.  Into
the audience chamber approaches an IL series robot, a humanoid shape with
conical top, flashing lights loop through the forehead, and slanted glowing
red lights flow back and forth, where the eyes would be on a human.

     "By your command, Imperious Leader."
     "Your report, Cylon."
     "The enemy ship which attacked the Triangular Cruisers displayed
unusual maneuverability and precise firepower during its engagement. 
Such acceleration was estimated as possible but not likely given the scan
of its propulsion units.  My estimation is some kind of space distortion
field is responsible for the unique motive effectiveness.  The plasma
stream was extremely focused.  The effective range seems as great as our
ion cannons this Basestar is armed with.  However, our scans also indicate
the ship is powered by both fusion and antimatter reactions. 
Anti-Hydrogen to be precise.  The estimated power generation is nearly
equal to our own.  Anti-Hydrogen is probably the source of the plasma
stream the ship used against the other one.  Further observation indicates
automated target acquisition by the ship.  Firepower was directed by a
single intelligence.  Enemy ships were singled out and attacked effectively
on a one to one basis.  The hull of the ship also appears to have several
openings and does not seem equipped with energy plating or laser armor,
instead an energy shield is used to repel attacks.  The effectiveness is not
yet known but the concentrated firepower of the other fighters managed to
penetrate and damage the port cylinder, where the hydrogen collector is
located.  Overall an inconclusive analysis but I estimate the ship can be
beaten by our forces.  However signs of the Pegasus have not been
discovered.  She maintains a camouflage screen and we have not detected
any anomalous emissions...."
     "And your analysis of the Triangular Ships?"
     "The Triangular ships appear to employ ion engines similar to our own,
they used armor and shielding which are also similar.  Their doctrine
seems to be also quite similar, fighters serve to engage the enemy first
while the carrier is reserved for heavy close in combat.  However the ships
appear to have manned fire control stations.  Several individual units
operate each gun independently.  Firepower is limited, range of the
weapons employed to date are extremely short ranged.  Automation
appears limited.  Surprise played an important role in the success of the
attack.  Shielding in the rear area was extremely low at the time of the
attack.  The ships do not engage their screens because it interferes with
their propulsion systems.  Given their size and maneuverability, their
fighter complement is much smaller than our own but the manned craft
have extreme high speed maneuverability our Raiders cannot match.  The
craft is manned with human lifeforms, Imperious Leader."
     "The other ship too was crewed by humans?"
     "Yes, Imperious Leader, the attacking ship contains several hundred
humans, but few are required given the automation detected onboard.  No
fighters are expected, insignificant shuttle capacity.  Manned vehicles are
clearly a secondary system of transportation.  Their primary one is
speculated to be direct matter transmission."
     "Your plan, then.."
     "If we could swarm the ship with our fighters we could manage to
render the defense screen the ship employs inoperative with several
Solonite loaded fighters.  One element in each unit of three is loaded for
such work.  We could then board the capture the vessel.  Atmosphere
requirements could be ignored and hull breaches can be made to disorient
the humans and make takeover of the ship easier, except..."
     "Go on Cylon, except What?"
     "Imperious Leader, we cannot hope to surround such a maneuverable
ship, boarding it would be extremely difficult, it would need to be crippled
before we could send enough transports over to it to conduct a successful
boarding action.  Further our crews are alert for our engagement with the
Pegasus, our primary mission is to destroy the Pegasus Imperious Leader."
     "Do not seek to remind me of My mission, Cylon.  Continue our patrols
for the Pegasus, ready all warriors for battle, have a transport wing
prepared for a boarding opportunity.  After we destroy the Pegasus we can
worry about capturing this maneuverable enemy craft.  It can't leave nor
can we."
     "Yes Imperious Leader,... By your Command..."

     "Captain, your report," asked the Commodore of the Imperial Star
Destroyer, Indomitable.  "What have you learned about the ship you
attacked, which managed to disable your Star Destroyer so easily."
     "Commodore, after reviewing the combat records we discovered that
the enemy ship can be tracked in its FTL flight mode."
     "Oh,... how Captain."
     "Sir, the enemy ship emitted gravitons when employing its FTL drive,
consequently those emissions can be detected once the scanners are
calibrated to monitor and track gravitons.  We will not be surprised again
Commodore."
     "Very good, I'll detail a similar scanner upgrade for the Indomitable. 
Continue.."
     "Yes Commodore, the enemy vessel appears to operate a space
distortion propulsion system.  Using this system, its fusion drives can
accelerate the craft and maneuver it much more nimbly than any ship save
a light corvette or smaller.  However we theorize that the sub-light drives
would be incapable of breaking a full tractor lock, as the distortion
system lightens the load of the ship so the engine doesn't need to work as
hard, the power of a Star Destroyer should be sufficient to hold the ship
and possibly board it."
     "Interesting Captain, how do you propose we do so?"
     "If we can manage to disable its sublight drive we could then approach
and tractor it toward the docking bay and once secured we can cut through
the hull and attempt a boarding action."
     "Fine, just how do we create such an opportunity, Captain?"
     "Send two thirds of our fighters out to attack the Rebel forces, only
order the fighters to ignore the rebels once the Saucership engages them. 
Order concentrated attacks against their sub-light propulsion systems. 
Their shielding system is different than ours, and can be brought down
with sufficient firepower, magnitude is unimportant."
     "Very good Captain.  Any further information about the Saucership?"
     "Commodore, the Saucership has excellent fire-control systems, mostly
automated.  Power systems are anti-hydrogen and fusion powerplants. 
Power output is significantly lower than our ion powerplants, however
their energy management appears to be at least a magnitude greater than
our own aboard our Star Destroyers.  Defensive screens are slightly better
than our own, but are automated.  Overall the Saucership can outmaneuver
our Star Destroyers, fire with greater accuracy, and outrun and outgun our
fighters.  Our best shot is to disable its drive systems and attempt a
boarding action.  We do not have sufficient heavy weaponry available to
disable the Saucership ourselves.  Fighters must close to point-blank
range and penetrate their defensive screens before they compensate."
     "Very Well Captain."
     "Commodore, one more thing."
     "Yes, Captain?"
     "The ship does not conform to military design, it has more crew than it
could possibly need to run its automated systems.  The surface is not
covered with armor or impact plating instead several transparent openings
are clearly visible.  The ship also does not appear to have significant
shuttle capability.  I suspect they utilize matter transmission technology."
     "Matter transmission is forbidden!  Such information may not be
allowed to fall into the Rebels hands.  Research of such technology has
been stopped as a matter of policy, since the days of the Old Republic. 
We'll have to be extremely careful when boarding them.  Any suggestions?
     "Sir if we could modify our defensive screens to match the frequencies
their own shields block, we should be reasonably safe from their matter
transmission devices."
     "Excellent Captain.  Proceed as planned."
     "Thank you Commodore."

     "Time to get you back to your ship Councilor," said Picard.  "You should
return to your people to explain what is going on here."
     "Certainly, I was about to suggest that idea myself.  Thank you Picard,
may we all prevail through this trial."
     "Number One, escort the Councilor and his group back to the shuttle
bay."
     "Certainly Captain, ...  This way gentlemen."
     "And what are we to do with you Commander?" asked Picard addressing
Commander Cain.  "How do we return you to your ship without exposing the
contact to the Cylons?"
     "I don't think we can avoid that, nor will it matter soon.  The Cylons
will have learned by now that this ship is crewed with human life, and as
it is so crewed then it must be destroyed.  That is the Cylon doctrine. 
Total destruction of all human life and knowledge...  
     "Captain, I'd like to remain aboard for a while longer, to give my people
more time to finish securing the volatiles aboard the Pegasus."
     "Certainly Commander, but you haven't mentioned how we are to return
you to your ship?"
     "I'm certain an opportunity will present itself Captain."
     "Would you care to join me as Commander Data briefs us about the
opposition we face?"
     "I'd be delighted Captain."

     Change of scene, Picard and Cain enter the main briefing room, already
seated are Commander Data, Commander LaForge, Doctor Crusher, and
Counselor Troi.  Behind Picard Worf arrives off the Bridge, from the other
side of the room Commander Riker enters.  Data moves to the main
viewscreen to begin the briefing.

