Danny Amor's Online Library/Danny Amor's Online Library - Volume 1.iso/html/startrek/incomplete/thelasthope.p1-6

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               Eviction Notice

Sshhh...Generations never happened, okay?  It was just a real bad dream.
With that established, I think its safe to say that this story is likely
going to contradict Generations, but thats okay.  Some parts, especially
the first part, tends to be very similar to Generations to some degree or
other but thats about it.  I haven't written the other parts, yeah there
is supposed to be more, but that's up to you.  If you think its worth its
nickel and penny, then please post some responses so I get an idea of how
it is.  That way, I'll either write more or jump off a building. Well, I
hope you enjoy it...Have fun.


              Star Trek - The Last Hope


    Space.
        ...The final frontier.  These are the voyages of the
           Starship Enterprise.  Her ongoing mission to explore
        strange, new worlds...to seek out new life forms and
        new civilizations...
          To boldy go where no man...where no one, has gone before.


                Chapter One

        Captain James T. Kirk, retired, sat without a word in the rear
of the generic docking shuttlecraft as he read an old book.  It was, for the
most part, an uneventful and quiet flight from the Earth to the Starbase with
the occassional interruption in the solitude between the shuttle operator,
an ensign of particularly good figure, and the faceless voice of Starfleet
traffic.  It was not an unpleasant quiet at that, indeed, the time offered
a moment of thought and reflection, but more of the latter.  Nothing was of
much consequences these past days, but that was to be expected especially
after having retired from Starfleet.  But then what the hell was he doing
here?
        Kirk adjusted the spectacles that hung from the bridge of
his nose as he carefully turned the old, crusted page of his book.  It was
not that long ago when I didn't need these damned things, he thought.  Of
course, that was the rub, wasn't it?  Life would wear you thin and then when
it had no more real purpose for you, It would let you out to pasture, to
rest.  Only thing is, sometimes some people learn to want to do more than
just live.  Retirement...It was just another kind of death.  He remembered
all those souls he touched and helped, all the things he'd done in his life.
He remembered his father, of Iowa.  It seemed so far away, like it had never
happened.  But it had once, long ago.  But he also remembered of what he
hadn't done.  Of David and of Edith.  Edith...
        "Jim."  The voice of his old friend, McCoy, brought Kirk back
to his painful reality.  Kirk looked up at his aged friend as he put his
thoughts to the back of his mind.  "We're almost there."  The chatter in
the forward compartment of the shuttle had increased dramatically to a low
murmur and for the first time, Kirk noticed that they were already inside
Spacedock.
        Kirk shut the old book to a close and removed the spectacles
and placed it in his pocket.  He had almost forgotten that both Bones and
Spock were here with him.  He must have been deep in thought to not have
noticed them.  McCoy was beside him, looking particularly drawn.  Probably
his own demons have caught up, Kirk thought tiredly. At least someone seemed
at ease with the situation.  Spock was up front by the shuttle operator and
seemed deep in thought as he made some entries into one of the datapads,
that was nothing new.  Well, thank God something was normal or at least a
semblence of it.  Kirk stood up and walked towards the front of the shuttle,
McCoy in tow.  The view was splendid.  It almost managed to completely lift
his spirits as he saw the dozens of starships that were docked, all looking
beautiful to his trained and seasoned eye, and all of them looking but not
quite being the one lady he truly loved.
        "Captain, we will be approaching docking port thirteen
shortly."  Spock said in his monotone that carried more special meaning than
most could fathom.  "I have done the liberty of perusing our mission
itinery.  It is rather routine and should be without event, Captain, however
I still find myself curious."  McCoy and Spock exchanged a knowing glance
between each other and a tale in itself was told in the look.  "a merely
scientific curiousity," Spock continued.
        "What's the problem then?"  Kirk said.
        "I have done some investigation into the recent temporal
phenomena that have been occuring randomly in and around this system's sun,
Captain.  However, I am unable to find the cause of the events nor any
logical reason as to why."
        Jim had to laugh at that.  The man had just proclaimed that
he didn't know what was going on.  "You mean those time pockets that have
been coming and going for the past week?  So, it's got you stumped too,
Spock, eh?  Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Last I heard, the
frequency with which the pockets erupted were on the decline so they should
disappear pretty soon.  Besides, Starfleet can handle it."  Actually, he
wasn't so comfortable with the idea.  His gut instinct told him that it was
bad news in any language you put it in, but in this case he would just let
it all go and leave it for some other captain to ponder over.
        "Time pockets?" Spock said as he arched his eyebrow.  "I
believe that would be an inaccurate assessment of the temporal anomalies,
however, for all intents and purposes that would be a fair, if illogical,
description.  Indeed, these 'time pockets' as you call them are occurring
without cause and it has left all of Starfleet and the Federation at a
standstill."
        "Well, whatever those things are, Spock, they aren't our
concern anymore.  We're out of the galaxy saving business."  McCoy said as
he looked to port.
        The shuttlecraft was now passing the Excelsior-class star-
ship, the USS Endeavor.  It beamed of pride, much like her new captain.
That was Pavel Chekov's ship now.  It was long since overdue but it was
finally his.  That at least was something good to have occurred after
retirement.
        "Don't worry about it, Spock.  Someone will think of some-
thing to save us all," and with that Kirk ended the conversation.  The
shuttle banked to starboard and passed an aging starship that was undergoing
a refit and began a gradual slowing.
        Silently, the shuttlecraft came out of her turn and approached
her final destination.  It stood before them like a mammoth statue of beauty
and grace that stood above others.  The pristine standard white starship was
unmarred by the trials of space as it lay ahead, almost beckoning.  And then,
there it was.  The registry that stood in stark contrast to the primary hull.
USS ENTERPRISE  NCC-1701-B.  She was the supposed to be the fastest, most
powerful ship in the fleet.  An example of Federation thinking at its best.
Well, Kirk thought dreamily, they sure succeeded.  This was near the most
beautiful ship he'd ever seen.  Nearly.
        "...Starship Enterprise, NCC 1701-Bravo.  This is shuttlecraft
Carrell, Captain Kirk and party, request permission for docking maneuvers."
the shuttle pilot said as she came to the ship's starboard docking ring.  For
an ensign, not bad piloting, Kirk thought.
        The voice on the other end was graceful, yet professional.
"Acknowledged, Carrell.  Permission to dock is granted.  Initiate standard
docking maneuvers."
        Slowly, the shuttle reversed itself against the hull of the
new Enterprise and came to a quiet rest.  McCoy couldn't help himself but
look out one of the portals and view the ship, closeup.  Not even a mar that
would indicate warp travel.  Fascinating.  The aft doors opened with a hiss
of air as the airlock was engaged.  A growing rumble of noise could be heard
from inside beyond the doors and everyone knew it was a welcoming party.
Well, so much for being indiscrete, Kirk thought as he picked up his book
and prepared to leave.  The lights from the throng of cameras and recording
devices was blazing as Spock exited first with McCoy behind him.  Of course,
Spock seemed not to notice the discomfort of the environment.  Apparently,
someone had released information that the three were coming aboard the new
Enterprise B to accompany her on her maiden voyage.  It was not a small deal.
It would be the first time in twenty five years that a certain Captain James
Kirk was not in the command chair.  And, indeed, there were dozens of news
and reporting agencies present to record the events of the passing of the
torch from one crew to another.  And, finally, the moment of truth came as
Captain Kirk entered the airlock and came aboard the Enterprise to the
welcome of lights and questions and a thousand smiles.
        Kirk felt out of place, with a book under his arm as he
gave his best captain's smile.  It was all diplomatic and no one other than
another starship captain could know the true meaning behind it.  Then, from
somewhere a boatswain whistle sounded and the voices dies to a rustle.  A
man, a young man at that, approached Kirk with an extended hand and an
overexuberant, youthful smile.  He'd have to work on that, Kirk thought.
        They shook hands.  "Captain John Harriman, sir.  Commanding
officer of the starship Enterprise.  Welcome aboard, Captain Kirk."  The
kid captain was really laying it on thick, and the thing was he meant it.
"It's a real honor to finally meet you, sir.  All of you."
        "Thank you, Captain.  It's an honor to be here; the least I
could do for the old lady," Kirk said with one of those smiles that everyone
except Harriman, apparently, caught on to.
        "Captain Kirk! Captain Kirk!" cried a female voice in the
crowd of spectators. She was a human redhead who came forward and placed a
recording device in front of Kirk.  "What are you going to do now that you've
retired from almost fifty years of service to Starfleet?"
        It seemed that the room came to a total quiet as everyone
waited for an answer.  Never before did the lights seem so bright and hot.
"I'm going back to Iowa, and maybe get some reading in," he said as he
gestured towards his book under his arm.
        "Ladies and gentlemen.  Please."  Thank God, Kirk thought,
Harriman is finally getting him out of this awkward situation.  "You'll
have plenty of time to ask Captain Kirk more questions later, after we depart
from Spacedock.  But right now, I think the Captain and his party would
care for a brief tour of the ship his legacy helped build." he waved with
his extended arm to lead the way.  "Gentlemen, if you will."
        With an abrupt close to the proceedings, the group of men
made their way out of the docking room, Harriman fairly ahead as he issued
a few silent orders to a nearby lieutanant.  McCoy came behind Kirk and
quietly whispered into his ear, "That was fun, Jim.  I wonder what the
kid's going to do next?"
        Kirk didn't say anything...he just smiled his best damned
Captain's smile.

                Chapter Two

        The bridge of a starship is like the home for a captain.
No matter where that captain might have gone or however long he might have
been away, the bridge was still his one true home.  It was like he never
left, for an instant, as Kirk was led onto the main bridge by Harriman, the
new tenant so to speak.  To be honest, Kirk was astounded by the capabilities
of this new ship.  She had incorporated into her some of the most advanced
technologies ever brought into existence at Utopia Planitia.  This ship was
a credit to her name and Kirk couldn't help but feel a tinge of fatherly
pride.  They stepped into the bridge to be greeted by a wave of applause
given by the crew.  Only a very select few reporters were given permission
to be on the bridge, probably political connections.
        McCoy beamed a smile at Kirk as a standing ovation for the
former Captain was being offered.  So this is how retirement would be for me,
Kirk wondered as he gestered for the applause to end.  "Thank you.  Thank
you all."  He turned to Harriman who stood by the Captain's Chair.  "Captain,
you have a wonderful ship here.  She'll be the pride of the fleet, right
where she ought to be.  Thank you for having me here."
        "No, sir." responded Harriman with a look of pure gratitude.
"Thank you, sir.  I am honored to be here, Captain Kirk."  Damn right you
should be, McCoy thought as he listened to the parade of praise.  "Your
service to Starfleet and the Federation is now a part of the history books.
You've made a difference, Captain Kirk."  Another rain of applause came as
Kirk took the silent and unintentional abuse.
        Kirk stood there with the cameras in his face as he tried to
ignore the compliments.  He looked around the new bridge with a loving
appraisal.  Finding a few personal faults but for the most part, he was
impressed by the layout of the new bridge.  The helm and navigators stations
were now separated leaving an aisle between them, and everything was so much
more...advanced.  It wasn't like his ship where he knew every nook and
cranny.  This ship was completely knew and it felt like the lady was young
again.  Jim smiled at that.
        Spock stepped aside towards the science station where the
ship's new executive officer sat.  Her back was turned to him but she was
clearly Vulcan.  "Saavikam.." she turned around and rose elegantly and nodded
to her superior.  They hadn't seen each other since he left her on Vulcan
with his mother.  "It is most agreeable to see you again, Commander Saavik."
        "And to you, Captain.  I am honored that you elected to have
me recommended to this starship.  It is something that I thought would not
be possible."
        "Saavik, your career is most impressive.  Even by Vulcan
standards."  Spock said with a small, almost unintelligeable smile.  "I was
most pleased to learn of your performance aboard the starship Exeter.  The
captain had spoken of you in high regard, therefore, it was most logical
that you be given this opportunity."
        "Thank you, Captain Spock.  I shall endeavor to meet your
expectations." she looked over to Kirk, who stood talking to Dr. McCoy and
the ship's helmsman.  "He is not himself, is he?"
        "Your insight is most astute, Saavik. Indeed, the captain
has not been himself since we arrived.  Perhaps time will help us all sort
out our own personal trials."
        Saavik raised her eyebrow in wonder.

