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

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

1990's, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1

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

The Borg went into warp away from the two baseships.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The defiant went into warp.


2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


4

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

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

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

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

The D7 Klingon cruiser shimmered out of view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duncan, Ritchie, Amanda, and Peter showed up in Dr Bashir's office. Duncan 
angrily said, "What's the meaning of this?"
  Dr Bashir said, "First, the medical scan that you refused on the Enterprise. 
Then we'll talk."
  Peter said, "All right."
  Dr Bashir picked up his medical tricorder and scanned Peter, Ritchie, Amanda, 
and  MacCleod.
  MacCleod said, "What does your medical scan show?"
  "You are human, aside from a mysterious organ in your chest area. All four of 
you. The same organ found in the guests from the colonial fleet. And the same 
found in a human that was scanned by a Doctor Leonard H McCoy on a man who 
called himself 'Apollo,' in the previous century. This much we know. Before 
one's awakening, a doctor really has to look for it carefully but-"
  Cmdr Shelby walked in. "Why are you harassing our guests, Julian?"
  Dr Bashir said, "I'm just trying to get them to submit to a medical scan."
  Shelby yelled, "They submitted to a medical scan aboard the Ambassador. You 
could have gotten the records from Admiral Nechayev. STOP HARASSING THEM,