     "To begin this briefing I will first describe which units and name them
for reference to this discussion."  The screen lights, we see the Rebel
Group arrive followed by the Imperials.  "These first arrivals are the Rebel
Alliance ships, one Councilor spacecraft, one clearly armed warship,
designate Frigate, and two transports, designate one a carrier.  The
pursuing ships are Imperial Star Destroyers, name supplied by Councilor
Brennas.  Whatever their name they are not exactly warships."
     "Excuse me Data but you said those aren't warships," Riker questioned.
     "That is correct Commander, those ships while military in design do not
fulfil a position consummate with a warship as we use the term.  These
ships are armed with numerous short range energy projectors.  These
weapons are used to knock down the deflection shielding of spacecraft of
their ken.  They do not have significant tactical value beyond short range. 
These Star Destroyers do carry heavier weaponry but not in any quantity to
matter.  Their primary weaponry are manned short range energy projectors. 
The most appropriate role these craft serve is that of a patrol or
interdiction cruiser.  Blockade or Orbital Control are the areas these ships
seem designed for.  Note Star Destroyers are also carriers.  They carry up
to six dozen fighters to assist in its job of controlling space.  The TIE
fighter actually stands for Twin Ion Engine Fighter."  Data pauses for
reflection.
     "Ion Power?  Those puny ships!" growled Worf.
     "Yes Ion Power, each of those ships on the screen utilizes ion
powerplants.  Ion Power is the basis of their energy production systems. 
Consequently by our reckoning they can produce as much or more power
than the Enterprise can."
     "You can't be serious, those tiny ships can out power the Enterprise?"
     "Yes Worf, technically they could but they probably do not.  Those ships
out there are all established designs and the result of engineering
compromises.  They do not need to produce as much power as the
Enterprise to perform their mission.  My analysis indicates that we are
actually fairly evenly matched in terms of energy availability.  While they
produce more power in their powerplants their systems are not as
efficient as ours.  We should be able to hold our own against a Star
Destroyer."
     "Excuse me Commander, but are you aware that our technology is also
based on Ion Power?" Cain asked.
     "I surmised that to be the case Commander, shall I elaborate on that
point now Captain?"
     "Please do Data."
     "As Commander Cain said, the Pegasus' and Cylon technology use Ion
technology to run their ships.  The fightercraft covert Tylium to Solium,
which releases enormous amounts of energy, beyond anything we have ever
seen.  We have devised a theory to explain this, Geordi."  Geordi stands at
his place at the table and addresses the assembly.
     "Everyone here, except possibly Commander Cain understands how
Dilithium works.  Dilithium is an unusual product of nature, it extends
itself into time.  Well as a solid that is well understood, Federation
Scientists have discovered only solid examples of such time-space
phenomena, but if there existed a volatile liquid with time extension
properties, well all bet's are off.  This liquid could extend itself in time
and potentially be reduced to other isotopes.  The Solids we have as
examples of time extended material do breakdown eventually into other
isotopes.  Tylium is probably just such a material,  the energy available is
incalculable.  The Cylons and the Pegasus utilize this fantastic material to
power their ion drives.  Tylium and Solium are dangerous elements, no
telling the power released when sufficient quantity are brought to their
flash point."
     "Solium can be solidified into Solonite a very powerful explosive," Cain
announced.  "As a solid, every molecule touching other similar molecules
converts itself into energy.  Tylium first reduces itself into Solium.  Once
refined and solidified into Solonite, it can be used as the premier military
explosive.  Nuclear fissionable materials do not compare on a mass to
mass basis.  Solonite is many times more powerful. As a liquid the flash
point is reached much more quickly and more controllable, that is what
happens aboard our spacecraft.  Liquid Tylium is reacted to release energy
and Solium is the controlled residual produced from our powerplants.  This
is later processed into solid form for more convenient and secure storage. 
That is why our ships are destroyed so completely.  Energy reacting with
the stored Tylium or Solium, if it reaches its flash point will devastate
everything around it."
     "Thank you Commander Cain.  That was most enlightening.  I shall add
that to the information we have on such materials," Data replied. 
"Continuing with the analysis of the Star Destroyer.  As they appear to be
designed for patrol and interdiction each are equipped with several
powerful tractor beams.  Their strength is unknown.  In summation, we
have a carrier, with several agile sub-light fighters.  Short range ship to
ship weaponry and numerous gun emplacements around the ship except for
the stern.  Tractor capability and energy to match the Enterprise."
     "Sounds like a tough fight, but we do have some advantage right Data?"
     "That is correct Commander Riker,  The Star Destroyers themselves are
not very maneuverable for equivalent massed ships in Starfleet.  They have
long turning radii and time when compared to the Enterprise.  Given an
equal situation without surprise and only sub-light maneuvering the
Enterprise could easily evade a Star Destroyer with only one third impulse. 
The Enterprise could easily control the range and aspect of any engagement
between a Star Destroyer in a sub-light combat.  Maximize our weapons
effectiveness and minimize theirs."
     "Any Questions?" Picard asked those seated at the table.  "Proceed
Data."
     "The Cylon Basestar is also a carrier or fightercraft platform.  The
majority of its effectiveness depends on its fast attack craft.  Each
Basestar can carry over two hundred small craft.  Most are fighters but
transports for ground assault could also be part of the complement.  While
there are several fighters aboard, each Basestar is also armed with
several medium range energy projectors.  These projectors are much larger
and have many times the effective range of a Star Destroyers multiple
manned guns.  However the Cylon Basestar cannot employ all of its heavy
energy projectors at once.  Nor is the effective firepower exceptionally
great.  A Basestar would have much difficulty destroying another like
craft unless a critical area were struck."
     "Like the Tylium fuel tanks," Geordi announced.
     "Yes, those fuel tanks hold that volatile fuel but fortunately are fairly
well defended.  It would take quite a bit of damage to breach the armor
sufficiently to allow any serious shot to penetrate with enough energy to
detonate the Tylium stored," Cain said.  "Captain be advised, the Tylium
tanks are huge, for safety.  This means that all the Tylium must reach its
flash point before all of it will detonate or liberate its energy.  Such an
event is catastrophic if uncontrolled.  Such is how several Battlestars
probably met their fate.  You would not want to be anywhere near the
location of that much Tylium being converted into energy and Solium,
which in turn could also be converted into explosive energy."

     A thoughtful pause at the briefing table.

     "Thank you Commander Cain, I shall keep that in mind," Picard said. 
"Data, continue the briefing."
     "The Cylons do not appear to have tractor technology nor matter
transmission capability.  We can assume that those factors favor us in an
engagement.  The Basestar does have extensive layers of armor and impact
shielding including rudimentary energy and particle screens.  The extent of
firepower which is needed in order to breach the defensive shielding
cannot be determined.  It will however take much of the Enterprise
weaponry to achieve such an effect.  Previous close combat favored the
armored Basestar in a prolonged engagement.
     "In summary the Basestar is a carrier platform for faster attack craft,
wielding equivalent medium to short range energy weapons and having
sufficient armor to withstand several direct hits of either Phasers or
Photon Torpedoes.  However the Basestars are like the Star Destroyers,
both are not nearly as maneuverable as the Enterprise.  Without surprise
and a sub-light engagement, the Enterprise is also favored in combat."
     "However, there are two Basestars out there as well as two Star
Destroyers,"  Doctor Crusher announced.  "It seems that we are a little
overmatched except for our maneuverability."  Pause.  "What do you think
will happen?"
     "Well Doctor, it shall depend on what everyone else does.  The
Enterprise's mission is exploration not warfare.  While we do find
ourselves in a hostile situation we can only hope to extricate ourselves
without causing undue harm," Picard said.  "Commander Cain, do you know
where your vessel is right now?"
     "Yes Captain I do.  You have something in mind?" 
     "We need to get you back to your ship as covertly as possible. 
Unfortunately our transporters are of limited range..." 
     "But, Captain?" Cain asked.
     Riker smiles for a moment, "But our transporters are not overly large
either."
     "You mean that your shuttlecraft have matter transmission capability?"
asked Cain, astonished.  "You could transmit me from one of your auxiliary
craft back to the Pegasus?"
     "Yes Commander we can."
     "Incredible."
     "Commander Data, will you see to it?"
     "Certainly Captain, I shall prepare a shuttlecraft immediately."  Data
gets up from his seat and leaves the briefing room.
     "Now all we need is an opportunity..."
     "Bridge to Captain Picard."
     "Picard here."
     "Sir the Cylon Basestars have increased their sortie rate and appear to
be assembling their fighters for an attack."
     "On my way, Picard out.  Gentlemen if you please."
     "It appears an opportunity may be at hand," Cain said as everyone leaves
the main briefing room and heads for the Bridge.

Begin Battle

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar an IL series robot reports to the Imperious
Leader.

     "By your command, Imperious Leader."
     "Your report, Cylon."
     "Our scanners have detected an anomaly in the space between our
vessels and that of the Saucership.  This anomaly is presumably the
Pegasus.  Additional fighters have been launched to take up perimeter
stations around the anomalous region.  Within one centon we can launch all
the remaining attack craft and strike at the hidden Pegasus."
     "Excellent Cylon, see to it that the other ships do not aid the Pegasus."
     "By your Command."

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Ambassador the activity of the Cylons does
not go unnoticed.  Flight crews are busy readying fighters for action,
gunners are standing around nervously awaiting their next order, the
command crew are pouring over the latest intelligence about their
adversaries..

     "Sir, the Discships have increased their sortie rate and appear to be
assembling their fighters for an attack."
     "Sound the Alert, all hands to combat stations.  Pilots to their ships,
all hands are to ready for combat."
     "Yes Sir!"
     "Instruct the Flight Leaders that their primary objective is to cripple
the propulsion system of that Saucership, it is an even higher priority than
destroying rebel forces.  Order them engage the Rebels and once the
Saucership comes to assist the Rebels, to have the TIE's attack and disable
the sub-light drive system of that Saucership."
     "At once Captain," answered a Lieutenant.  He runs of to carry out his
orders.
     "Inform the Interceptor Squadrons that they will launch under specific
orders.  They are to be retained until later in the engagement."
     "Yes Sir."
     "Sir the Saucership has launched a shuttlecraft and it is heading away
from the Discships."
     "Is that ship heading for the Rebel forces?" the Captain asked.
     "No sir, the ship is heading away from all detected ships."
     "Sir, scanners now detect an anomaly within the volume patrolled by
the Discship's fighters.  It could be a cloaked vessel.."
     "Excellent, Launch the TIE Squadrons now."

     Aboard the Enterprise Captain Picard watches the Roddenberry proceed
toward its rendezvous with the Pegasus.  