        "...Demora Sulu."  Kirk said as he shook the young lady's
hand.  This was the person who had spoken to them when the shuttle was on
approach.  "It's good to see you again.  It's been what?..."
        "Twelve years, Captain."  McCoy offered with his Georgian
accent.
        "Has it been that long?  Twelve years...Bones, she was about
this high the last time we saw her."  Kirk said as he gestured with his hand
to indicate about waist high.
        She smiled at the recollection.  "My father sends his best
to you.  He says he wishes he could have been here himself to watch the
maiden voyage of the Enterprise but duty calls."
        Kirk knew that situation far too well.  "Well, I'm glad you're
here, Demora.  It just wouldn't be the same without a Sulu at the helm."
        "Thank you, Captain."  she said as they shook hands.  It
appeared that the ship was about to get underway as Harriman ordered all
hands to station.  Kirk, McCoy and Spock took their seats at the back of the
bridge, part to see everything that went on and part to keep them out of the
way.
        Harriman handed a yeoman, attractive but no Rand, a datapad
and then issued an order to Demora Sulu.  The press was really in full gear
as coverage was being given to every detail, for posterity.  Harriman turned
to Kirk and spoke aloud so that the history books could record it.  "Captain
Kirk, if you will, sir.  Give the order to take us out."
        All eyes were on Kirk as he nodded his head, no thanks.
        "Please, Captain.  It would only be right."  Harriman said
as he pleaded with Kirk.
        Kirk looked to McCoy who only gave a look of submission.
Slowly and hesitantly, Kirk rose and looked about the bridge.  Well, for
the history books then, he thought.  "Take her out, Mr. Sulu."  There was
a wave of applause at the weightless order as Kirk seated himself.  Somewhere
in the pleasantries there was an 'aye, sir'.
        Gradually, the starship Enterprise edged out of Spacedock.
Revealing her leading edge of the primary hull first as if to test the
waters.  Then slowly, in a gallant dance, the Enterprise was clear of the
massive Spacedock doors and was in the openness of space.  It was a sight
that truly deserved to be remembered as the ship engaged her impulse drives
and headed towards her predetermined course around the solar system.  It was
more of a pleasure cruise than anything else, the real shakedown cruise
wasn't scheduled until next month when the Enterprise was expected to break
a couple of speed records.  That was when he ship would be turned over and
over to find any faults.  This little gallop was just something to build
up the hype behind the newest addition to the fleet.

        Captain J. Harriman paced the bridge of his ship, giving a
few sparse commands to his officers and answering a few questions that were
volleyed his way by the reporters.  But for the most part, he soaked in the
moment and imagined himself twenty five years later, in Kirk's shoes.  There
he was, Captain James Tiberius Kirk, the finest and most respected captain
in all of history, about to send his ship to a new generation of men and
women.  Harriman stood there, looking at the elder Kirk.  He seemed so calm
and at ease with the situation, he thought.  No regrets, right?  Harriman
had nothing but the utmost respect for the man who had saved the Earth and
who had helped foster the peace between the Federation and the Klingons.
Would I become that respected and that successful after twenty years in this
chair?  He thought.  Probably not.  But he was not blind to Kirk's silent
courage.  To stand there and willingly let go of his ship, his lady, was
something that deserved the highest of compliments.
        Harriman broke himself from his trance that the cameras just
managed to record.  He had a ship to run and making a fool of himself in
front of the man who was his idle was not the way to make a good impression.
Just worry about getting to point B, he thought.
        Kirk stood looking at the display panels and wiped his fingers
across it to find any dust.  Nothing.  He felt anything but pleasure as he
absently took in the ongoings of the bridge.  He felt so damned useless.
Like a relic that everyone was too afraid to use in fear that it might
shatter under the stress.  Today, Kirk thought, I have never felt more old.
He looked at his reflection in the gleaming panel and saw his own picture.
It was old and grey.  His hair, once vibrant was now covered with wisps of
silver as the years passed.  This was not the way he had hoped to go out.
As an old man put out to pasture.  Now I know what Korrd felt like when he
was sent to Nimbus III, he wondered.  No, for himself he hoped that he
would have been given the dignity of going out on the bridge of a ship,
making a difference.  But alas, maybe he was too good.  He had cheated
death so well that maybe his success would become his undoing.  How many
times had he thought he was going to die but then to be rescued by his
ship and friends?  The times were countless.
        "...I am duly impressed with the improvements made on this
new Enterprise, Captain.  It is indeed a ship worthy of her namesake."
Spock said to Harriman from near the helm.
        "Thank you, Captain Spock." he replied with one of his most
proud smiles.  He truly wanted to impress his predecessors.  Part to show
them that this was what was needed and part to tell them that he was worthy
of this position.  "Starfleet spared no expense with this ship.  They moved
every stone, pushed every button to give us the best advantage out there.
We might be friends with the Klingons, but the Romulans are another matter
altogether."
        "Indeed.  However, I am confident that what you have at your
disposal as well as the capabilities of this crew, you will be most success-
ful in your endeavors, Captain.  You should be proud to have a crew as fine
as this."
        "Yes, sir.  I'm very proud of..."
        From behind both men, the comm officer, an ensign with
particularly young features, announced with a touch of panick in her voice.
"Captain..." she tried to manipulate the transmission.  "I'm receiving a
distress signal, sir.  Priority one."
        Harriman looked suddenly pale as he tried to regroup his
senses, all eyes clearly on him.  Make the moves, he thought.  "Ensign
Heleck, locate the signal...and inform Starfleet Command of the situation."
        "Aye, sir.  Captain, the signal is coming from the center
of this system.  It appears to be coming from near the sun."
        A part of Kirk suddenly wanted to get involved.  This was
no way for a young captain to go through his first voyage, with a boatload
of kids, a parade of reporters, and a bunch of old has-beens.  But it was
not his place to do anything.  His ship was a museum now, this Enterprise
belonged to a new man.
        "Let me hear it, ensign.  Put it on audio."
        "Aye, sir." she said as she pressed the commands into her
station.  Then there was a harsh static, the kind of interference when
someone is in real trouble.  And the voice on the other end was not without
its own due panic.  "...systems failing...warp co-..breach.  Can anyone
hear us?  This...the Sieu, a private freighter...we have..encountered a
temp-..anomaly and have lost all mail power.  Auxiliary systems are failing.
Please...need help immediately.  -don't know how much longer we...hold out."
There was real trouble out there and everyone on the bridge knew it.
        Harriman took his place in the command chair and seemed at
a loss as he tried to gauge the intensity of the situation.  Out there,
somewhere was a ship in trouble but the Enterprise was in no condition to
go and execute a rescue mission.  There were still too many variables that
had not been identified.
        "Commander Saavik, what do you have on the Sieu?"
        Saavik turned to her station and accessed the Starfleet files
and brought up the information.  "Captain, the Sieu is a registered passenger
freighter that was chartered by the Federation to transport some El Aurien
citizens.  Her manifest indicates two hundred five lives aboard, including
crew and officers."  she turned towards the captain as she read off the last
of the data.  "Sir, the Sieu is one of a three vessel convoy."
        Over six hundred lives, Harriman surmised.  This was beyond
the scope by which he was asked to operate.  "Ensign Heleck, inform Starfleet
Command to order a rescue vessel to the Sieu immediately."  He looked to Kirk
who was leaning against the guard rail to the left of Harriman.  "We don't
have the necessary rescue equipment on board to satisfy this kind of
situation."
        "Captain," Saavik said.  "The Enterprise is the closest vessel
in the area.  It would take far too long for Starfleet to mobilize a rescue
ship and judging from my scans, sir, the Sieu will not last much longer under
her present environment."
        So, this was the moment other captains called the time for
total truth.  He sat more erect in his chair, feeling every ounce of it as
he gave the order and pulled on his tunic as he gave the order. "Ensign
Sulu, lay in an intercept course to the Sieu. Warp two.  Heleck, inform
Starfleet that the Enterprise will handle this and that to have a medical
ship on standby.  Engage."
        The command was given and suddenly the bridge was a buzz
with activity as the ship moved towards the center of the solar system in
an attempt to rescue a ship full of people.  Kirk stood motionless as he
instinctively calculated every nuance of this incident.  This is what
Spock was so damned worried about, he thought.  Just my luck to retire and
then get stuck in the thick of things again.
        The Enterprise was now closing in on the sun and it was
visible on the main viewer that three vessels were trapped near the sun
and that their situation was quickly deteriorating.  The reporters, to their
benefit, stayed out of the way as the crew tried to prepare for taking on
a rescue that would become overwhelming.  It was a incredible scene.  The
freighters were in such proximity to the sun that their shields, or what
was left of them, bristled and reflected the solar particles.  Their control
attitude was far from graceful as they were visibly trying to maneuver to
no avail.  Two managed to come to a close collision with each other in their
futile attempt to escape.  The 'time pockets' were visible at this range and
their intensity was without doubt.  It was almost like a massive vortex
that twisted time and space with such ferocity that it must have been a
formidable task for those people to have stayed alive so long.  Indeed,
the anomalies bled considerable energy in the form of greenish blue waves
that extended outward concentrically.  The scene was enough to make even
the toughest of people cringe with anxiety; and it did.
        Harriman stood from his chair in awe of the spectacular,
if deadly, scenery.  His eyes wide and his jaw open.  What a way to start
off a career.  "Commander, what can you tell me from your sensors?"
        Saavik was already analyzing the situation and responded
with cold scientific logic.  "Sensors indicate six temporal anomalies in
the immediate vicinity.  I believe they are the cause of all this." she
checked her instruments again more thoroughly.  "It would appear that these
temporal rifts have rendered the ship and is keeping it from escaping. The
energy waves being emmitted are impacting the ships on all levels and has
disabled their warp and main power systems as well as primary life support.
Captain, they can not survive much longer under those conditions.  If the
temporal anomalies do not tear the ship apart, the sun will surely destroy
them in a matter of moments."
        "But how...how did they get there?  What's the cause of those
temporal rifts?"
        "Unknown."  Spock said as heads turned to listen to the
Vulcan.  "There is no definitive answer as to the origin of the temporal
anomalies or what is causing them.  However, I do have a theory."  McCoy
smiled at that.  Even under these conditions you could count on Spock to
have an answer.  "I have reason to believe that these phenomena are the
direct result of an event that has yet to take place."
        Harriman looked dumbfounded at the logic but Saavik merely
nodded her head in understanding.  "Spock," Kirk said.  "Are you suggesting
that these time pockets are caused by something that will happen in the
future?"
        "It is only a theory, Captain, but yes."
        "Well, we've got to get them out of there."  Harriman said
in his, up to this point, most commanding voice.  "Lock onto the nearest
ship with the tractor beam and get her out of there."
        Sulu keyed in the commands and activated the tractor beam.
A visible beam extended from the Enterprise to the nearest freighter was
seen as the rescue was initiated.  Nothing happened.  The freighter moved
a little but nothing other than that happened.  Harriman bolted from his
seat and leaned over Sulu's shoulder and tried to figure out just what had
happened.  Did one of the coomputer's circuits short out?  At a time like
this?
        "Captain, the temporal rifts are interfering with the tractor
beam.  We cannot get them at this range."  said Saavik glancing towards
Spock for support.
        This was worse than the Kobayashi Maru, Harriman thought.
At least people wouldn't really die there.  He stared at Kirk who looked
half angry as if he knew what to do.  Of course he did.  That's Captain
James Kirk, your idol.  he thought.  "Transporter room." he said in a
whisper.
        "Nothing Captain.  We cannot transport them successfully
at this range."
        Harriman looked down as if in defeat.  This was going so
terribly wrong.  And then suddenly it got worse.  One of the freighters,
closest to the sun, lurched as a flicker of its shields sparked the area
around it in a vain attempt to escape, and then it crumbled in an intense
explosion that sent a shock to Harriman, and took away all his hope for
getting those people out of there.
        "Captain."  Saavik said in a monotone, but it was clear her
voice was filled with sadness that even Spock could not argue.  "The Heliose
has collapsed under the energy stress.  There were two hundred five people
aboard her, sir."
        Harriman slumped defeatedly into his chair and was in shock.
Over two hundred lives had slipped through his grasps and fell to oblivion.
It was all his fault.  He could feel the eyes of his crew burn through him
but he didn't know what to do.  Suddenly, as if with renewed vigor, he stood
and turned towards Kirk. "Captain Kirk.  I would appreciate any suggestions
you might have, sir."
        The kid was stronger than I thought, McCoy thought.  It took
more courage to give up your ship than it took to fight a room full of
Klingons.  McCoy knew.  Kirk gave a small smile and quickly paced down to
where Harriman was.  They exchanged a moment of understanding that only
captains could share.  Sort of a fraternity thats members were elected by
personal merit.
        "Go in there." Kirk simply said.  "Part of sitting in that
chair, mister, is accepting the risks that come with the job."  Harriman
nodded as Kirk gave his orders in succession.  "Raise shields, all hands to
general quarters.  Mr. Sulu, take her in.  One half impulse. " he turned to
Harriman. "When we get in there close enough for us to transport them aboard
we're going to have to lower the shields.  That's going to leave this ship
completely vulnerable."
        Slowly, the starship Enterprise moved forward and into the
temporal event and lurched dangerously forward as they entered the storm.
The lights dimmed as most of the reporters lost their footing and fell.
The intensity of the storm was without comparison as the ship shook
uncontrollably.  Kirk took a seat in the captain's chair, and for the
moment tried to enjoy the feeling of it.  No, his old chair was still
better...more comfortable.
        "Captain Kirk." Sulu said as she tried to maintain control
of the ship.  "We're coming up to the Cerah.  We should be in transporter
range now, sir."
        They ought to be, Kirk thought.  They were close enough
to see the windows of the freighter.  "Saavik, lower the shields and begin
beaming those people out of there." His voice was controlled but he knew
that time was of the essense.
        When the shields went down, the entire ship seemed to bank
to starboard almost seventy degrees.  The Enterprise shook even more
violently as several computer panels erupted in a blaze of sparks and debris.
The smell of acrid smoke burned into everyone's throat through the red
lights.  Suddenly, the navigators station burst into flames as the officer
was thrown back against his chair and then on to the floor, unmoving.
Harriman moved to his falled crewman and Kirk called for Bones.  McCoy
leaned over the wounded officer and did some quick medical evaluations with
his eyes and hands as his medical kit was on Earth in a cabinet.  Kirk
heard him say that the man was unconscious to Harriman who looked suddenly
relieved.
        "Captain." Saavik said with Spock also at her station to
assist her.  "I am unable to get a definite lock onto all of them.  The
temporal distortion is still quite severe."
        "How bad?" Kirk asked.
        "We have managed to beam only seventy aboard..." and then
it was too late.  The Cerah burst into an explosion whose repercussions
damaged the Enterprise and forced the vessel to bank to port and nearly
collide with the Sieu, were it not for the hands of Sulu at the helm.
Kirk punched the chair with anger and disgust.  Not on my watch, he screamed
to himself.
        "Captain, the Cerah has been destroyed.  We are coming into
transporter proximity with the Sieu now." Spock said as he steadied himself
against Saavik's chair.
        Kirk stood up from the chair amid all the chaos around him.
He was not about to lose three ships in one day.  It was already bad
enough.  "I'm going over there." he said.  "Captain, the ship..is yours."
And Kirk moved to the turbolifts when Spock looked at him.
        "I will go too.  You may need my services, Captain." he
said as if to find any reason to go along.
        "Thanks, Spock.  I'm going to need it."
        McCoy stood up from his position by the navigator's station
and started to walk to the lift too.  "Damned if I'm not going too, Jim.
Somebody's got to watch you two."
        "Thanks, Bones."  Kirk whispered as the three officers
stepped into the turbolift.  Kirk had just a moment before the doors slid
to a shut to see the bridge of the starship Enterprise and knew this was
the right thing to do.
        The ship lurched again as the energy waves pounded
relentlessly against the unprotected hull.  Most of the ship's power was
rerouted to the structural integrity field and so many of the lights were
out, the corridors illuminated by the red alert lights.  Kirk, Spock and
McCoy ran to the nearest transporter room and prepared to beam out when
one of the pads burst into a hail of sparks.  McCoy's face turned to a
sickening white as he muttered the word, great.  Spock hovered over the
transporter controls and keyed in the commands and then took his place on
the transporter pads alongside Kirk and Bones.  It was like an old feeling
when the transporter took action and enveloped the three men and beamed
them some one hundred yards to the Sieu.
        It was absolute destruction there.  The entire interior
of the ship was torn to pieces with wires and circuit boards dangling from
the ceiling and the walls.  The whole ship was a ruin.  The smell of
burning smoke was suffocating as sparks and blazing infernos erupted around
them.  There was screaming and cries for help everywhere as the ship seemed
to be falling apart around them.
        "We've got to get to the bridge!" Kirk yelled over the noise
of the ship tearing apart. "Bones, get these people out of here now.  Use
your communicator as a point of reference for the Enterprise. Go!"
        McCoy turned to leave towards what he assumed was where most
of the crying was coming from but managed to say his peace.  "Be careful,
Jim." And then he was on his way down the smoky corridor.
        Kirk and Spock hurriedly made there way to the ship's main
bridge.  It was no surprise to find it also in ruin, but what was most
surprising was to find a lone woman in there.  The rest of the bridge
crew having been killed during the maylay.  To Kirk's eye, she was strangely
exotic, her black skin reflecting a certain air of calm and control even in
the most dangerous of situations.  He put those thoughts aside as he came
to her side.
        "Kirk, Enterprise." He said as he supported her. "We're
here to get you out of here."
        Spock had already made his way to the ship's operation's
center and was trying to keep the Sieu from exploding before they all managed
to get out.  "Spock, can you give me more power to the shields?  We've got
to stay alive long enough for Bones to get these people out of here."
        "Trying, Captain." Spock said as he strained his voice over
his concentration and the disaster around him.  "I am attempting to bypass
what systems are left and to feed the power to the shields. However, it will
not last very long."
        "We only need a few minutes.." Kirk said as he took the helm
and tried to angle the ship so that less of the ship was exposed to the
energy waves.  There wasn't maneuvering capabilities as the ship moved only
a few, though precious, degrees.