     "Sir the Imperials have launched four dozen TIE fighters.  The fighters
are assembling into formations and holding patterns around their
carriers," Worf reported.  "The Cylons have finished forming their fighters. 
Sensors detect over four hundred fightercraft now launched."
     "Thank you Worf.  Helm keep us between the Shuttlecraft and the Cylons
and Imperials.  Open a channel to the shuttlecraft."
     "Aye Sir."
     "Channel open."
     "Enterprise to Roddenberry, be advised fighters from both carriers have
launched and are prepared to attack.  Suggest you finish your business as
quickly as possible.  Picard out."

     Aboard the shuttlecraft, Cain and Data glance at one another silently.  

     "I guess this is when the fun starts," Cain said enthused.  "Good Luck
Data, and thanks for the lift."
     "Your thanks is appreciated but I have not yet succeeded in transporting
you back to your ship."
     "But I have to say thank you before I leave, I can't very well do that
from the Pegasus," Cain replied mischievously.
     Data pauses for a moment, "Your Welcome Commander Cain.  I wish you
the best of luck as well.  You may proceed to contact your ship, we should
be less than 30,000 kilometers from the Pegasus now."

     Cain taps the keyboard in front of him, a quick flashed signal, followed
by a brief text message already prepared are quickly dispatched. 

     "Okay Data, lock onto the return transmission.  Your reference point
should be a navigation beacon in the flight operations deck.  You can beam
me back to the hangar fairly safely I hope?"
     "Certainly Commander, if your reference point is accurate you will
arrive standing there as if you never left this pad."
     "Good-bye Data.  May we all celebrate after our victory."
     "Energizing.  Victory to you Commander."

     On the flight deck of the Pegasus a shimmering figure materializes. 
Flight officers look on astonished as Cain arrives and leaps for the nearest
Turbolift.

     "All crews to Battlestations, ready fighters!" Cain ordered heading for
the lift and the Bridge.

Out in this region fighters assemble for combat.  The Cylon forces strike
at the hidden ship.  Fighters swarm and attempt to penetrate the
anomalous region.  Explosions are seen in open space.  Space wavers, and
the Romulan Warbird emerges from its cloaking shield.  Fighters swarm
the exposed Warbird.  A fighter impacts the Starboard warp engine. 
Shields are overloaded from the Solonite packed fighter impacts.  The
Warbird lists slightly from the explosion and attempts to move out of the
volume of Cylon fighters.  A Pinwheel attack is in progress against the
Warbird.  Disruptors are firing continuously at the attacking fighters. 
Cylon fighters are quickly being destroyed but more are pressing the
attack.  The shields are visibly buckling and in desperation the Warbird
make a warp jump and disappears from view.

Aboard the Cylon Basestar the an audience is being held by the Imperious
Leader.  An IL series robot advances into the chamber.

     "By your command, Imperious Leader."
     "Your report, Cylon."
     "The hidden vessel was not the Pegasus.  Another vessel had cloaking
capability.  The fighters have damaged this craft but it executed a
hyperspatial jump of unknown type and is presently undetected on our
sensors.  The damage sustained to its propulsion systems should prevent it
from seriously evading our efforts."
     "Divert the fighters, detail several to continue the pursuit and attack
on the ship.  Send our fighters to engage and prevent other forces from
reaching the Basestars."
     "By your command."

     "Sir, the Romulan Warbird has managed to enter warp 1," Worf reported. 
     "Sensors indicate the Warbird sustained some structural damage to the
starboard engine and its shields are considerably weakened by the Cylon
attack." said Riker.  "Sensors track the Romulan bearing 302 mark 200. 
The warp drive is emitting graviton waves pulses.  It will have to leave
warp soon or face a major field imbalance, Sir."
     "Sir, the Imperial TIE fighters are moving to intercept and engage the
Rebel forces."
     "Suggest the shuttlecraft not return to the Enterprise just yet," Riker
said.
     "Sir, the Cylons have launched fighters toward our position and toward
the Imperials," Worf announced.  "The Warbird has dropped from warp. 
Sensors indicate the warp drive and impulse drive have sustained damage. 
Cylon fighters are attempting to close with the Warbird.  Estimate Cylons
at our position in ten minutes, Imperial fighters will engage the Rebels in
five."
     "Very good Mister Worf."
     "Sir, the Imperials are launching more fighters.  Fighters are
assembling and currently are in holding patterns.  Some elements of the
first wave appear to be breaking off and attempting to intercept the
shuttlecraft."
     "Open a channel to the shuttlecraft."
     "Channel open."
     "Enterprise to Roddenberry.  Picard here.  Fighters from the Imperials
and probably the Cylons are attempting to close on your ship.  TIE fighters
will shortly engage us or the Rebel forces.  Do not return immediately. 
Observe and avoid capture."
     "Orders understood.  Will rendezvous later.  Business has been
concluded.  Data out."
     "Sound Red Alert.  All hands to stations."
     "Sir, the Cylon fighters have changed course.  The majority are heading
toward the shuttlecraft's previous location.  Others are engaging Imperial
and Rebel forces.  A group of fighters are holding between our positions. 
Imperials are now within firing range.  They appear to be heading for the
Rebel forces.  Rebels have scrambled their fighters.  A Star Destroyer is
following the fighter wave toward the Rebels.  The other is moving into an
echelon position but directed slight toward the Cylon Basestars."
     "Thank you Worf.  Where is the shuttlecraft now?"
     "Shuttlecraft is holding away from the Rebel fleet and approaching
fighters.  Estimate nine Cylons attempting interception.  Four TIE fighters
are also closing on the shuttlecraft."
     "Shuttlecraft speed Lieutenant?"
     "Shuttlecraft is moving at one tenth impulse Sir.  Moving away from our
position and toward that of the Romulan Warbird."
     "I hope Data knows what he's doing."

     Space is filled with the melee of fighters attacking one another.  Rebel
and Imperial forces clash and seek out weaknesses in each others fighter
pilots.  The Star Destroyers are still advancing and Cylon Raiders have
entered the fray.  Rebel ships are taking a serious pounding as Cylon and
Imperial alike attack anything their weapons can reach.  The Romulan
Warbird, now in normal space is moving off from the battle pursued by
Cylon Raiders.  The Warbird's engine does not appear operational as the
particular greenish glow is not emanating from the starboard engine. 
Cylon fighters are swiftly closing the distance between them and the
damaged Warbird.  Cylon Basestars are maintaining their original distance. 
More fighters from the Basestars are being launched.  The Pegasus is still
not visible to the naked eye.  Ahead of the Romulan a distortion of space
begins to form.  A rift in space opens with the sight of normal stars
shining through.  The Romulan is moving too slowly to reach it before the
Cylon Fighters will be able to engage her.

     "Sir, the shuttlecraft is under attack.  Several fighters are now within
weapons range and are fighting each other and attempting to hit the
Roddenberry."
     "Helm plot an interception course for the shuttlecraft."
     "Aye Captain, course laid in Sir."
     "Sir, sensors now show a spatial distortion in front of the Romulan
Warbird."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen shows the distortion as a sort of portal with stars
against a dark background shining through.  The portal is easily large
enough for any ship present to pass through.

    "Sir, the computer identifies that region within the distortion as space
along the Neutral Zone."
     "Perhaps a way home.  Helm lay in the interception course.  Prepare
photon torpedoes, minimum energy, maximum spread."
     "The Romulan will not make it to the distortion before the Cylons can
engage her."
     "Thank you mister Worf.  Engage."

     The Roddenberry is nimbly avoiding the occasional fighter weapons fire
directed at it.  The Cylons and Imperials are mostly fighting amongst
themselves for the right to fire on the shuttlecraft.  The type 8
shuttlecraft has warp capability and a phaser emitter aboard.  The
Enterprise is on her way.  Before the Enterprise can arrive there are only
two TIE fighters left and only three Cylon Raiders.  The shuttlecraft
suddenly turns aggressively on the Cylon Raiders.  Maneuvering easily and
quickly behind it fires its phaser and destroys the center Raider.  A TIE
fighter gets a good shot off and strikes the shuttlecraft.  The remaining
Cylons split and evade, returning toward their carrier.  The shuttlecraft
shields have been knocked down and guidance of the vessel appears uneasy. 
The shuttlecraft miraculously avoids further damage with a series of gut
wrenching maneuvers for such a craft apparently in distress.  The
Enterprise arrives, fires on a TIE and blows it to space dust.  The
remaining fighter turns away and leaves the scene.
     Aboard the shuttle Data is coping with numerous alarms and sparking
panels.  In short order the shuttlecraft is under control again and is
tractored back into its shuttlebay.

     "Shuttlecraft is safely aboard.  No injuries reported."
     "Thank you Worf.  What is the Romulan Warbird's situation?"
     "The Romulan will be engaged by Cylon Forces in only two minutes. 
Estimate five minutes before it can reach the Portal."
     "Shall we intervene Captain?" Riker asked.  
     "I cannot approve of their destruction.  Helm plot an interception course
with the Cylon Fighters.  Mister Worf, fire a photon spread between the
Romulan and the approaching fighters.  See if you can give the Warbird a
little time, enough for it to escape."
     Worf grumbles a bit but answers, "Aye aye sir.  Torpedoes ready."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain is about to make his move.  The
Pegasus is actually fairly close to the Romulan right now.  The camouflage
screens will soon prove ineffective at such close range, but Cain is
prepared.  Fighters are ready for launch against only a portion of the
Cylon's fighter armada.

     "Flight Officer, ready Alpha and Beta Squadrons.  Have them ready to
launch the moment the Cylons divert away from the pursued vessel and
attempt to attack the Enterprise.  We'll catch them from behind and really
do some harm.
     "Have Gamma and Delta squadrons readied as soon as Alpha and Beta are
away."
     "Yes Sir!"