        The Enterprise was not fairing much better.  With no shields
the ship was being bombarded by the temporal rifts that threatened to
literally take pieces of the ship off.  Saavik was at her station trying to
increase the SIF but everything was still in chaos as another panel erupted
in sparks, throwing debris across the bridge, fortunately upon the reporters
who had huddled as a group to one side.  Harriman leaned towards Sulu and
suggested an idea that he thought might work. "What if we fire some photon
torpedoes at the temporal anomalies?  If we bring in enough energy into the
center of the rift it should collapse into nothingness." he mulled the idea
over a little bit more then issued the order.  "Sulu, target one of those
anomalies and launch one photon torpedo."
        "Aye, Captain." the ship deployed a photon torpedo at the
anomaly.  Its red sphere blazing with firey vengeance at the time pocket.
The impact was sudden and severe.  The Enterprise shook violently with
such force that just about everyone was thrown from their chairs.
        Harriman wiped the sweat from his brow as he knew his
error could have cost them all their lives.  "Let's not do that again."

        "..What the hell was that?!" Kirk demanded as he was thrown
from the helm and against the floor.  The smoke and debris was building up
but at least they were still there, that much was something.
        "Apparently, the Enterprise has just discovered that the
use of photon torpedoes against the temporal rifts do nothing but release
a percussion of energy that is far more dangerous than the waves we are
presently encountering." Spock said, calmly, as if it were common knowledge.
Which it wasn't because chances were, Kirk would have done something similar
if he were in Harriman's shoes.
        "Great.  If it doesn't rain, it pours." Kirk said helping
the mysterious woman who had also fallen because of the violent assault
by the energy wave. "Kirk to McCoy," he said into his communicator. "Bones,
how much longer?"
        McCoy's voice was drowned out by the sounds of crying and the
whine of transporter beams but it was still possible to hear his straining
voice. "Just a few more minutes, Jim.  There's just a coupla people left to
beam up."
        Kirk closed his communicator and did what he could to maneuver
the Sieu away from the time pockets.  No such luck.  This ship could go
perhaps a few hundred meters but it could not escape the area.  Well, there
isn't much left to salvage, he thought.  But it was always a loss when a ship
went down.  Another lurch and Kirk was leaning heavily against the helm
controls.  There wasn't much time left and he knew it.  Just a few more
minutes, McCoy said.  Well, dammit, he was going to get a few more minutes.
Kirk moved to the Ops controls and ordered the computer to depressurize the
starboard cargo bay.  The resultant effect was that the entire ship angled
away from the main brunt of the storm leaving the aft quarters to bear it.
The shaking had subsided substantially but was far from gone.  He had just
bought them a few more minutes.
        The communicator beeped and Kirk immediately opened it and
half yelled into the device.  "Bones!"
        "Jim, the people are out of here.  There's no one left here
but me."
        "Alright, Bones.  Get out of there and get back to the
Enterprise.  Good work.  I'll see you in a few minutes."
        He flipped his communicator close as McCoy beamed back to
the Enterprise B.  All that were left was the three people in the bridge.
Kirk ushered the woman by the arm towards Spock, who was still trying to
keep the ship from being destroyed.
        "Spock, Bones has got everyone else off the ship.  We're
the only ones left so let's get out of here.  Now."  he didn't need to
be told again as Spock left his station and stood by the calm, if disoriented
woman.  "Kirk to Enterprise. Beam us up."
        He put the communicator back on his belt as he waited by this
strange woman and his old friend.  And in that moment, he never felt more
alive.  Then, the familiar feeling of the transporter took hold of his body
as he felt himself being taken aboard the Enterprise.  Suddenly, there was
a new feeling.  A feeling of haze and confusion.  A feeling of not having
left.  Indeed, he was still there aboard the Sieu.  He looked left to right
and saw that he was alone.  At least Spock and the woman were safe and
aboard the Enterprise.  The ship shook violently as cables began to fall from
their couplings in the ceiling.  It wouldn't be too much longer.  He took
out his communicator and hoped to hell they didn't forget about him.
        "Kirk to Enterprise...Spock."

        The Enterprise was taking a severe beating in the storm and
it was clear that without shields the structural integrity field was not
going to hold much longer.  Spock assisted the woman off the transporter
pad and went to the transporter controls.  McCoy was already in a tirade
as to where the captain was.  That ship was a deathtrap and Spock had no
intentions to leave him there.  He keyed in the commands into the panel,
clearly ignoring the transporter operator.  The transporter reactivated
and the whine of the beaming process was heard and then was suddenly cut
short when the entire transporter pad ignited in a burst of sparks and
charred debris.  The transporter was rendered useless and Spock knew that
time was running out.  He quickly ran to the turbolift with McCoy running
behind him still trying to figure out just what was going on.
        When Spock and McCoy entered the bridge, Harriman was clearly
surprised not to see Kirk with them.  Was he injured? he thought. Spock
did not regard him but went to the science station and issued several
commands.
        "Where's Captain Kirk?"
        McCoy's eyes were furious as he hovered over Spock's shoulder
to try to get some idea for himself. It wasn't supposed to happen like this,
he said to himself.  Spock informed Harriman without looking up from his
display.  "Captain Kirk is still aboard the freighter Sieu and the
transporter systems have been damaged.  We cannot beam him back aboard."
His outward appearance was calm but he was anything from being solely
logical.  "Ensign Sulu, raise the shields and attempt to lock onto the Sieu
with the tractor beam.  I have modulated the beams frequency to try to
compensate for temporal distortions."
        "Aye, sir." replied Sulu who didn't even notice that Spock
had just overstepped Harriman's authority, not that he noticed, of course.
"Shields are up but I still can't get a good lock on the Sieu.  There's just
too much interference that the beam just breaks up and loses too much
energy."
        It was beginning to feel hopeless as McCoy gripped the
guardrail.  With the transporters off line and the tractor beam useless in
the environment, Jim was stuck there.  He would give anything to change
places with the man.  He didn't deserve this.  Not like this, Lord please.
Let Spock find a way.
        Saavik looked up from her display and announced to Harriman
of a new problem.  "Captain, sensors indicate a massive temporal energy build
up in the center of the sun.  It is about to reach its critical mass and
when it does this entire area will be subjected to an incredibly powerful
temporal energy wave." she paused and looked at her mentor, Spock.  "Every-
thing in the region will be destroyed."
        "How large a region, Commander?" Harriman asked as he came
towards her.
        "The temporal wave will extent in a spheroid manner from the
sun and expand for approximately ten million kilometers.  I estimate the
event to occur in seven minutes."
        Harriman was completely at a loss as to what to do.  He had
the survivors and he should leave.  But he owed Kirk.  There had to be a way
out for them all.
        "There is no way, Captain." Spock said to everyone's surprise.
"There is no conceivable alternative to extricate Captain Kirk and escape
from the effects of the energy wave within seven minutes." Harriman's face
contorted and looked to contradict Spock.  But there was just no time left.
"Captain, your duty is to this ship and to her crew.  You must leave, it is
the only logical thing to do.  Captain Kirk knows."
        Harriman's shoulders shrugged as he defeated to the reality
of the situation.  Under his command the greatest starship captain was lost.
He would never fully forgive himself for this, no matter what Spock said or
did.  "Helm, turn us about and get us beyond the range of the temporal
effects." he said those words as if they were not his own.  It was a man's
death sentence he had just committed.
        McCoy wanted to argue.  He felt Jim could be saved, that
they would have a drink of Saurian Brandy and laugh about this.  But he too
knew reality and the fact was, Spock was right.  If there was a way, Spock
would have found it.  No, there was no way to get Jim out of this one.  Not
even all the luck could save him now.  He just stood there in complete shock
and disbelief as he was about to witness his friends demise.
        "Captain," Sulu said anxiously.  "We can't leave.  The
temporal flux is preventing us from leaving the area, sir."
        Harriman raced to the helm as he saw what was told to him.
All that time with the shields down had rendered his ship immobile in the
field.  They simply did not have enough power to escape.
        "Engage the warp drives then.  Just get us out of here."
        "That is not possible, Captain." Saavik said. "If we use
the warp drives while we are still in this temporal field we will introduce
an immense amount of energy that would affect the temporal rifts much the
same way the photon torpedoes did.  Suffice it to say we would not need to
wait for the energy wave to destroy us."
        Harriman cursed under his breath at his luck.  Was this how
all my missions were going to be? he wondered.
        "Captain, I believe I may know a way out of this." Spock
said as he looked away from Dr. McCoy.  "If we use the main deflector dish
and emmitted a high resonating energy beam against a nearby solid mass we
should be able to break free.  Theoretically."
        "But wouldn't that just blow us all to hell?" he said with
a curt tone of voice.
        "No, sir." Saavik said, then turning to Spock. "A most
fascinating theory, Captain Spock.  By using the energy beam we can
effectively repel ourselves out of the temporal field.  It could work under
the right conditions."
        "We do not have time to experiment, Saavik.  Can we attempt
to fire the beam at the sun?"
        "That would be futile, sir." she looked up in resignation.
"The beam would lose too much energy along the distance that it would not
be able to propel us beyond the field."
        Spock thought about that and knew of only one other alternative
that was feasible.  McCoy knew it too and shook his head and saying that it
would be wrong.  But it was, they both knew, the only way.
        "Ensign Heleck, contact Captain Kirk aboard the Sieu."
        McCoy grabbed Spock by the shoulders and tried to reason
with him.  "Spock!  You can't do this to Jim.  You can't!  He's still
alive over there and we can't just use him as a slingshot.  If you ever had
any care for the man you won't do this." McCoy was already beyond logic and
had near collapsed were it not for Spock supporting his weight.
        "Doctor, there is no choice.  Jim is already lost. We
cannot help him but he may be able to save us.  He still can make a
difference, Bones."  McCoy resigned to the prospect and fell against a
panel in complete confusion.  He knew Spock was right but it just wasn't
something that he could accept.
        He looked up at Spock.  "You green-blooded, inhuman, son of
a bitch!"
        "Yes, Doctor." Spock said as he turned away. "And then some."
        "Captain Spock," said Heleck. "I can't raise the Sieu or
Captain Kirk, sir.  The last jolt must have damaged the communications
systems."
        Spock looked up at the picture of the Sieu being tossed and
racketed on the view screen.  The next move was Kirk's.

(hold on...there's more)

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Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7747

               Eviction Notice

Sshhh...Generations never happened, okay?  It was just a real bad dream.
With that established, I think its safe to say that this story is likely
going to contradict Generations, but thats okay.  Some parts, especially
the first part, tends to be very similar to Generations to some degree or
other but thats about it.  I haven't written the other parts, yeah there
is supposed to be more, but that's up to you.  If you think its worth its
nickel and penny, then please post some responses so I get an idea of how
it is.  That way, I'll either write more or jump off a building. Well, I
hope you enjoy it...Have fun.

               Chapter Two (Continued)

        The bridge was in complete disarray as Kirk sat at the Ops
station and tried to keep the Sieu from being destroyed.  He hoped that
somehow Spock would get him out but he knew deep down that this was it.  He
couldn't finnagle that much more to the shields and keep himself alive for
much longer.  But that was okay, he thought, at least I'll go out with a
blaze of glory.  He had to smile at that.  It was the way he would have
wanted to go.  Fighting.
        He looked at the shattered viewscreen through all the smoke
and chaos and saw the Enterprise there, still.  If they were going to get
him out they would have done it already.  No, something was wrong.  But what,
he thought, that ship was so damned big.  What the hell could stop it?  Then
he realized the problem.  She was stuck much the same as the Sieu couldn't
leave the region, neither could the Enterprise.  So, this was how it going
to end.  That'll be the day, he scorned.  Kirk stopped and thought for a
moment and wondered what he would do in this situation.  What would you do,
Jim? he questioned.  The Enterprise is trapped in a fatal position and
couldn't extract herself.  What would you do?  The deflector dish.  He knew
that that was the answer.  He could almost feel that Spock had surmised it
too.  Fire a beam and...wait.  Why haven't they done it already?  Spock! he
almost yelled. Get the Enterprise out of there.  Use the damned sun, for
Chrissakes!  But then that would have been Spock's first assumption. It must
have been a useless option.  So, it was me? he said to himself.  He'd have
to position the Sieu in front of the deflector dish and use himself as the
most powerful reflector.  There would be no hope of escape this time.
But it was just as well.
        With an almost smile, Kirk lowered the shields and transferred
all the ships power to the manuevering thrusters.  Those were the only
engines left that weren't torn apart.  Slowly, he could feel the ship give
to the helm controls and slowly move into position.
        When the Sieu was ahead of the Enterprise, Kirk took his seat
in what was left of the captain's chair and relaxed for the first time.  He
looked around and saw nothing but an empty bridge.  He was alone.  Just like
he had always known how he would die.  He finally realized that he felt young
again.  Like when he was when he got the Enterprise.  His lady.  It was such
a good feeling.  Good Bye, Miss.  Kirk thought.

        "..Captain Harriman!" yelled a surprised Demora Sulu. "The
Sieu has managed to move directly in front of our deflector dish.  About
ten kilometers ahead of us!"
        So that was that, Harriman thought.  He really was the best.
Is, he corrected himself.  He looked over his shoulder to Spock who merely
nodded affirmatively.  There was only a few seconds left.  "Fire the
deflector dish beam.  Now!"
        Instantly, a greenish hue energy beam was emmitted from the
deflector dish and impacted the Sieu, Kirk.  The effects were as thought.
The Enterprise was propelled back, out of the temporal field and into
safety as the Sieu was repelled towards the sun.  Just then, the energy wave
from the sun ignited the entire screen of the Enterprise.  It was a massive
wave that expanded from the entire surface of the sun and raced with
frightening speed towards the ships.
        The Sieu, being without shields, was assaulted from both
sides as the energy beam and temporal wave literally vaporized the freighter
into nothingness leaving a few particles of energy behind.  The wave was
undaunted, however, as it came towards the Enterprise and threatened to
destroy it as well.
        "Captain, we're clear!" yelled Saavik over the ruccus of all
the chaos.
        "..Kirk." Harriman whispered then turned to his helmsman.
"Mr. Sulu, get us out of here!"
        The Enterprise turned about and engaged her warp drives just
before the energy wave expanded to where they were.  The kaliedascope of
colors that were the effect of the warp drives were reflected in a
spectacular display against the temporal wave.  It was a fitting end to
James Kirk.
        After about four seconds of intense, awesome power the temporal
wave collapsed onto itself taking with it the time pockets.  The view was
spectacular, indeed, and were it not for his loss, Spock would have been
fascinated by the sight.  But today, his closest friend was dead.  He looked
around the bridge as Harriman stood a silent vigil while the rest of the crew
breathed a sigh of relief.  McCoy was the only other person to feel anything
but relief.  The doctor sat in a chair with his head in his hands, quietly
weeping.  ...And then some, Doctor. he thought.  All Spock could do was close
his eyes and remember his friend.

(Chapter three to come soon...
            ...just tell me if I should.)
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Subject: Star Trek-The Last Hope (Chp 3-5)
Lines: 720


               Eviction Notice

Sshhh...Generations never happened, okay?  It was just a real bad dream.
With that established, I think its safe to say that this story is likely
going to contradict Generations, but thats okay.  Some parts, especially
the first part, tends to be very similar to Generations to some degree or
other but thats about it.  I haven't written the other parts, yeah there
is supposed to be more, but that's up to you.  If you think its worth its
nickel and penny, then please post some responses so I get an idea of how
it is.  That way, I'll either write more or jump off a building. Well, I
hope you enjoy it...Have fun.

               Star Trek - The Last Hope

                 Chapter Three

        ...It was hot.  The earth beneath him was brimming with an
intense heat that ached his body, and yet he did not move.  All that he knew
was that his entire being was hurting, and the only thing that he wanted to
do was just sleep and rest.  It wouldn't exactly be that much of a problem
to do were it not for the blazing sun that burned overhead.  It felt like a
fire had scorched the earth, himself with it.  All the heat and the pain
made every thought nearly unbeareable.  He had to get himself up and find
some place better to rest, otherwise it wouldn't be too long before he's lose
his sense of humor.
        James Kirk slowly moved his head against the hot, rough dirt
that lay beneath his prone form.  It was as if he could feel every granule
of dirt move against his skin; it was not an entirely pleasing feeling.  But
at least he was still alive, that much was worth some comfort.  Carefully,
he began slightly moving his joints to be sure he wasn't really in pain.
Other than a few bruises and an incredible feeling of soreness, he was no
worse for wear, which wasn't saying much.  Then, with some considerable
effort, Kirk got onto his hands and knees, and slowly rose to his feet.
Every part of his body was screaming in pain as the sun burned his neck and
face as he looked around him, his eyes trying to adjust to the brightness of
where he was.  There wasn't much to see, unless you were interested in barren
openness and absolute nothingness.  The sky was a menacing red, but the
ground was an even more intense reddish hue.  He kicked some of the harsh
dirt beneath his boots and it made a slight swirl, but nothing more.  No
wind.  Indeed, there were no clouds in the sky as Kirk looked up towards
the red sun that burned crazily up above.  Just where the hell am I, he
thought as he rubbed the growth of beard on his face.
        The last thing he remembered was being on the Sieu, in the
command chair, looking at the Enterprise.  It all felt so distant that it
was mostly a haze, just beyond the horizon.  There was a danger, Kirk
remembered.  The Sieu was caught in some temporal distortion and the
Enterprise was there to rescue her, but had gotten caught too.  But just
what the hell happened after that?  Everything felt so different, like if
someone had left him in the transporter for a few years.  Didn't Spock find
a way to get him out of there?  Of course!  Kirk said triumphantly.  He
couldn't get back on the Enterprise and so was consigned to die aboard the
Sieu.  And he remembered saving the Enterprise just when some massive wave
hit the Sieu and everything went completely blank.  But, what happened after
that?   And just where was he?
        Kirk looked around and saw what appeared to be a ridgeline
some one hundred kilometers to the east.  Without any water he could be sure
that he wouldn't last long in this heat, that much was for sure.  It wouldn't
be too long, he was sure, before Spock would find him.  Kirk let out a breath
and tugged on his tunic as he began walking east.  At least it was something
to keep him busy.  That much was sufficient.

Captain's Log: Stardate 96024.7
         The Enterprise has just arrived in the Omarii
        System which is situated fairly near the Klingon
        Empire after having been requested by Starfleet
        Command to begin an investigation for one of
        our ships that had failed to report to Starbase
        Six, nearly three weeks ago.  Apparently, as I
        am told, the Saratoga, a Nebula class starship
        under the command of my old Academy friend
        V. Robert Shaw, was scheduled to report back to
        Starbase Six after completing a routine science
        mission on Perellia, a joint Klingon-Federation
        Research Station.  That was three weeks ago, and
        we haven't heard a word from her since.