     The Enterprise emerges from warp near the Romulan Warbird. 
Disruptors are firing back at the pursuing fighters with only marginal
success.  

     "Fire Torpedoes!"
     "Torpedoes away," Worf announced.

     Ten torpedoes emerge simultaneously from the Forward Photon
Launcher.  The streak toward the Romulan Warbird but just barely not on an
interception course.  The photons detonate nearly simultaneously creating
a wall of energy directly between the Romulan and the pursuing Cylon
Fighters.  Several leading fighters headless of the Enterprise's weapons
launch fly into the expanding cloud of gases.  None emerge.  Other more
alert fighters turn away from the explosions and temporarily break off
their pursuit of the Warbird.  Their attention now focused on the
Enterprise.  
     The Imperial Star Destroyers are almost in range to engage the Rebel's
main force, while fighters continue to destroy each other.  The Imperials
are fielding almost twice as many fighters as the Rebels and the
firepower in beginning to tell against the Rebel forces.  Cylon fighters are
engaging any ship they can while the Basestars begin to move toward the
battle between the Imperials and the Rebel ships.

     "Sir, the Cylons has stopped pursuing the Warbird and are moving to
attack the Enterprise.  The Warbird will be able to escape now."
     "How are the Councilor's forces doing Worf?" Riker asked.
     "The Rebels are taking a beating from the Imperial fighters, the Star
Destroyers are also about to enter the engagement."
     "Sir, the Pegasus is decloaking.  She is launching her fighters.  The
Cylons are unaware of her presence and continue on an interception course
with the Enterprise."
     "Sir the Portal is beginning to shrink," the Helmsman announced.
     "Estimate the rate of closure will still allow the Warbird to pass
safely through the Portal." Data announced.  "Cylon fighters are now
engaging the Enterprise, Pegasus fighters are closing on the rear of the
Cylon formation."
     "Helm back us away from the Cylons, one quarter impulse.  Full power
to shields.  Fire photon torpedoes and phasers at will.  Let's cut down the
number of fighters the Pegasus has to handle shall we?"

     The Enterprise flies in reverse away from the Cylons pursuing her. 
Torpedoes and Phasers fire from the Enterprise, scattering the Cylon
formation and eliminating several groups of fighters.  The Starhounds have
caught up with the disarrayed Cylons.  Raiders are being destroyed at will
without a single casualty for the Pegasus so far.

     "Sir the Pegasus is hailing us."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen shifts from the view of the battle in space and focuses
on the aged veteran Cain aboard the Pegasus.  Behind him is the familiar
sight of the Command Center of a Battlestar.

     "Very Good Picard.  I can handle these Cylons for now.  You can go home."
     "Commander Cain, what about your fight?"
     "This is what I do Captain, I live to fight Cylons.  Don't worry about me
and don't forget your promise either."
     "We're not leaving yet, but I won't forget our agreement," Picard
answers with a nod toward Cain on the last spoken word.  "Good Luck
Commander, Enterprise out."
     "Good fortune to you too Picard.  Cain out."

     The viewscreen switches back to the scene of the battle.  The Cylon
fighters are demoralized.  Survivors are fleeing back toward the safety of
the Basestars.  Starhounds are pursuing and destroying stragglers.  The
Pegasus sits out there like the king of space, majestic and triumphant.

     "Helm plot a course to the Rebel forces.  Perhaps we can give them
some relief.  Maintain Red Alert.  Engage."

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar the Imperious Leader is conversing with his
Lieutenant, the IL series robot.  Reports have arrived indicating the loss of
most of the fighters assigned the task of destroying the first cloaked ship,
the presence of the Pegasus is relief of sorts.

     "Your Report Cylon."
     "Imperious Leader, the Saucership came to the aid of the cloaked
vessel.  Because we did not expect this development we sought to satisfy
the secondary objective and disable the Saucership.  Unfortunately the
Pegasus chose that moment to surprise our forces and ambush them from
behind... Resulting in the decimation of most of the fighters involved in
that action.  However now that the Pegasus has shown itself, we can
continue to track it, rendering its camouflage screen useless.  Fighters can
be assembled to assault the Pegasus at your order."
     "What of the Saucership now?"
     "The Saucership is now heading to assist the other forces they
contacted earlier against those which sought and managed to damage it
earlier.  Many of our remaining fighters are involved in that conflict.  The
transport squadron already launched and awaiting an opportunity."
     "What of the spatial distortion?"
     "We have not identified the stars visible through the portal but we can
determine that it is not a region of space known to Cylon Civilization.  I
surmise it must be the region of space the cloaked vessel and the
Saucership come from."
     "You failed to indicate earlier the possibility of another cloaked vessel
and as a result of your inadequacy several fighters and soldiers have been
destroyed."
     "I beg your forgiveness Imperious Leader.  I only sought to perform to
the best of my ability.  We lacked sufficient information for such a
conclusion."
     "The cloaked vessel then has escaped?"
     "Yes Leader it has."
     "What do you think we should do now, Cylon?"
     "The Saucership has not departed, the Pegasus is now visible, we can
pursue either objective."
     "The Saucership is heading toward our fighters in order to aid the other
forces?"
     "That is correct Imperious Leader, the Pegasus is continuing to pursue
the remaining elements and retains almost all of its fighter capability."
     "Direct the Basestars to the current engagement.  Prepare for an
opportunity to achieve our secondary objective.  Hold a wing of raiders for
defense against the Pegasus.  Assemble our spent fighters and assemble
another strike wing to attack the Pegasus once we get our opportunity.  We
must cripple or destroy the Pegasus before it can leave this space."
     "By your command."

     The Enterprise warps through space and arrives at the fringe of the
battle between the Rebels and Imperials.  Rebel fighters are attacking
Cylon and Imperial ships, while both are doing likewise.  The Star
Destroyers have not closed to point-blank range but are exchanging long
range fire with the Rebel ships.  Energy is passing fast and furiously
between all the combatants.  The Rebel forces appear outnumbered by the
other combatants present.  The Enterprise arrives like an avenging angel.

     Aboard the Ambassador the commander looks on anxiously.

     "Finally the Saucership has arrived to assist the Rebels.  I was
beginning to think it wouldn't come.  Signal all Flight Leaders.  Launch an
interceptor squadron to take up the slack against the Rebel forces. 
Continue to press the Rebel units and maintain a presence against the
other fighters."
     "Aye aye sir.  Tractor crews are standing by.  A boarding detail is
prepared on the lower decks.  Suggest we use exterior hatches instead of a
docking attempt."
     "Very good Lieutenant, make it so."

     As the order reaches the TIE fighters, elements break off and
concentrate their attention on the Enterprise.  Before long nearly two
dozen TIE fighters are attacking the Enterprise.  Fighters are being
destroyed left and right but a group of TIE interceptors sweep around the
Enterprise and manage to strafe the main impulse engine.  Shields already
weakened by the pounding of Cylon and Imperial fighters fails
momentarily.  The impulse engine is damaged.  A Star Destroyer closes in. 
Rebel forces are driven back by the Imperial fighters.

     "Damage Report!" Picard shouted.
     "The main impulse engine has been hit.  Impulse power reduced to
twenty-five percent of nominal.  Shields are holding but slowly fading.  We
cannot withstand this level of firepower.  Minor structural damage reports
from deck eight and deck sixteen."
     "Bridge to Engineering, Geordi what's the situation with the impulse
drive?"
     "Geordi here, the impulse drive suffered a major breach of the
containment vessels.  The drive is only operating at twenty-five percent
and that just barely.  I need time to fix the damage.  A reasonable full
repair will require twenty minutes."
     "We don't have twenty minutes.  Do you best.  Picard out."
     "Sir the Star Destroyer is locking tractor beams on the Enterprise,"
Data announced.
     "Sir they could be planning to board the Enterprise," Riker suggested. 
"We need to take precautions.  Recommend we move to the Battle Bridge
immediately."
     "Excellent idea.  Computer transfer command to the Battle Bridge. 
Secure all Bridge stations and displays.  All personnel evacuate the Bridge. 
Bridge to Engineering,  Geordi you've got your twenty minutes.  I'm
transferring command to the Battle Bridge, Picard out."

     While command of the Enterprise is being transferred to the Battle
Bridge, the Star Destroyer has pulled the unresisting Enterprise
underneath its hull and proceeds to reduce the shields so boarding tubes
may be attached to the outer hull.  The Cylon wing advances on the Star
Destroyer, taking advantage of the no fire zone created by the Enterprise's
bulk.  On the Battle Bridge the crew begins reactivating the controls.

     "Sir, the Imperials are reducing the shields."
     "Worf, reduce shield power, progressively by three percent per second. 
Once the shields reach fifteen percent lower the shields."
     "Aye aye Sir."
     "Sir we will still have shield power."
     "Exactly Data, when we break free we'll need our shields to protect us
while we get away from this Star Destroyer."
     "Sir Cylon fighters are approaching, bearing 120 mark 250.  They are
not firing but are closing on our position."
     "The more the merrier."
     "Initiate a full security protocol.  All defensive force fields to be
activated.  Order Security to prepare for a boarding action.  Mister Worf
please coordinate the efforts.  Keep them away from the main computer
core and the Battle Bridge."
     "Aye sir.  Request permission to see to it personally."
     "Permission granted."