        Captain Jean-Luc Picard closed his log book and tightened
his tunic as he rose from his captain's chair.  This wasn't like Shaw, to
disappear without telling anyone, Picard thought.  Something must have
happened.  This whole thing breathed of something worse.  Like the stale
taste of a conspiracy.  Picard frowned at the thought and stared at the
main viewer, trying to think what Shaw was doing.  They had been close
friends while at the Academy, indeed, still while as captains.  Picard
let himself think of his old friend, he was one of the finest captain's
in the fleet, barnone.  Picard even knew that Shaw was approached by the
Admirals in Starfleet for the Enterprise, but turned it down because he
knew that his old friend, Picard, was looking for a ship after the Stargazer.
It was even rumoured that he asked Command to seriously consider Picard, that
he even threatened to resign if they didn't.  Now that was a true friend in
every sense of the word.  If there was something wrong, Picard would move
heaven and earth to help that man.  He owed him that much.
        "Mr. Data," Picard said as he broke his own silence.  Hoping
there was some progress in the search-even if it were wreckage. "Anything
from your sensor sweep?"
        "No, Captain.  We have managed to scan this entire region
with no traces that the Saratoga is in the area.  I have adjusted the scans
so that they will look for any neutron particle residue." Data stopped as
he seemingly thought to end his assessment, but reconsidered.  "In the event
that she has been destroyed."
        "Understood, Commander.  But don't be surprised if we see
the Saratoga yet.  Captain Shaw is a most capable officer.  I'm sure he and
his ship are probably in orbit over some lush planet and that he's just lost
track of time.  The devil is probably having a drink right about now. "
Picard said with a quiet smile, trying to convince himself more than anyone
else.
        "Yes, sir."
        Indeed, if there was a way, Shaw would have found it.  Picard
could feel it.  But just what the hell was going on then? He walked around
the bridge pondering the question and hoping for some break in the tension.
This was not what being a starship captain was supposed to be, pacing a
bridge and hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.  Actually, Picard
thought, it's exactly what it was like.  But not when it involved a friend.
He turned back and tried to focus his energies on the task on hand.  Finding
a missing starship and not just her captain.
        "Mr. Worf," he said looking directly at the Klingon officer
who stood steadfast at his station that was atop the bridge. "Open a channel
to the Perellia Research Station.  I want to talk to the administrator of
that facility and see if he might have anything useful we can use."
        "Captain, Starfleet Command has already made inqueries
concerning the Saratoga to all personnel stationed aboard the research
station.  Their conclusions were inconclusive and did not reveal any new
insight of value."
        "Yes, Data.  But sometimes to get the apple you want, you
may have to shake the tree," Picard said with a devilish smile.  He knew all
too well that the administrator of the station was a reclusive Andorian who
wasn't so fond of anyone intruding on his territory-even if that territory
was leased to him.
        "Interesting," Data said as he filed the analogy into his
memory for future reference.
        "Captain," Riker said, as he rose from his own seat and
stepped up behind Picard, "may we speak, sir?"
        Picard nodded and both officers ajourned to the ready room.
It wasn't an uncommon thing for Riker to request a private meeting, in fact,
Picard requested that such talks take place but this was different.  It was
a reality check, one that had to faced.
        "Captain, I think you know why I've asked to speak with you."
        "Indeed, Number One." Picard said as he took a seat behind
his desk.  Indeed, he knew it all too well.  "I think I have an idea of what
you're going to say, but go ahead."
        "Sir, with all due respect, the Saratoga is most likely lost.
I know how you and Captain Shaw were close friends but..."
        "Close friends, indeed, Will.  We were the best of friends.
Have been since we were first year cadets at the Academy.  We were in an
argument over some petty thing, but it got out of hand and I threw a punch.
Suffice it to say, Number One, I missed and he showed me the floor." Picard
was suddenly smiling at his recollection and Riker couldn't help but be
amused.  "We were there fighting for nearly an hour before we were both far
beyond being exausted.  And when one of the instructors came in and saw
us laying on the floor, bleeding, and demanded an answer, Robert Shaw said
that we were trying to get to class.
        "Now, Will, if there was a way for Shaw to keep his ship and
his people alive, he would have done it.  I have no doubt about that matter.
I'm sure he's alright, it's just a matter now, of finding which planet he's
found himself on."
        "Aye, sir.  But I just thought you should know that if we
don't find any signal of Saratoga, Starfleet will order her lost and we'll
have to return to Beta Quadrant."
        "Your concern is noted, Number One."  and more than
understood, he thought as he rose from his desk and walked out of the ready
room, with Riker behind him.
        "Worf, do you have Perellia?" Picard asked.
        Worf did not answer, and if he did not answer, then something
was wrong.  He looked up from his console with an angry befuddled look on his
face.  "Sir, I cannot establish a communication with Perellia Station." Both
Picard and Riker looked at him with a worried look.  "They are not responding
to any of our hails."
        Picard looked at Riker and both men knew that something was
afoot.  Whatever happened to the Station might also be responsible for the
Saratoga, too.  This was already getting interesting.
        "Data, lay in a course for the Perellia Research Station.
Warp six, engage."
        The Enterprise D suddenly yawed to starport and went into
warp, leaving a halo effect behind her.  It was just like all of her
predessors before her, leaping headfirst with captain and crew straight into
harm's way.  It was indeed a proud legacy to uphold, if not difficult.

        Seven hours later after high warp, the Enterprise entered
the system that contained the Perellia Station and reduced her speed to
impulse power.  It was a remarkable system to say the least.  It had three
planets, all uninhabitable due to the two suns that orbited each other.  One
a red giant satr and the other a white dwarf, however, what was so incredible
was that the white dwarf was drawing power away from its larger cousin, and
in the process, stealing its power away.  Studies have shown that within
a few decades the red giant will be reduced to an echo of herself and the
process would continue again, only in reverse.  It was an amazing phenomena
that was only now being studied since the Klingon-Federation treaty.  Prior
to the signing of the alliance, scientists could only wonder and speculate
the majesty of it since the stars were well within the old Neutral Zone.
But now, with peace, their cravings were being satiated, but only barely
until a new wonder came along and gained their interests.
        Picard stared at the beauty of the spector and allowed himself
the few moments of sheer appreciation overtake him.  His awe was, indeed,
clearly felt by Troi who sat behind him, with a wide grin on her features.
It wasn't often the captain had a chance to relax, any opportunity would
be most welcome.
        "Worf," he said, stealing himself from the sight of the dual
stars.  "Anything from Perellia?"
        "No, sir.  They are still not answering our hails."
        Riker stood and said in almost a whisper.  "First Saratoga
and now Perellia.  Just what is going on out here?"
        "I don't know, Number One, but we're sure to hell going to
find out.  Data, get us to the station immediately.  I want some answers to
our little puzzle here."
        The Enterprise began her approach to the research station
which was fairly near the stars.  Indeed, it was a disposable facility.  When
the white dwarf took all the energy from the red giant, it would release
a massive amount of gamma radiation that would completely irradiate the
entire systemm and the station.  No matter how much shielding was offered.
        Slowly, the Perellia Research Station came into view, and
before any sensor sweeps could be made, there was a great horror that
overcame everyone as they saw the facility.  It had been completely gutted
out.  Whole sections that were supposed to be there were not and it was
obvious, even from this distance, that the hull was marred by nothing less
than weapons fir.  It was a wrenching sight, all the metal struts being
mangled and torn and complete sections of the station that looked like the
housing area being exposed to open space.  Whoever had done this was not
interested in being clean, no, they were in the business of brutality that
seemed to exist beyond this galaxy.
        "My Gods..." Picard whispered as he took in the horror that
filled his eyes.  "What happened to them?" he suddenly directed his full
attention to Data.  He came to the realization that whatever did this to
Perellia may have done the same to the Saratoga.  "Data, are you picking
up any life signs?"
        "No, sir.  All sensors indicate that the station is now
devoid of any life.  Captain, I am picking up readings that would suggest
disruptor fire consistent with Romulan weapons."
        "All hands, yellow alert!" Riker commanded out loud. He
turned to his Klingon friend and nodded an unspoken order.
        It was just a few seconds to confirm his disappointed
expectations. "Sir, I am not detecting any vessel in our area."
        "Use a tachyon sweep to try to flood them out if they're
here." Riker said.  "And you better notify Starfleet Command.  We might
be at war with the Romulans, and it might be good if we knew about it."
        "Aye, sir." Worf said with an upbeat response.  He had more
than anyone to hate the Romulans, but to attack an unarmed science base was
without any honor.  There would be retribution for this act, Worf vowed.
        Picard stood over Data's shoulder and tried to keep up with
the androids actions-he couldn't.  Data's hands were moving far too quick
for his eyes to focus in on them.  Suddenly, everything became very grim as
the prospect of war now loomed over head.
        "Data, do you have the station's manifest?"
        "Aye, sir. Perellia Station was a joint Klingon-Federation
science outpost designed to study the dual stars.  Her complement included
forty seven Federation scientists and twenty nine Klingon counterparts.
Captain, they did not have any defense systems."
        "I'm not surprised.  We're right between the Federation and
the Klingons.  Even the Romulans would be hardpressed to pull of a stunt like
this, and for what reason?  Why attack this place?"  Picard was not the
type of man who did not like not having answers to his questions.  Not when
more lives might be in the balance.
        "Number One, I want you to lead an away team over there.
I get the feeling we're running against a clock now."
        "Aye, sir.  Worf, Data you're with me.  Have Crusher meet us
in the transporter room."
        And with that, Riker and the others left the bridge.  Whatever
answers were to be had, they must be aboard that wreck of a station-and
aboard of whatever vessel did this.

        The familar whine echoed through the twisted confines of
the research station as the away team beamed aboard, Worf with his phaser
drawn in a measure of security that was useless.  The destruction within the
facility was extreme as shards of metal and debris were all over the station.
The walls were scarred by apparent phaser fire and all of the control systems
were destroyed.  Not just by phaser fire, but by hand as well.  It was not
uncommon for a crew to witness such a travesty but not on this order of
malice.  Whoever, or whatever, did this did it with pure rage and hate.
Every person on board were killed, but for what?
        Commander Wlliam Riker activated his hand held light and
directed it towards the main control systems only to see that they too had
been brutally torn apart.  Across the metallic floor, bodies lay motionless.
The bodie of Klingons and humans and countless other aliens had mixed
together and coagulated to form a very dark hue.  Even Dr. Crusher cringed
at the sight when she considered the torture and the trauma these people must
have endured before they were mercilessly killed.  Data, the only one
seemingly not affected by the sight, extracted his tricorder and began to
take readings of what was left.  Things were not in their favor.  Whoever
had committed this crime had also been very thorough.  Data's initial scans
indicated that every room, every computer file was violated and damaged.
Indeed, this away mission probably wouldn't take too long.
        "Riker to Enterprise." he said as he directed the team towards
a corridor. "We're aboard the Perellia. Captain, there isn't much left here.
It looks like all the people were brutally murdered, sir." he neglected
to add that their body parts were literally torn from the limbs. "Data's done
a preliminary scan but he says that the intruders were very thorough in
looking for whatever it is they were looking for.  All the files were broken
into and apparently searched.  My guess, Captain, they found what they were
looking for."
        Picard's stomach turned when he heard the voice of his first
officer struggle to give a brief and objective assessment.  It was anything
but steady.  "Understood, Commander.  Can Mr. Data access any of the files
and see what the attackers were looking for?"
        "I'm not sure, Captain.  The controls are all damaged and it
ooks like all the interface units have been deliberately disabled but we'll
do our best."
        "Very well, Number One.  Try to see if the emergency log buoy
was launched prior to the attack.  If its out there somewhere, it might have
the answers we're looking for."
        "Yes, sir.  Understood." Riker looked to Worf and nodded
him to proceed towards the research labs, below the main control station.
Most of the station's people would be working in the research section and
maybe there would be a clue as to what had transpired here earlier.
        As the away team moved cautiosly towards the research labs
the picture of destruction was horrifying.  It looked as if the people had
tried to run away, a few even making a futile attempt to fight back.  But it
was no use, they were easily overpowered and killed from behind.  From all
respects, this battle was over in its planning stages.  Riker walked behind
Dr. Crusher who periodically bent over a dead body to take samples and make
a few scans.  All of it revealed the same thing-massive trauma caused from
intense, close range disruptor fire.  By the time they reached the research
section, the doctor was already stained with blood on her uniform.  Even
her medical restraint could not hold back the inborn disgust.
        The research laboratory was an immense structure that housed
one of the largest and most precise solar observatories.  Yet, it too, had
suffered the fate of the invasion.  The device was shattered to a wreckage
that left it completely useless.  Riker walked around the room, taking in the
now all too common horror and shut off his light.  The ambient light from the
dual suns were more than enough to illuminate the room.  Data quietly walked
to one of the interface units that looked at least slightly repaireable and
went to work to see if a connection could be had.
        Worf walked up behind Riker and said in a whispered tone that
was meant for Riker alone. "Whoever did this, sir, had no honor.  To attack
an unarmed science station full of non warriors is the work of a coward.  It
has no honor to be won.  Only a-"
        He didn't get to finish his sentence as Dr. Crusher, who had
overheard what they said, interrupted in a not too surprised, matter of fact
tone.  "Romulans."
        "What?"
        "Romulans, Will.  These disruptor wounds are caused by weapons
used predominantly by the Romulans. I wasn't sure at first because there were
others with phaser injuries, but I think its apparent now.  Most of the dead
have Romulan disruptor wounds and those who were killed by phasers seem to
show residual emmissions of radiation.  Much like that found in disruptor
fire."
        Worf grunted disapprovingly.  "So, it was the Romulans who
had committed this act of cowardice.  And to not have the courage to take the
credit for it is even more dishonarable."
        "Right now, Worf, it doesn't matter who did this.  Only that
we find out why.  Why would the Romulans risk war with both the Federation
and the Klingon Empire over a science station?  What was here that was so
valuable and important that forced them to kill everyone here?"
        "Yes, sir." Worf responded grudgingly.  He then did his best
to proceed with other duties. "Whoever," he said accusingly."did this, must
have entered this area through the north and west entrances simultaneously.
You can see that by the disruptor blasts and by where the people lay.  They
did not have a chance, Commander." He walked over to a console that was half
obliterated by repeated firing, then pointed to a Klingon female who was
lying face down in a pool of her own blood.  "It is not the place of a woman
to have to fight alone.  Commander, the people who did this were brutal and
without mercy.  They were also very good.  The station maintains a
security net as its primary defenses.  Whoever was responsible did it at
close range."
        Riker didn't like that very much.  Perellia kept a tachyon
security web around the station to keep thermal emmissions from the dual
suns under constant monitoring. Failure to do so would impair any sensor
readings the facility took.  Tachyon was also very helpful in detecting a
vessel hidden in a cloaked field. So, either the security field was down or
the romulan ship was close enough to beam the boarding party aboard.
        "Data," Riker said as he turned to where the control terminal
was. "Have you been able to access the station's computer core?"
        "Yes, sir.  I was able to establish a weak link between the
tricorder and the main computer banks and am downloading as much information
as possible that has not been damaged.  I believe-" Data stopped in
mid-sentence and suddenly became interested in the tricorder readings than
he was in conversing with Riker. "This is interesting.."
        Suddenly, there was an immense flash followed by the
unmistakeable sound of an explosion.  The moment it detonated Riker was blown
across the room against a control panel while Worf managed to knock Crusher
to the floor, but not until absorbing much of the blast himself.  Data,
on the otherhand was at the epicenter of the explosion.
        "Riker to Enterprise! Emergency beam out!" Riker said as he
struggled to get a hold of his faculties. "Get us out of here."
        And as quick as that, the away team was beamed back aboard
the relative safety of the Enterprise.  Atop the transporter pad, Data stood
looking confused as the right side of his torso had been almost completely
blown apart from the blast.  He stood there with his quizzical look on his
face and muttered, as if to himself, "If I were human, I would be dead."