     Worf signals another officer to assume his station and leaves the
Battle Bridge.  Security forces on all decks are preparing for a hull breach
and corridor fighting.  Imperial forces continue to fight the Rebels but are
proceeding to secure a perimeter around the captured Enterprise.  Cylon
transports are closing from the blind spot created by the Enterprise's
primary hull.  TIE Fighters are engaging the approaching Cylons but they
are not enough to stem the advance.  Boarding tubes are being connected to
the outer hull and soon the fighting will be hand to hand.

     The Cylon Basestars are closing on the Enterprise, the other Star
Destroyer turns to meet them drawing several squadrons of TIE fighters to
engage the enemy.  The Pegasus is moving around the battle and is circling
the stricken Enterprise.  Currently the Cylons lie between the Pegasus and
the Imperials.  Given its current course the Pegasus will circle around the
conflict in approximately fifteen minutes.  Cylon Basestar and Star
Destroyer are advancing on each other.  Fighters continue to attack other
fighters.  The Rebels have taken the opportunity to regroup once the
Imperials focused their efforts on the Enterprise.  Boarding Tubes have
made contact with the outer hull.

     "Sir we have breached the hull of the Saucership.  Boarding parties are
going across now."
     "Very good, keep me advised.  Order the TIE fighters to engage the other
fighters.  Keep them from our prize."
     "Yes Sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise the scene in the corridors are Imperial
Stormtroopers cutting through the ceiling and entering the main
passageways.  Firing their blasters at anything that moves and some that
don't.  Very professional covering advancement through the hallways until
they meet an intersection.  An alien is there, Worf, with several Security
personnel fire from cover, manage to hit several Stormtroopers.  Some are
knocked down, others brush off the phaser attacks and return fire.  Worf
orders the activation of the security field and the Enterprise personnel
retreat.

     "Sir intruders on deck three, section 4.  Security forcefield activated
locally.  More breaches recorded on decks two, four and five.  Main Shuttle
Bay is taking external fire."
     "Contact Worf, secure decks eight, seven, and six.  Double check the
turbolift system is security engaged.  Continue restoring shield power,"
Picard ordered.
     "Sir contact from Lieutenant Worf."
     "Put him on."
     "Sir the Imperial Intruders are wearing energy dissipating armor. 
Phasers at setting three are not wholly effective.  Recommend we allow
setting six for our phasers," Worf responded.
     "There is considerable danger if our phasers fall into their hands."
     "I'm aware of the risks, their weapons are operating at least at setting
four possibly five equivalent.  We need more hitting power to stop the
intruders."
     Picard pauses a moment to think on the problem.  There really isn't
much alternative.  "Computer, recognize Picard, Jean-Luc Captain of the
Enterprise Hull Registry NCC-1701-D."
     "Identity confirmed.  Proceed."
     "Enable personal phaser setting limit increased to level six."
     "Warning, shipboard hand phaser operation limited to setting three by
standard safety operation procedure."
     "Understood, implement new directive."
     "Directive implemented.  All hand phasers now register new limit
setting of six.  Individual overrides no longer necessary."
     "Issue orders to all personnel, phasers now operable at setting six.  Do
not key individual overrides.  Warn all armed personnel that settings
higher than three may be necessary to bring down the intruders."
     "Aye sir."
     "Thank you Captain," Worf said.
     "Good hunting Lieutenant."
     "Sir the Main Shuttle Bay has been breached from space.  Cylon ships
are landing in the bay."
     "Put it on screen."

     Viewscreen shows the expanse of the main shuttle bay.  Several Cylon
Raiders are visible, all are discharging several Cylon Soldiers.  The Cylons
are proceeding toward the main corridor.  Almost fifty soldiers are visible
on screen.

     "Security, secure the main shuttle bay corridor access."
     "Sir the door has been secured."

     On the viewscreen several Cylons have discovered the doors are locked
and have begun firing at it, attempting to blast it open.

     "That should hold them for a while.  Tritanium takes a lot to cut
through," Riker said fairly confidently.  
     "Sir, please review the image on screen," Data asked.

     In the viewscreen two Cylon soldiers are seen advancing from one of
the Raiders carrying a small package the size of a small transistor radio. 
The approach the door, attach the package it side and all the Cylons retreat
from the corridor doors.  Moments later an explosion is registered.  Alarms
sound and the integrity fields seek to compensate for the recent
disruption.  There a plain as day lies a hole, almost the whole area of the
door, blown away by a package of Solonite.  Cylon soldiers advance into the
corridor.

     "Sir sensors detect an explosion aboard the Saucership."
     "Location of the disruption?"
     "I believe the source of the explosion occurred in their main shuttle
bay.  The other fighters seem to have penetrated the outer doors and have
landed a considerable presence there.  The explosion was probably their
attempt to breach the interior."
     "Warn all boarding parties.  Other forces are on the Saucership. 
Maintain deflector screens.  Secure tractors to the upper hull."
     "Aye sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise there are several corridor battles being waged. 
Most are standoffs with the Enterprise security firing from cover and
activating forcefields when retreat becomes necessary.  Imperial
Stormtroopers are finding considerable resistance in advancing through
the Enterprise.  Overall, now that the phasers are discharging higher
energies the Stormtroopers are being struck down faster than the
Enterprise Security.  Both sides are losing participants.  Occasionally once
an intersection has been secured, the weapons of the loser are picked up
and dispersed by the victors.  Worf is in his element.  He ambushes a squad
of Stormtroopers and hand to hand fighting breaks out.  Helmet visibility
for the Imperials is limited.  Worf knocks down several troopers but they
appear only momentarily stunned.  The armor they wear does protect them
some from physical attacks.  With help from supporting security personnel
the battle is won.  Worf stands victorious among the fallen troopers.  Hand
to hand fighting was decidedly an advantage the more nimble Enterprise
security personnel have over the armor clad Stormtroopers.

     The Cylons are having little difficulty breaching the static defenses of
the Enterprise.  Where there is a forcefield, the field is overloaded with
firepower, occasionally the emitter is destroyed.  Hitting non-moving
targets is a skill every Cylon warrior can accomplish.  Security personnel
are fleeing in front of the Cylons, none lie fallen in their path.  Several
Cylons though have sustained damage and are no longer advancing with the
main party.  They continue to advance through deck four, into the center of
the Primary hull.  They advance with a calm stride through the hallways.  

     The Pegasus has almost finished circling the engagement.  She now
stands across from the Enterprise, the other Star Destroyer and Basestars
are on the other side.  The fighting between the Basestars and the Star
Destroyer is considerable.  Deflectors on the Star Destroyer manage to
deflect most of the firepower of the Basestars.  An occasional hit manages
to pass the deflectors to strike the hull armor.  The Star Destroyer has
managed to damage only minimally the Cylon's outer hull.  Most of the
firepower is directed against the weapons visible on the surface of the
Basestar.  The Basestars have stopped maintaining the engagement and are
proceeding to flank the single Destroyer and reach the Enterprise.  Fighters
from both sides swarm over the opposing ships, causing damage but not
striking anything vital.  Cylon raiders bent on crashing into the Star
Destroyer face massive counterfire and except for some successful
rearward collisions all attempts have met with interception and
destruction.  TIE fighters are swarming around the Basestars but have
failed to strike any significant damage except for knocking out some
primary ship to ship Turbolaser turrets on the Basestars.  TIE fighters are
not advancing without cost, several wave attacks discovered the
considerable automated defense guns on the Basestar.  Almost two dozen
TIE Fighters we destroyed by the anti-fighter batteries.  Rebel forces are
once again advancing into the fray.  Several singleships are joining the
increasingly messy dogfight between all these crewed armed fighters.  

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Indomitable the Commodore is looking out
onto the battlefield from the Command Balcony.  The sight is appalling. 
Explosions and flashes of light can occasionally be seen.  Off to port and
starboard appear the Cylon Basestars.  Their motion visibly taking them
around the Star Destroyer.

     "Sir we have sustained considerable fighter loss.  Suggest we launch
another squadron to support the perimeter and to continue engaging the
enemy fightercraft."
     "Very Good.  Launch another TIE squadron.  Continue to fire upon the
Discships.  What of the Other Carrier?"
     "The Discship's counterpart has taken up a position opposite ours from
the Ambassador.  Scanners show it fighters launching now.  The general
launch vector takes them toward the Ambassador."
     "Order another squadron launched.  Order the Interceptor squadron to
alert status.  Get me the Ambassador."
     "Immediately Commodore."

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar the Imperious Leader is reviewing the latest
report with his lieutenant, the IL series robot.

     "Our transports have managed to breach the Saucerships hull and landed
unopposed in their main shuttle bay.  Reports indicate minor casualties and
little obstruction to movement through the ship.  Lifts however have been
disabled and transferring to other levels is proceeding slowly."
     "What of the Pegasus?"
     "The Pegasus has launched its fighters.  I assume they will join the
battle and attempt to further reduce our strength.  The Pegasus however is
remaining at a distance.
     "The other vessels of the Triangular ships are engaged in combat with
the Triangular ship but are not firing heavily.  Probably because collateral
damage to the Saucership is not intended.  Their forces are currently the
weakest active ones afield."
     "Order our fighters to disengage from the Triangular ship's fighters. 
Regroup them for an attack against the Other ships and the Pegasus. 
Continue to flank the intervening Triangular ship.  Move to engage the
Pegasus while we still have sufficient ship to ship firepower to destroy
it.
    "Launch the strike wing.  Advance on the other ships, destroy them, and
proceed on to the Pegasus."
     "Bye your Command."

     Aboard the Enterprise the news is both good and bad.  The intruders are
still aboard.  Imperial Stormtroopers have taken most of decks one through
four.  Fighting between Cylon and Stormtrooper are proceeding on decks
four and five.  There is little fighting in the living areas.  Most personnel
are either at their battlestations or secure within their rooms.  Access to
the Engineering hull is still secure and the main computer core is still
protected.  Defensive screens on deck four are mostly destroyed.  Life
support is good.  Despite the extensive damage inflicted internally from
the fighting in the corridors, atmosphere and temperature are being
maintained on every deck.  The main impulse drive has been repaired and
shield availability has risen to forty percent.  Sensors show the Cylons
moving around the Star Destroyer and the Pegasus' fighters advancing on
the aerial melee.  Cylon fighters are assembling again, another attack is
imminent.

     "Sir the Impulse engines are back on-line," Geordi reports.  "We have
eighty-five percent of full power available from the impulse drive. 
Phasers are fully charged and all control systems appear intact."
     "Very good Geordi.  Helm what is the status of the Imperial tractor
beams?"
     "Three tractor beams all locked onto the primary hull.  Four boarding
tubes are still attached to the hull.  Penetration into decks two, three, and
four.  No life support difficulties detected on any deck."
     "Tactical evaluation Data."
     "The Imperials have locked all available tractor emitters onto the
primary hull.  They seem to be interested in capturing the Enterprise.  I
surmise they are yet unaware of our separation capability."
     "Very Good Data, my exact thought.  Now that we have impulse power
again we can set about freeing ourselves from this predicament.  
    "Commander Riker, you will stay aboard the Saucer section and maintain
the fight to retake it.  Lieutenant Worf will be your second.  Data and I will
take the Battle Section out.  It appears the Cylons are going to stand on
their current hand and turn their attention toward the Pegasus."
     "I understand Captain.  Good Luck, Sir."
     "Good Luck to us all.  Dismissed."

     Riker and another officer leave the Battle Bridge.  The viewscreen
shows the Cylon fighters moving out into a column, headed toward the
Rebel ships and from there onward to the Pegasus.  Picard gives Riker a
minute to secure the docking interface and assume command of the Saucer
section.

     "Begin Saucer Separation."
     "Saucer Separation Initiated.  We will be clear to maneuver in twelve
seconds," Data announced.
     "Engineering, raise shields when we're clear.  Helm plot a course for the
Rebel forces.  Weapons to ready.  Let's surprise everyone."

     The Enterprise disconnects smoothly.  She pulls away from the Star
Destroyer holding the Primary hull and proceeds at sub-light toward the
Rebel forces which are now beset by both Imperial and Cylon Fighters.

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Ambassador the Captain can't believe what
he sees before him.  The Enterprise Stardrive section has separated from
the saucer section being held by the Ambassador's tractor beams.

     "Lieutenant! What happened?  Did the Saucership break our tractor
beams and boarding locks?" 
     "Sir, the Saucership has separated into two parts, we still have the
upper portion of the ship in our tractors.  Our boarding parties are still
attempting to take the vessel and are meeting considerable resistance."
     "What is that vessel doing now?"
     "Scanners indicate the ship is heading into the fighter combat around
the Rebel forces.  They are probably attempting to bolster the Rebel forces
and save the Rebels from destruction by the other fighters and ours."
     "Get me a situation report on the progress on the Saucership!  Order our
fighters to attempt to cripple that vessel out there and tell them to do a
better job this time!"
     "Yes Sir, right away Sir!"

     Out in space another distortion is beginning.  Behind the Pegasus space
is becoming warped, another rift is forming.  The Pegasus lies between the
new rift and the Rebel forces engaged in mortal combat.  Cylon fighters
are engaging the Pegasus' fighters and Rebel singleships.  Several Rebel
fighters have been destroyed.  The transports damaged and the Councilor's
ship is under heavy attack.  The Enterprise arrives and proceeds to fire
upon TIE fighter and Cylon raider.  Relieving the pressure on the Rebels. 
Select fighters are being destroyed by the Enterprise's phasers.  Pegasus
fighters are caught in the melee and are steadily making progress against
Cylon raiders and to a lesser extend against the Imperial TIE fighters as
well.  However this success is not without cost, Imperial fighters are
manned and as maneuverable or more so than those remotely piloted
Starhounds.  They have destroyed several pairs of Starhounds, more than
the Cylons have in this engagement.  Ships are being destroyed and
damaged throughout the battle.  The Enterprise is still relatively intact. 
Her shields are weakened and continue to fade as energy is projected
against them but several attempts to attack the impulse drive have been
repulsed by alert officers manning the phasers.

     "Tactical, scan all Cylon fighters, target any that have Solonite aboard. 
Highest priority, Do not let any such loaded fighter within ten thousand
kilometers of the Enterprise.  Continue to defend our impulse engine.  We
cannot afford to be crippled again."
     "Sir sensors detect another space distortion.  It originates from behind
the Pegasus."
     "Monitor the distortion, report later.  Helm move us away from the
thick of the fighting.  We need some maneuvering room.  Let's draw those
fighters away from the Councilor's vessel.  One eight impulse, Engage."

     The Enterprise gracefully swings away from the heart of the fighting,
taking several persistent fighters with her.  The Cylons have broken their
engagement off with the Rebel forces and have assembled their strike
force.  Several Solonite fighters were destroyed attempting to ram the
Enterprise, but the Rebels we not so lucky.  The Attack Frigate was struck
by two and has suffered considerable damage.  It's retreat from battle
marked the beginning of the end of the Rebel forces before the Enterprise
came to their assistance.  Now Rebel forces have moved off and are making
toward the distortion.  The Enterprise has lured away several dozen
fighters.  She suddenly enters warp space, disappearing from view.

     "Sir the Saucership has entered hyperspace."
     "Track it.  Report its position and course," the Captain ordered.
     "Sir, graviton emissions indicate the Saucership is moving onto our
stern for another attack."
     "Full power to aft deflectors.  Periphery batteries to open fire upon
visual sighting.  Inform the Indomitable."
     "Sir the Rebels have managed to disengage from the bulk of our fighters
and are regrouping.  The Attack Frigate has been heavily damaged by a
collision with the other forces fighters.  A damage assessment indicates
explosive payloads were carried to achieve the level of damage observed."

     The Enterprise drops out of warp behind the Star Destroyer holding the
Saucer section.  Phasers and Photon Torpedoes are fired at the engines of
the Ambassador.  Deflectors manage to significantly reduce the
Enterprise's weapons effectiveness.  No visible damage is observed. 
Return fire comes steadily from the Indomitable, which has turned to put
the Enterprise into its best fire coverage zone.  Many, many bolts of energy
emerge from the Indomitable and strike the Enterprise's shields.  Quickly
the Enterprise moves away its attack a failure.

     "Contact the Saucer section.  Find out their situation," Picard said.
     "Sir contact has been established with Commander Riker."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen changes showing commander Riker at Ten-Forward. 
Several Security personnel are busy in the background.  Reports of combat
are heard in the background.  Worf is standing behind Riker.

     "Will, you situation?"
     "It could be better Captain.  We've managed to stem the advance of the
Imperial boarding parties.  The majority are down for the count.  The
Cylons are however still a problem.  Further the tractor beams locked on
the Saucer section are still in effect, so are the boarding towers."
     "Have you tried purging the life support in the contested areas?"
     "Not a viable option Captain.  Controls are erratic and fighting has
spread to the living areas.  Almost everyone up there is okay.  The Bridge
is still in control of the Imperials but if we could remove the Cylons we
can push them back through their boarding towers or enough to retake the
ship."
     "But the Cylon Boarders are heavily armored and powerful.  We cannot
win as we did against the Imperials," Worf interjected.  "The Cylons will
require stronger measures."
     "Understood.  Our attempt to disable the Star Destroyer holding you
failed.  Do you have control of the propulsion systems?"
     Riker shakes his head.  "Negative, without control of the Bridge
Propulsion is not under our command."
     "Can you locate every Cylon on board the Enterprise?"
     "Not easily, the best sensors we have are Tricorders.  The Battle
section can do a much better job of it than we can."
     "Unfortunately I need you to relay the coordinates.  Send out scouting
parties with tricorders.  Relay the position of the Cylons to the Battle
Bridge.  Raise the shields between the saucer and the Star Destroyer.  We'll
handle the rest."
     "Aye Sir, I understand.  Riker out."
     "Sir, what are we going to do?" Data asked perplexed.
     "We are going to remove the Cylons from the Saucer section ourselves."
     "Ah, we shall use our transporters to beam them off the Saucer section. 
Captain, just where do we beam them to too?" Data asked intrigued.
     "Find those Cylon Fighters they came in.  Have the Cargo Transporters
move them out into space and they shall receive the Cylons off the Saucer
section."
     "I understand now Captain.  A most ingenious solution.  A most
humanitarian solution too," Data acknowledged.
     "Helm bring us under the Saucer section, 20 meter separation, Lower
dorsal forward shields for transport."
     "Aye sir."
     "Commencing transport of Cylon Fightercraft.  Systems aboard all
fighters appear to be shut down.  Enemy fighters are closing on our
position.  Estimate we have one minute before they can react to our
vulnerability.  We are taking long range fire from the other Star Destroyer. 
No significant effect at this time."
     "Tactical fire Photon Torpedoes at the incoming fighters, maximum
volume displacement.  Discourage them from advancing on the Enterprise. 
Also send a few Torpedoes around to the rear of the other Star Destroyer."
     "Aye aye, Sir.  Torpedoes firing Now."
     "Coordinates of Cylon warriors incoming now Captain.  Beginning
Transport," Data announced.