                     Chapter Four

        The sun was not any less intense, even after several days.
It might have gone down during the night, but nights weren't exactly dark in
this place.  Quite the contrary, one couldn't tell night from day here.  But
to James Kirk, night or day didn't matter, that it was burning hot was.  He
had walked, perhaps, two and a half days in the desert under the burning lamp
towards the mountain ridge, and it didn't look it was getting any closer.
Somewhere, deep down, Kirk began to feel that he would not make it this time.
That his luck had finally run out of him.  He couldn't die fast and in a
blaze of glory when he was aboard the Sieu, no, he had to go out slowly and
feel every ounce of him suffer.  It was almost retribution for a life full
of regrets and sorrows.
        Just a little further, he thought, as he walked the desert
ground that was cracked and dried.  If he could muster all his strength
then maybe he could reach those mountains, and perhaps find some water. The
word itself suddenly felt alien to his lips.  Like as if it were an
invaluable commodity that no one around seemed to have any more.  I need
water, Kirk thought.  The illusions that danced across his vision began to
increase with frequency.  A few hours ago, or was it minutes, he had
thought that he were back aboard the Enterprise but it was twenty some odd
years ago.  It seemed like a lifetime ago at the moment.  And yet, Kirk
knew that his hallucinations were just that, false images pressed upon his
mind's eye.
        Every part of his being ached.  All he wanted to do was to
stop and rest, and let peace over come him.  But that certain something
that kept him alive all these years somehow managed to keep him going.
Like an inner drive that would not quit or allow a moment of respite.  No,
Jim Kirk, his conscience seemed to say, will not die like this.  And so
he struggled on against the unrelenting environment.  His muscles burned
from exhaustion and every step brought on a new wave of anguish as his
water deprived body seemed to lose its strength.  Even great men must fall.
Then, as if it were a final closure in a life, James T. Kirk collapsed to
the blazing ground and could not move.  He had finally lost the battle
against nature. His body rejoiced in the rest, but his mind, heart and soul
was in torment over its defeat.  He had resigned to his fate.
        "Captain James Tiberius Kirk." said a voice that seemed to
emanate from all around Kirk and through him.  But then, it was a hot day
so Kirk didn't move to acknowledge the intrusion upon his death. "I am, of
course, disappointed in your lack of effort.  I had hoped that you were at
least half as great as history says you are."
        Even his own mind could not conjure up such an arrogant
hallucination.  Kirk slowly and utterly painfully lifted his head to see
the shadow that now suddenly was cast over him, the figure only a foot away
from his head.  Feet.  He saw feet.  It was an odd feeling that Kirk had.
On the one hand, he was grateful for being saved, yet he was also fearful
that he had gone insane.  But then, it didn't quite matter now anyways.
Kirk looked upwards as much as he could but could barely make out the outline
of the figure as the sun still beamed down upon him.  He tried to shield his
eyes to get a better look, but it was futile.
        "Captain," said the voice with, perhaps, a tinge of arrogance
that usually belonged to royalty. "it isn't your time, yet.  There's still
work to be done out there so if you'll be so kind and get yourself off this
wretched dirt, perhaps we can do business."
        Kirk struggled through his parched throat to form a few words
that came across as muttering.  "Wh-who are you?"
        "Who am I?" the being said, as if defiled. "Who am I?  Mon
Capitan, I am your friend. I am the one person in all this galaxy that can
help you, you see.  Don't look so surprised, Captain, you're not quite dead
yet and there's still a fair amount of work left for you to do." By this time
Kirk had managed to get himself on his own feet, noticeably without the aid
of this stranger. "Kirk, I am Q."
        The being, Q, said that as if it were some sacred cabal that
everyone knew about, but he sure wasn't familiar with this Q thing. Kirk just
stood there with a befuddled look across his face that belied a mind that was
trying to figure out just what was going on here.  Only now did he rest the
thought that this was just some hallucination.  No, this was real but the
questions just became more important.
        "Do I know you?" Kirk managed through a whisper.
        "No, James.  You and I have never met, exactly."
        Kirk suddenly realized how strange the situation was, and how
dangerous it had become.  Somehow, this person had the answers to some of
Kirk's questions.  He looked at this Q's wardrobe and weakly smiled at the
heavy ceremonial robe it had on in this intense heat.  Whoever or whatver he
was, heat wasn't something he had to put up with, Kirk thought.
        "Then how..how did I get here..and who exactly are you again?"
Kirk said as he waved his hand across the horizon.
        The Q merely seemed disinterested in answering questions as
opposed to telling Kirk what to do, but was consigned to do so. "James, I am
Q.  I'm, how shall I say, immortal and all powerful.  But all that is pretty
irrelevant to the fact, Captain.  How you got here, on the otherhand, is a
somewhat more delicate problem."
        Kirk looked at the figure and knew there was trouble.  He was
confident that over the years he'd learned to be able to judge a man's morals
on first glance and his instincts told him that this Q wasn't exactly going
to be his favorite friend.  But, he did have answers and that was all that
was important now.
        "Alright," Kirk responded impatiently which Q took with a
little indignity. "Tell me, just how exactly did I get here?"
        Q looked like he knew the answer and that made Kirk all the
more agitated.  It was a powerful drug, knowledge.  Q turned around and
stared directly into the reddish sun and smiled.  "Captain, don't you
remember how you got here? Don't you remember the moments before your sudden
demise? Your great moment?" Kirk stepped back in confusion then suddenly
realized that dying aboard a lost ship was his greatest dream.  Was this Q
listening to my thoughts? he wondered. "No Kirk, I wasn't listening to your
thoughts." Q said with a smile drawing a shocked look from Kirk. "At least
not at the time.  No, you were on your own there and I must say that there
was so much more you could have done.  It was almost as if you gave up."
        "I didn't give up!" Kirk said angrily coming face to face
to Q. "There was nothing else to be done, not there, not under those
circumstances." There was little conviction in his voice.  Had he really
wanted to just give up and die in a blaze of glory.  Was that what he really
wanted?  To be remembered as a hero or as an historic icon? The answer was
far too clear to deny.
        "Don't worry, Captain.  If you had managed to get out, you
would have even impressed me.  Besides, it's better this way, isn't it? I
mean, you have a splendid view." Kirk shot him a glance that even Q
understood clearly.  "Oh, of course.  How did you get here?  Well, it has
everything to do with those pesky temporal ribbons that were plagueing your
sun.  Do you remember?"
        "The time pockets, yeah, I remember."
        "Excellent, Tiberius. Well, the ship you were on was mortally
trapped in one of those things as well as the..Enterprise.  It must have
seemed quite hopeless, seeing death so close; at least for a human.  It
seemed that you were irretrievable and that the Enterprise should use any
means possible get out, while it still could."
        "Me," Kirk said in a whisper.
        "Indeed.  You were the only thing that could have saved the
ship.  Quite a heroic act, I might add.  Well, your old mates used some
little beam to repel themselves out of the time pocket, and you know what?
It worked.  The Enterprise was forced out of the area and was free, right
about the same time a huge temporal sphere enveloped the entire region.
Don't worry, Harriman was rather average there. They escaped unharmed.  You
on the otherhand did not fair so well.  Being caught simultaneously by the
energy beam and the temporal wave while being in the tme pockets...well, the
chances were so small it was nearly insignificant-nearly.  In anycase, you
were thrown into time and then here you are." Q said waving his arm in a
grans manner.
        There were still too many questions that Kirk didn't know
where to begin.  "Wait a minute.  Where is here?"
        Q laughed loudly at that, his voice echoing in the stale
wind. "Jim, you're home.  You're on Earth!" Kirk was dumbfoounded at that.
This pile of rocks was home? There must be some mistake. "There is no mistake
in what is truth, Kirk.  Because of that temporal anomaly, your home was
devastated.  Or will have been.  You see, no of course you don't.  Simply,
Kirk, what you experienced were the temporal effects of something that would
occur in the future.  What you saw, was just a taste of what your friends
saw eighty years later.  Quite a shock, isn't it?"
        Kirk walked away in complete disbelief.  Earth was gone? But
how?  "How...?"
        "What do you mean how?  I just told you!"
        Kirk spun around far more quickly than even Q surmised and
grabbed the immortal person by the collars of his robe.  "I said how dammit!"
        "In eighty years time from when you 'died', someone will
destroy your sun, and subsequently all life on this planet."
        Kirk released his grip and stepped back.  "Who?  Who did this
thing?"
        "It doesn't matter Kirk...You're too late.  The Earth was
destroyed some forty years ago.  You see, you were transported one hundred
twenty years into your future."
        Kirk nearly fell back at the words spoken by Q.  He had been
transported that far into the future? It was a frightening thought, to
suddenly realize that your home is lost and there was nothing that could
be done about it.  Kirk seemed sullen and at a loss.  Everything that
once was and what could have been..was lost.  It was such a waste and yet the
biting feeling of suspicion kept gnawing at the back of his instinct.
Something here was not right.  Something was out of place.  Q.
        "Tell me something, Q.  Why are you here?"
        It was like God smiling upon his minions as Q spoke. "Ahh,
now that is what the history books say. Your knack for keeping your head well
into whatever it is you're doing.  I am glad of your abilities.  And, you
know what?  Time hasn't run out.  Not quite yet."

                   Chapter Five

        Picard sat at the head of the debriefing room as he listened
to the reports of his senior staff.  He was not at all amused.  Their away
mission to the Perellia Research Station had resulted in little progress and
alot of hurt pride.  He had commanded people to go into dangerous places
before.  That is the role of a captain.  He has even asked people to die for
duty.  But never had he come this close to realizing the threat of guerrilla
warfare before.  It seemed a far more potent weapon than any amount of
starships just because it required one man, and an unbreakeable will.
        "...and as I attempted to bypass one of the subroute
directories I believe I may have activated a signal device that detonated a
class three incendiary device.  There was a margin of point six seconds to
attempt a deactivation, however, there was inadequete time to assess the
situation and offer a solution." Data said, in an almost apologetic tone.
"Sir, I take full responsibility for what occurred on the station.  Lives
could have been lost."
        "Mr. Data, what happened over there was not your fault. What
happened on that station was the result of a person trying to make sure that
they covered their tracks." Picard said as he looked squarely into the eyes
of his android officer. "Part of the job in Starfleet is accepting the
occassional risk that comes with away missions.  Data, we know you did your
best to contain the blast with your own body.  If anything, you should be
commended for your bravery and not punished for it."
        "Indeed.  Such a trait, commander, is highly respected and
is found in only the truest of warriors." Worf added as he scratched his chin
where Dr. Crusher had healed earlier.
        "Number One," Picard said as he changed the subject back to
more pressing matters. "What is your assessment of the station?"
        "Captain, after the explosion, we sent Geordi in there
with one of our ordance teams and deactivating seven more explosives that
were left in key locations all across the station.  It looks like whoever put
them there knew a thing or two about sabotage, it took our people a while to
locate and disarm the explosives."
        "Are there anymore?"
        "Hard to say, Sir, but it's possible.  We can't say with any
certainty that we got them all but at least the most sensitive areas are
clear.  Captain, this was not the work of a terrorist or a raider.  These
were professionals and they knew their business."
        "Indeed.  Starfleet Command is already in an uproar over the
incident and is dispatching the Hood to our area to help the investigation.
Geordi, what did you manage to find over there?"
        Geordi shifted in his seat as he leaned over.  "Not much, sir.
Whoever was here before was pretty thorough in removing whatever it was
they were after.  Except for one little detail.  You see, the administrator
or the station kept pretty good notes, albeit in Andorian.  Captain, I think
you should read this," he said as he revealed a thinly covered manuscript
that seemed used and old.  "This is the administrator's diary, I guess.  We
translated most of it and found that about three weeks ago, the station
detected a temporal distortion deep in the Klingon territory.  He said that
no one on the station knew what it was, including their Klingon counterparts.
        "However, when they informed the Klingon Government, they were
met with uncooperation.  And three weeks later, the station was attacked and
every living thing on it was killed.  And not from a nearby vessel.  No, sir.
These people beamed aboard and wiped them out in an invasion."
        The silence in the debriefing room was thick at the connotation.
Did the Klingon Empire just order the mass murder of the people aboard
the research station?  But to what purpose?  And what about the traces of
Romulan weapons fire?  There were just too many variables to take into
account for.  Picard just rubbed his temples as he tried to get a better
perspective on things.
        "Geordi, are you suggesting that the Klingons were responsible
for what happened at the station?" Picard said seriously that evoked a
disgruntled moan from Worf.
        "What I'm saying, sir, is that it's a possibility that deserved
further investigation.  There's just too many questions here."
        "Agreed.  It seems we have quite the mystery on our hands here.
Number One, inform Starfleet Command that we will be staying on scene,
but do not inform them of any Klingon involvement.  Lord knows, if there's
a Klingon conspiracy, then we shouldn't make like we are aware."
        "Aye, sir."

        The Enterprise maintained a close orbit of the Perellia Station
while a series of away teams went aboard in an attempt to salvage any further
information that could lead to a resolution of the mystery at hand.  There
was, however, no progress other than the regular discoveries of murdered
people who didnt stand much of a chance against their onslaught.  But,
perhaps, the most frightening aspect of this was that the Klingons may have
been involved in this act.  If that were so, then the treaty that stood firm
for some eighty years would have been for not.  It was not something the crew
cared to dwell on very much, especially in light of a missing starship at
hand.
        Picard sat in his command chair, reading the latest assessment
given to him by Lt. Worf. It was not a pleasant report.  His report indicated
that at the very least, a Romulan vessel must have been in the area.  Such
a conclusion could only support the fact that the station was bombarded with
Romulan weapons.  So, it would seem on the surface, at least, that a contract
of understanding had been forged again between the Klingons and the Romulans.
It had been a long time since anyone has had to worry about such a threat.
One that Picard had no desire to undertake.
        "Mr. Data," Picard said as his mind worked elaborate circles
as he thought of his friend. "Would it be a logical assumption to assume that
both the incident here at Perellia and the disappearance of the Saratoga are
in some way related?"
        Data angled his head as he pondered the suggestion. "Yes, sir.
I believe that would be an adequate conclusion based upon our given data."
        "Indeed, then if Perellia was massacred for what it knew of
the temporal disturbance in the Klingon territory, is it possible to say that
the Saratoga was also aware of it?"
        "It is possible, sir, but highly unlikely.  The reports we
uncovered on the station indicated that the disturbance was nearly
insignificant and almost undetectable by their sensors.  The Saratoga was
further away from the Klingon regions and would have been unable to detect
any temporal anomaly at that range."
        Picard thought about that.  He had a point, but he also was
not thinking like a starship captain, or for that matter, a station
administrator. "Data, if you discovered a threat to Starfleet security that
was of the utmost importance, what is the best, safest route to inform
command without the threat of being compromised?"
        "Personally deliver the information."
        "Exactly! The Saratoga probably was asked to transfer the
data the station received and they probably realized what was going on. Only
the Klingons or whoever found out and intercepted them.  Data, put the star-
charts on screen.  I know Shaw, he was one hell of an officer who had a knack
of not dying." He was repelled by the thought that he suddenly was beginning
to use his friend's name in the past tense.
        Data activated the nav charts and on the main viewer a display
came up which mapped the quadrant.  Picard stepped up to it and reviewed it
carefully, trying to think what he would do if his options were limited and
contested by an enemy.  Run.  Thats what Shaw would have done.  Act the role
of a human coward and put your adversary into a false sense of security and
then reserve your strengths to fight another day.  War was a much longer
affair than a few battles.
        "Data," he said as he focused on the corner of the display.
"What is that region over there?  In grid square 76B Alpha?"
        "It is an asteroid belt, but it is located in Klingon space.
I do not think that the Saratoga would have gone, Captain."
        "No, Data.  That's exactly where he would have gone.  What
better place to hide than in your enemy's home?  Helm, lay in a course for
the Klingon space, sector 74 Alpha, the Kh'Trogh Belt.  Warp nine." he paused
and looked up to Worf. "You'd better notify Klingon border command.  Tell
them that we've picked up what looks like a weak transponder reading or
something.  We just need a few hours."
        "Aye, sir."
        "Hang on, Shaw.  Just a few more hours and we'll get you out
of this mess.." Picard whispered as the Enterprise engaged her warp drives.

        "...time is an arrogant thing, something that has to be dealt
with in the present, in the future and, of course in the past.  The effects
of even conspiring to change it can have rather large ramifications, but of
course, you all ready know about all the fun stuff that comes with tampering
with time, eh?"
        Kirk looked dead into Q's eyes and tried to comprehend the
magnitude of the task before them-him.  History was already played out here,
and that led to the end of all life on earth, in the Federation for that
matter.  From what he understood, after the Great Purge that led to the
downfall of the Federation, the Klingons and the Romulans enjoyed a period
of elitism before they too succumbed to their own fate when a new power
entered the game and eradicated both their respective systems.  In either
case, history had shown that life as it should have been was no more.  And
that fact burned in Kirk.  He had spent his life doing what was best in hopes
that things tomorrow would be better.  But, if this escapade had shown him
anything, was that it was a futile life.
        But now, here was Q, offering him and history a second chance.
Q had suggested that it would be possible for one man to avert what would
cause the downfall of his society.  Kirk was that man, Q was certain of it.
It was almost, his destiny.
        "Whatever it takes, Q.  I learned a long time ago that I don't
have to like what I do, but that I just have to do it."
        "What a quaint point of view, mon capitan."
        Kirk stepped closer to Q, and in a whisper he spoke like he
hadn't spoken in nearly thirty years.  "Give me a chance."
        "I don't think history would have had it any other way."
and then he vanished, but not until the echoes of his final words were heard
in the stale air.  "I know I wouldn't have."


OK...That was just the stuff I upchucked up tonight..I hope it has a nifty
taste to it.  Again, this is a work in progress, so critics are welcome,
except the bad ones.  Oh yeah, this is by far from over...I hope.
More to come during summer months since I'll be here...Hope you like it.

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               Eviction Notice

Sshhh...Generations never happened, okay?  It was just a real bad dream.
With that established, I think its safe to say that this story is likely
going to contradict Generations, but thats okay.  Some parts, especially
the first part, tends to be very similar to Generations to some degree or
other but thats about it.  I haven't written the other parts, yeah there
is supposed to be more, but that's up to you.  If you think its worth its
nickel and penny, then please post some responses so I get an idea of how
it is.  That way, I'll either write more or jump off a building. Well, I
hope you enjoy it...Have fun.

                 Chapter Five (cont.)