     After an agonizing period of only two minutes the last Cylon is beamed
off the Saucer section and into their transports.  Several have managed to
power up their systems but are being held in tractor beams to prevent any
mischief.  Riker contacts the Battle Bridge.

     "Sir all Cylons have been removed from the Primary Hull.  We can retake
the Saucer section now with the available manpower.  However the
Imperials are modulating their screens in a manner which severely
interferes with transporter operation.  We cannot move their injured or
wounded out."
     "We'll think of something when the time comes.  Just regain command
of the Saucer section, Will.  Good luck."
     "Appreciated Captain, Riker out."

     Meanwhile the Rebel ships have managed to remove themselves from
the bulk of the conflict and are moving toward the distortion behind the
Pegasus.  Rebel singleships are still flying and engaging the occasional
enemy fighter.  Cylon forces are ignoring the Star Destroyers and the
Enterprise instead the majority are moving to attack and overwhelm the
Pegasus.  The Basestars have finished flanking the Star Destroyers and are
advancing like two points of a claw on the lone Battlestar.  Again a spatial
distortion is forming.  This time it exists opposite the current one.  Points
of light shine through but the Pegasus does not seem interested in it. 
After all the Cylons are between it and the Pegasus.  The Enterprise is
still holding near the captive Saucer section.  Shields have been
reestablished as energy is blocked from striking the Star Drive section. 
The Indomitable is closing on the Ambassador.  TIE Fighters are breaking
off from their current engagements.  It appears that space is being cleared
for a clash of titans between the Battlestar and two Basestars.

     "Sir, our troops report they are being driven back by the Saucership's
forces.  They have the advantage of terrain and have reduced our boarding
parties to half their original strength."
     "What of the other boarders?"
     "Our scanners show that the Saucership has transmitted the other
boarders back onto their transports and is currently holding them in a
tractor beam below their ship.  Only our forces and theirs remain to
contest for the Saucer, sir."

     The Captain looks out at the Rebels and ponders the news before him. 
Things are not good.  The Rebels have taken the opportunity to break away
from battle and seem ready to flee the area.  Certainly they are no match
for the Star Destroyer's forces having lost so many singleships and having
their best combat vessel crippled by a kamikaze attack.  Unfortunately the
Saucer's marines seem able to hold off the Imperial troops and victory
does not seem near.

     "Sir, the Commodore wishes to speak with you."
     "Put him through.  Greetings Commodore what is it I can do for you Sir,"
the Captain said.
     "I want an update of your progress.  How goes the battle for the
Saucership?"
     "Well sir the stormtroopers are meeting and have been meeting since
their initial breach of the Saucership, considerable resistance."
     "Go on Captain, how long before we take the ship?"
     "Sir, I don't have any idea how long it might be or that we will take the
ship."
     "What!  Explain yourself Captain."
     "Sir, the initial attack was quite successful.  The enemy was firing
limited energy output weapons against the Stormtroopers but after
several minutes the defenders increased their fire from stun settings to
thermal disruption and burn.  While not as effective or as fast as our
blasters every one of the defenders is an excellent shot.  We suffered
considerable losses because of this.  Right now only half of the boarders
are combat worthy, the rest are injured or knocked out."
     "Then send more men and finish the job, knock the other half out!"
     "Sorry sir, you misunderstand, half of Our forces are injured or
incapacitated.  We do not know for certain the strength of the defenders."
     "What of the other boarders, the ones that entered from the landing
area?"
     "Sir to the best of our knowledge, they have all been removed from the
Saucership."
     With a frown on his face the Commodore asked, "What happened to
them."
     "Sir you see the fighters being held in tractors beneath the
Saucership?"
     "Yes Captain, you point?"
     "Well sir, the Saucership has transported those hostile boarders back to
their ships and are holding them there.  Effectively removing them from
the battle."
     "But why haven't they done that to your troops Captain?"
     "Sir I believe the commander of that ship does not want to cause death
needlessly.  Witness the transport of the other boarders, and their internal
security wielding stun weapons.  We have modified our screens to
interfere with frequencies that the Saucership's shields do.  Those
frequencies which we do not operate in."
     "Those are the frequencies the Saucership uses to transport matter
around?  Of course."  After a pause the Commodore asked, "What about the
Rebels, are they disengaging and fleeing?"
     "Yes Sir, in my opinion that is exactly what they are doing.  Sir if I may,
we have prevented the Rebels from obtaining matter transmission
technology.  We ourselves are proscribed in developing it.  May I
respectfully suggest we recall our troops and pursue the Rebels before
they can get away?"
     "You want me to order our forces after the Rebels and forget about the
Saucership and its attack?"
     "Sir we did attack first and none of our troops have been killed. 
Fortunate for them their armor did allow those struck at the increased
intensity to survive until medical assistance was available.
     "Sir our orders are to get the Rebels,  holding and fighting for this ship
will not further our objective."
     "I understand your view Captain," the Commodore responded.  After a
moment to think, "Can we recall our troops quickly enough to get after the
Rebels before they can reach the window?"
     "Sir I believe we can, if we contact the Saucership, and get its promise
to withdraw simultaneous with our own."
     "Very good Captain, I trust your instincts.  I'll move the Indomitable
after the Rebels immediately, you work out the necessary details with the
Saucership's commander."
     "Thank you Sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise the fighting has begun to diminish.  The Imperial
Stormtroopers have begun to fall back to their entry points taking their
wounded with them.  Enterprise security are perfectly willing to let them
retreat.  On the Battle Bridge Picard is surprised to learn of this sudden
turn of events.

     "Sir, we are being hailed by the Star Destroyer," Data announced.
     "Put it on screen."

     The viewscreen shows a middle-aged soldier.  The Ambassador's
Captain, behind him is a generic control panel worked by a crewman.

     "Sir, as Commander of this vessel, I ask you for a truce."

     Picard is stunned by the words uttered by the Captain that he forgets
the common protocol of announcing himself to new species.  These are
after all humans like himself.

     "I would like your agreement to let our troopers return to this ship and
allow you to recover you own.  In return we ask that you stand aside while
we continue about on our business."
     "You wish to continue pursuing the Councilor's forces?"

     The Captain's face betrays a moment of approval at Picard's usage. 
Councilor not Rebel.  Very thoughtful..

     "Yes I do, we shall withdraw from your vessel immediately if you so
agree."
     "One moment if you please," Picard replied. "Cut signal," he ordered Data. 
Data quickly complies.  "Well Data what do you think?"
     "It certainly would allow us to rejoin the Enterprise.  Any other course
would require more fighting and potential loss of life for both sides."

     Picard nods in agreement, then signals Data to restore the signal.  The
screen again shows the Captain of the Ambassador.

     "I agree to your conditions.  We shall stand aside once your forces have
evacuated the Enterprise."
     "Very good Sir," he replied, smiles quickly and closes the channel.
     "That was rude of him," Picard said out loud.
     "Perhaps he was in a hurry and his attention was needed elsewhere?"
Data suggests to Picard.  "Perhaps having accomplished his task he no
longer concerned himself with our presence?"
     "Certainly strange behavior.  Still I wonder why..." Picard said.  "Contact
Commander Riker, have him contact me from the Bridge as soon as he is
able."
     "Yes sir."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain is looking out into space with a
certain grim determination.  His fighters, the first wave, have met and
begun fighting it out.  The Cylons however are not interested in a prolonged
engagement.  Having launched his second wave he stands at the railing of
the Command Center pondering the outcome.  His options are limited.  One
Solonite packed fighter attack at the right place and everything goes up. 
Several Starhounds on board are loaded with Solonite too and a successful
attack against the Landing Bay could spell disaster for the Pegasus.  He
couldn't outrun those fighters, not before and certainly not now.  The
problem was how to escape.  The solution had not found its way into his
imagination yet.

     "Captain, what is the situation?"
     "Sir the Cylons have broken through the first wave and are proceeding
to assault the Pegasus.  There are over a hundred fighters still approaching
in the leading wave."
     "And what of the Enterprise?"
     "It appears the Enterprise has made a truce with the Imperial forces. 
The other Star Destroyer is moving to pursue the first group and the Cylon
transports have been released.  The transports are heading back to their
motherships."
     "So the Enterprise is free?"
     "Not so Commander, docking arms are still connected to the Enterprise
but there is no exchange of fire between the three ships."
     "How soon do you estimate before the Enterprise will be freed?"
     "I don't know Sir, it could be just a few decitons or centons."
     "Very well, inform me the moment the Enterprise gets underway."
     "Yes Commander."

     The Rebel forces, pursued by the Star Destroyer Indomitable, have
assembled themselves successfully and assumed an escort formation. 
They have circled around the fighting between the Cylons and the Pegasus. 
The Indomitable has taken up an interception course but also circling the
fighter combat.  The TIE Fighters are not out in front acting as a vanguard,
instead they are merely pacing the Indomitable actively defending the Star
Destroyer from any stray fighter leaving the melee.  The Ambassador has
withdrawn its boarding tubes and begun accelerating to intercept the
Rebel forces.  The Ambassador is much closer to the distortion than the
Rebels but is moving into an elliptic path so it approaches the Portal at
the same incident angle as the Rebels.  After a moment and a message
passed between Star Destroyers, the Ambassador moves to block the
Rebels from moving through the Portal.  Though the Ambassador is far too
small to successful occlude the Portal it can force the Rebels to fly fairly
close to it in attempting to enter.  To do so the Star Destroyer is moving
across the Portal and turning to face the incoming ships.

     The Enterprise has secured the Saucer section.  All intruders have been
removed and the Enterprise once again belongs to Federation personnel. 
Commander Riker is back in the Bridge sitting on the Center seat issuing
orders preparing the Enterprise for reconnecting with its Star Drive
section.  After a few minutes the task is accomplished and Picard restores
command back to the Main Bridge.  Just a minute later he is there to take
command of his ship.

     "Status Report Number One."
     "All ship systems show operational.  No serious damage to primary
systems.  Life support is operating on backups in certain areas and
security fields are down all along Deck four, otherwise everything appears
okay."
     "What is the Pegasus' situation?"
     "The Cylons have launched their attack at the Pegasus, their first wave
stopped about a third of the attacking raiders.  The second wave has
reduced those by half, but over fifty fighters are still approaching the
Pegasus.  The rest of her fighter's appear committed to preventing the
advance of the Cylon fighters.  The Basestars are also closing and the first
wave will have to break up or face fire support from the Basestars."
     "What of the Councilor's ships?"
     "The Star Destroyer that held the Saucer section has put itself across
the threshold of the Portal.  Any ship that attempts to pass may be fired
upon or tractored.  Captain are we going to go to their assistance?"
     "No Number One, I made a deal with the Captain of that ship.  Besides it
appears Commander Cain could use our assistance more."
     "If you say so sir."
     Picard nods to Riker then speaks to the Helmsman, "Helm plot a warp
interception course.  Put us between the Cylons approaching the Pegasus,
but not on a direct path.  Worf, ready phasers, target Solonite loaded
fighters.  They have highest priority if the Pegasus is to survive this
battle."
     "Aye sir."
     "Engage."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain jumps up as reports indicate the
Enterprise has left normal space.

     "Flight Officer, launch kamikaze fighters immediately.  Clear landing
bays of any fightercraft.  Release safeties on missiles.  Arm them for
point-blank detonation, ten second impact delay."
     "Aye sir."
     "Helm increase speed, continue to increase speed toward the Cylon
Basestars.  I want us to be moving at over half light when we get there."
     "You have a plan Sir?"  the Adjutant asked nervously.
     "Yes son I do.  Something I did before I intent to repeat.  After all why
waste a trick that works?" Cain said cryptically and smiled at the
Adjutant.
     "Sir the Enterprise is ahead of us.  She's firing on the Cylons!"

     Cylon Fighters struck by the Enterprise explode in a magnificent
display of fireworks.  Explosions far greater than a normal fighter's death. 
Every fighter hit explodes like the one before it.  After a minute the
Enterprise has stopped firing and hails the Pegasus.

     "Sir the Enterprise is hailing us.  We will soon pass her if we continue
on course."
     "How long till we reach the Basestars?"
     "Only five microns remain between us.  Sir are you going to answer the
Enterprise?"
     "No time.  Ignore their hails, ready missiles, activate fighter defenses. 
Order the Starhounds to break and attack the Basestars."
     "Sir that's suicidal we'll be swarmed by their Solonite impact
Fighters."
     "If I'm right the Enterprise has eliminated all those which could have
damaged us severely.  Now we have the opportunity to destroy one or both
Basestars and escape."
     "But the Cylons won't retreat."
     Cain looks at his adjutant and smiles.  "You care to make a bet about
that?"

     The Pegasus continues to advance, accelerating at the Basestars. 
Starhounds have broken off and are advancing on the Basestars, the third
wave is close behind.  Several Cylons attempt to attack the Pegasus but
her increasing speed make the task much more difficult.  The Basestars
seeing the Pegasus advancing toward them begin to fire their long-range
weaponry.  Most of the beams have been destroyed by other attacks and
few shots are striking the exterior armor of the approaching Battlestar. 
Fighters are moving aside as the carriers come together.  The Enterprise is
passed by and turns to view the final confrontation.  Now the Pegasus is so
close that fighters don't matter anymore, it down to Battlestar against
Basestar.  The Pegasus' fighters are just ahead of the Pegasus and are
swarming the Basestars, ignoring the Cylon fighters which have broken off
their attack of the Pegasus and come to the assistance of the fighter
defenses.  Just as the Battlestar nears the two Basestars it launches its
missiles.  Travelling right between the two Basestars the Pegasus
releases its deadly payload and is engulfed by the resounding explosions of
two Basestars being destroyed.  Space is filled with light and then
replaced by darkness.  Everything is obliterated by the destruction of the
Basestars and Battlestar.  No fighters remain, nor any debris of significant
size.  Just dust and charged particles remain.  The spatial distortions have
all disappeared.  The Enterprise is alone in space.

     Aboard the Enterprise the Bridge Crew look at the viewscreen
mesmerized by the flight of the Pegasus.  Enemy fighters swarm her sides
and fire at her weak points but all this doesn't seem to matter.  The
Pegasus is attacking like an unstoppable object while the two Basestars
return fire, sitting there like an unmovable wall.  Fighters are attacking
each other but it doesn't matter, this battle will be decided by the big
ships.  Picard orders the sensors to track the Pegasus.  All watch as the
Basestars begin a belated retreat away from the attacking Battlestar.  

     "Sir the Cylons have begun to retrograde from the Pegasus," Data
reported.  "They are attempting to move away from the Battlestar. 
Fighters are engaged in close support and suppression fighting.  The
Starhounds are being destroyed, sir."
     "What does he think he's doing?" Riker asked out loud.  "What he's doing
is suicidal."
     "Worf, range between Basestars and Battlestar."
     "Distance from Battlestar to Basestar is one hundred thousand
kilometers and closing.  Separation between Basestars is ten thousand
kilometers and increasing.  Sir the Pegasus has launched her missiles. 
Course is sti..."

     Worf is interrupted by the explosion of the Pegasus' missiles.  The
secondary explosions are even greater.  Before the screens can compensate
properly a blinding flash of light dazzles everyone on the Bridge.  Alarms
sound as sensors fail, blinded by the enormous energies suddenly released. 
Once the sensors are restored nothing is visible.  Space is as quiescent as
normal.  Tranquility lies outside while just a moment ago it was filled
with destruction and violence.

     "Sensor Report," Picard ordered.
     Data taps his keyboard,  "No objects of significant size detected by our
sensors.  Several thousand cubic centimeters of dust and charged particles
remain at the approximate site of the explosion.  No sign of any distortions
either."
     "She's gone," Riker said.  "Blown to sub-atomic particles."
     "Are there any fightercraft still in the vicinity?"
     "No sir, we are the only vehicle our sensors can detect.  The Pegasus is
simply not out there anymore."
     "Any sign of the Imperials or the Councilor's forces?" Picard asked.
     "Sensor logs show that the Rebel forces ran the Imperial Blockade and
managed to slip by the Star Destroyers.  The Star Destroyers lost time in
maneuvering clear for pursuit and once through the portal began to close. 
Closure was not recorded as the explosion we witnessed overloaded our
sensors for a few seconds."
     "Thank you Data,"  Picard said.  "Continue to scan for new spatial
distortions.  Stand down from Red Alert."
     "Aye sir, Red Alert has been cancelled."
     "Sir look at the viewscreen," Data announced.

     There on the screen appears a clouded face with green eyes the only
visible feature.  The cloud is deep blue and continues to move.  Smoke or
some similar gas roils around the edges defining the face.  The crew look
on and wait for it to speak.

     "<So you have survived.>

     "<You have won this contest.>

     "<You are the only one to remain on this field.>

     "<My congratulations.>"

     "What has happened here occurred by your design?" Picard asked.

     "<Yes it has.>  <I'm surprised to find that it is you who remain.>"

     Picard looks at his crew for moment taking in their individual
reactions to this statement.  "Why are you surprised?" he asked.

     "<I had initially judged your potential to be the least of those present.> 

     <That judgement appears to be in error.>"

     "On what basis did you make this judgment?" Picard asked again.

     "<Yours is not a ship made for war.>  <A compromise perhaps but not one

     dedicated to combat as others here were.>"

     "Was that the sole basis for your judgment?"

     "<No, I chose you because there existed the slight possibility that you

     could survive and emerge victorious in this contest.>

     "<Your ship has superior maneuverability and matter transmission

     technology.>  <However your propulsion techniques were inferior to those of

     the Empire.>"

     "Was that the sole question answered by your test.  That we survived
despite what you expected?"

     "<No.>

     "<A secondary objective is one of Good versus Evil, a concept unique to

     your species.>  <Good was triumphant in all cases.>  <Much to my dismay.>

     <I expected Evil to win at least once if not twice.>  <A draw perhaps but 

     not what has transpired."

     "Will you release us from this space and return us to our own?" Picard
asked.

     "<In a moment...>

     "<I have a question of you...> 

     "<One that I cannot answer...>

     "<Why are you the victor?>  <What makes you different from your species,

     those that were here, fought and lost, but you won?>"

     "I would say that our mission is one of peace and exploration as
opposed to a mission of destruction," Picard replied.

     "<That is your answer, that weakness is strength,>" the entity mocked. 

     "<You expect me to believe that.>"

     "It is the fundamental difference between the groups that were here. 
Even the Romulan operate as it they were at war with everyone.  We do
not."

     "<True...

     "<I must give this concept more thought...>

     "<Yours is an unusual species, in all respects...>

     "<You may go.>"

     Before the Enterprise a Portal suddenly appears and accelerates toward
the ship.  Before anyone can react the Enterprise is back in normal space,
along the Neutral Zone.  There is no sign of the Warbird or of the anomalous
cloud the Enterprise came to investigate.  Everything is back to the way it
was.  What happened might as well have been a dream.

The End