        The Enterprise approached the Kh'Troph Belt after nearly two
hours in high warp, and after repeated hails by the Klingon Border Command.
It was a gamble, thinking that the Saratoga was here, but it was the only
thing that was left.  And Picard could feel that this was the right thing.
She was there, he knew.  It was the one thing that starship catains were
supposed to go against, retreating into your adversary's stronghold which
was why it was the only place the Saratoga could be.  It was the only answer
left.
        The asteroid belt was an impressive display of a star having
gone nova.  It was a unique occurence that ignited the system into a massive
field of firy gases which tore planets and moons apart, thus creating the
Kh'Troph Belt.  From a distance, one might mistake it for a battle ground.
It was almost an omen.
        "Mr. Data, slow to impulse and do a full sensor sweep of the
asteroid belt.  She's out there, somewhere."
        "Aye, sir.  But due to the magnetic and thermal emmissions
from the belt and the nova, a full sensor scan will take up to seven hours
to complete."
        "Indeed.  Mr. Worf, begin opening a hailing frequency on
a secure channel to the Saratoga.  If Shaw is out here, he'll hear us and
come to us."
        Riker stood up and came up behind the captain.  "Sir, you
sound pretty confident about this.  The Klingons aren't exactly excited about
having us over as uninvited guests, you know."
        Picard nodded his head knowingly.  "Yes, Will.  But certainly
they wouldn't stand in the way of our effort to find one of our ships, their
ally.  Or impede our investigations towards the massacre at Perellia where
Klingon blood was spilled.  No, Number One, the Klingon High Council is
liable to do little else now then give us a little time.  And that is all we
need.  Time."
        "Captain." Data said as he worked his console. "I am detecting
a spacial anomaly at 348 mark seven.  Captain, a vessel is decloaking off our
starboard bow." Data said as the main viewer showed a huge Klingon
BattleCruiser decloak before them.  "It is a K'Tinga Battlecruiser."
        The bridge was a bustle of activity as the ship decloaked
literally several thousand yards away from the Enterprise.  As a precaution,
the Enterprise reversed approximately twenty kilometers to assert a better
position, in the event of a preemptive strike by the other ship.
        "Mr. Worf," Picard said hurriedly as he realized just how
easily the ship had managed to approach the Enterprise without being detected
by the sensors.  "Identify the vessel"
        "Captain..she is the Klingon vessel, Drakkar." Worf said almost
in absolute awe.
        "The Drakkar? Here?  Captain, she's supposed to be stationed
near the Romulan sector, isn't she?" Riker said.
        "That's what I thought, Number One." Picard suddenly realized
the full danger he was in.  Aboard that Klingon ship was, arguably, one of
the most fierce, ruthless, and brilliant minds in all of Klingon history.
And, here he was with his legendary starship, in front of the Enterprise like
a hawk who stared hungrily at its prey.
        "Mr. Worf, open a channel to General DeKhargh."
        For a few brief moments there was a silence on the bridge.
They waited for the reply and they all thought to themselves.  What was going
on?  It was not common for people to come across a figure such as DeKhargh
and live to tell about it.  It was known that even the Romulans respected him
with fear and awe, something not easily earned.  Even Picard was ordered to
review DeKhargh's combat tactics, to better prepare the Federation's
defensive standpoints, of course.
        Suddenly, the viewscreen came to life and the image of the
Klingon battlecruiser was replaced by the imposing figure of DeKhargh.  Even
on the display he looked impressive, with silver streaks of hair coming atop
his massive shoulders, he looked nearly twice the size of Worf and far more
dangerous.  It was like viewing the face of Death.  DeKhargh's voice boomed
across the space as he spoke directly to Picard.
        "Picard, welcome to my space.  I am General DeKhargh of the
Klingon Imperial Navy and it would seem that we have a problem here. It seems
that you and your ship have entered our space without respect, and have given
great dishonor to the Emperor himself.  I trust, Captain, that you know what
you are doing?"
        Picard looked squarely into the eyes of his Klingon counterpart
and spoke surely, but not with an amount of anxiety. "General DeKhargh,
it is an honor to be in your presence, sir.  I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
the Federation starship Enterprise.  I regret and apologize for any dishonor
perceived by the High Council or the Klingon people, it was not our intent.
However, we were forced into this situation because of certain important
circumstances."
        "Hmm. You're other ship, that Saratoga, eh?" The huge Klingon
seemed to relax into his high backed chair and addressed Picard more
casually. "Yes, I am aware of the situation surrounding your missing ship
and I can more than understand your dilemma.  As for any dishonor suffered
by his majesty, Gouron, I am without doubt that he is deserving of some. I
do not think that the Klingon people are so weak with pride that we would not
grant respite for our own arbiter.
        "But, be honest, Picard.  I am a fellow captain of the space.
You came here for other reasons too, did you not?"
        "As far as my knowledge, General, I am looking for the lost
vessel." Picard said as incredulously as possible, but both men knew better.
        "Very well, Picard.  Then we shall play that sort of
game. I am here for much the same reasons as well.  Our sensors detected
a energy emmission from a vessel that could have been your Saratoga.  We too
came here to see for ourselves."
        "I'll bet.." Riker whispered which drew a glance by Troi
who knew that something was afoot, but couldn't pinpoint it.  Apparently,
having been stationed so long on the Romulan border seemed to strengthen
DeKhargh's mental barriers thus making telepathy nearly useless.
        "General, we are gracious for your generosity, however, we
are more than capable of handling this situation.  This shouldn't interest
someone of your stature."
        Picard was genuinely getting sick of this cat and mouse game
as he and DeKhargh traded lies.  Sooner or later something was going to break
and all hell was going to break loose.
        "Oh but it does, Captain.  You see, when I find the Saratoga,
I intend to blow her out of the stars!" Picard and the rest of the crew
seemed to just stop at that.  "For killing our people at the science station
at Perellia!"
        The conviction in the voice was clear and even Troi was
hardpressed to fully realize that was nothing more than a hidden truth.
He knew the Saratoga wasn't responsible for the attack, no, he knew much more
than that.  But, Troi realized quickly, he fully intended to destroy her.
        "Captain!" she yelled out.
        Picard spun around and looked at Troi in wonder when Worf's
voice growled over the ruccus.
        "Captain! Romulan Warbird decloaking off our portside!" he
had already begun his scans of the impending doom. "She is arming her
weapons!"
        "All hands, red alert!  Battlestat-" Riker ordered before
the Enterprise was rocked by a torpedo from the Warbird that impacted near
the secondary hull.
        The imposing Romulan Warbird sailed across the Enterprise's
main saucer section, firing several intense bursts of disruptors.  The
emerald colored beams shearing the hull apart, leaving dark scars on it.
The Enterprise tried to maneuver, but with a Warbird and a Battlecruiser
successively firing on her, there was little room to move.
        The bridge was a wreck as a disruptor had impacted near the
main bridge forcing a series of explosions and fires across the deck.  Debris
was cast across the bridge as control was brought to bear.  Worf had raised
the shields but they were already down to thirty percent, and most of the
defensive systems were damaged.  Picard began to order countermanuevers but
there were few options available as a torpedo erupted across the hull,
shaking the ship dangerously and forcing the lights to flicker repeatedly.
        "Damage reports!" Riker yelled towards Troi who stood along
side Worf at the Ops Station.
        "Heavy damage in engineering and on deck six!" she yelled as
a hail of fire ignited a console behind her.  "Medical reports casualties on
all decks."
        Picard steadied himself against the helm as he made quick
strategic judgments.  So, he thought, this was how it was going to end.  The
Enterprise was already and limping badly, but against two large powerful war-
ships, there was little chance of making it out alive.  But then, sometimes
sacrifices had to be made.
        "Back us off!  Reverse thrusters, one half impulse
power.  Try to get us some distance between them. Mr. Worf, on my mark
initiate Picard Alpha-One."
        "Aye, sir." Worf said as the ship buckled under the stress.
More disruptor fire was cast across space against the Enterprise as she
backed up.  Slowly, the Enterprise had managed to get a few hundred
kilometers distance.  Just enough, Picard thought.
        "Now, Worf.  Let's show them our steel."
        The Enterprise lurched dangerously forward and to port as she
engaged full impulse, coming between the Warbird and the Battlecruiser with
all phasers and photon torpedoes firing.  It was a brilliant display of
energy as weapons fire filled the empty, cold space.  Nearly six torpedoes
hit the Romulan vessel causing her to list to starboard.  The Klingons
managed to fair better with but a few scars from phasers.  It was a dangerous
maneuver that the Enterprise pulled off, but it was successful.  Now the
Enterprise had the Warbird and the Klingon vessel between them and the
Kh-Troph asteroid belt.
        The great lady looked like an angry war goddess as she turned
about and fired full weapons again at the two enemy ships causing their
shields to shimmer against the onslaught.  But it was all futile as the
Drakkar fired a rapid succession of torpedoes against the Enterprise at close
range causing an intense fiery burn on the hull which signified a massive
hull breach.  The Enterprise's shields were compromised, and she was finally
defenseless as the Drakkar edged forward for the kill.
        Suddenly, from the blank openness of the asteroid belt, a
brilliant star of impressive colors burst forth, launching a volley of
weapons.  The Saratoga had come.  The Drakkar yawed to port to evade the
attack but not before being hit several times.  The Nebula class starship
danced across the stars as she fired a fierce burst of torpedoes and phasers
at the Romulan Warbird who had remained silent to mend her own wounds, that
was her mistake.  The Warbird's hull shuttered dangerously against the attack
as her shields collapsed during the strike. It wasn't until the final photon
torpedo that the Warbird was blown apart.  The immense eruption of the ship
illuminated the dark space as shards of metal were thrown across against
the Saratoga's shielding.
        "Shaw to Enterprise!" the captain of the starship Saratoga
said confidently. "Geez, Jean-Luc, you've really gotten yourself into a jam
this time, haven't you? How many times do I have to come and rescue your ass
before you come to know that I can't be stopped that easily?"
        Picard could not, even under the conditions, have felt so
elated at hearing the gruff voice of his old friend over the communications.
He could not help but smile at knowing he was alright.
        "Thanks, Robert.  You came just in time to join the party."
Picard said, then continued more seriously. "It seems we have one more
problem to take care of..."
        The Drakkar remained still, with the asteroid belt behind her
and two fierce and very vengeful Federation starships ahead of her.  DeKhargh
sat in his command chair and quietly breathed as he burned inside for having
been bested in this encounter.  But, he was far from being beaten yet.  The
great Klingon general barked a series of orders and the Drakkar edged back
until she was partially inside the asteroid belt.  It was an insane move,
DeKhargh knew, but he wasn't much for losing.
        Both the Enterprise and the Saratoga flanked the Drakkar and
suddenly the situation was reversed.  The tide was turned and now they
had a battlecruiser caught literally between a rock and a hard place.
Surrender, they assumed, was the only logical course of action.
        "General DeKhargh, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
Federation starship Enterprise.  By interstellar law under the jurisdiction
of the Klingon-Federation Treaty, you are ordered to surrender your vessel
without conditions and be placed under immediate custody.  General, shut down
your ship and prepare to be boarded."
        DeKhargh smiled at that.  He liked fighting humans, they were
so...predictable.  He wasn't a Klingon general for nothing.
        "How long?" he asked his second-in-command.
        "One minute, my lord.  Our weapons are all ready."
        "Very good," DeKhargh said as he turned to address the main
viewer, giving his best defeated look. "Enterprise, do not fire.  We will
surrender now."
        The image of Picard seemed almost relieved as he ordered that
the Drakkar lower her shields and her weapons.  So many demands, DeKhargh
scorned.
        "Picard, you are a formidable opponent, for a human.  I am
honored at having been beaten by someone of your caliber..."the Klingon lied
as he listened to his officer. "...we shall stand down all systems so
that you and your people can board us."
        "Very well, DeKhargh." Picard said bluntly, clearly still
enraged at the attack.
        "My Lord, it is time." the second-in-command whispered in a
hurried tone.
        DeKhargh merely stood there smiling looking squarely into the
eyes of those he would kill.  It was a brief moment, but both starship
captains suddenly knew the game was not over.
        "Now." DeKhargh said quietly, almost unintelligably.
        One torpedo was fired, and as far as torpedoes went it was
travelling rather slowly.  The Enterprise and the Saratoga reacted with a
quick burst of phasers to try to destroy the torpedo but both missed
barely.  Suddenly, an asteroid came between the Klingon ship and the
Saratoga, right in line with the torpedo.  The explosion was intense as a
brilliant display of awesome colors and debris filled the area.  Even with
an autodimming screen, the ships could not help but be affected by the
bright mask which momentarily blinded all visuals and sensor systems. Just
enough time for the Drakkar to fly though the maylay, firing a series of
torpedoes, and coming about directly behind the two Federation starships.
        With their sensors briefly interrupted by the blasts, the
Drakkar was able to get behind the Saratoga and the Enterprise and fire a
viscious array of weaponry that severely damaged the ships.  It was like
no other battle before as the Enterprise was hurled into the debris of the
destroyed asteroid.  Now, only the Saratoga remained as the Drakkar
targeted it and fired a quick volley of torpedoes against her engineering
section causing a bright flare indicating that her warp core was breached.
The Saratoga tried to reverse her position but it was useless, DeKhargh
would have none of it.  He fired two quick torpedoes at the defenseless
ship and watched as she was destroyed into a massive explosion that hailed
pieces of the starship everywhere.
        Picard watched in disbelief as the Saratoga was destroyed.
There was no denying it this time.  Not even Shaw could have escaped from
that.  His friend and that crew were lost and now, the Drakkar turned to
the Enterprise.  It would not be long now until the inevitable came. The
Enterprise was in no condition to fight the battlecruiser as she limped
away to try to escape her own destruction.  With the last wave of weapons
fire, the structural integrity field was damaged and the mains were off
line.  It wouldn't take much now to destroy the ship.
        The crew watched helplessly as the Drakkar closed the open
distance between them, and for a moment, it felt as if all hope was lost.
The awesome Klingon battlecruiser approached the Enterprise very slowly
as it circled its quarry.  The hull scars and open wounds marked the ship
as Picard tried to think of a counterstrike.  He had only a few phaser
shots left before they would be depleted and the Drakkar's shields were
still considerably stronger.  No,it seemed that there was no escape plan
this time.
        "General DeKhargh," Picard said solemnly. "We surrender."

                Chapter Six

        The Drakkar hovered like an ominous cloud over the scarred
hull of the starship Enterprise as two Klingon Birds of Prey, which had
just arrived on the scene, flanked her like the Devil's minions.  Most of
the main systems were still off line as the surrender of the Federation
flagship took place under the cover of conspiracy and darkness.  It was
indeed a depressing sight to behold the Enterprise in such a condition.
She was not even given the dignity of a proper surrender as literally
dozens of heavily armed Klingon troops beamed aboard and took immediate
control of all the ship's sensitive areas.  To the captain, this was the
worst day of his life.
        DeKhargh stood in the center of the foreign bridge with
several Klingons standing guard as he addressed Picard and his crew.
Indeed, he paid special attention to Worf, whom he sneered at with a
deathly look.  It was already assumed that if everyone was to die then
Worf's death was to be ten times worst for having abandoned his people
to join the Federation.  Only Picard stood steadfast as he looked into
DeKhargh's eyes with a searing rage that boiled within him.  Even Riker
sat defeated, holding his arm that was injured when the Klingons began
boarding the Enterprise.
        "Captain," DeKhargh said without even bothering to look
at Picard. "You should have destroyed your ship.  You should have denied
me the pleasure in taking her.  There is no honor in this kind of defeat,
Picard.  For now I must kill you all."
        "Someone has to tell the galaxy of your crimes.  Certainly
the Klingon government would never sanction your coup d'etat. Believe me
DeKhargh, when the dusts settles from this affair, you will be the
bastion of society." Picard slowly walked towards the Klingon general and
faced him squarely, face to chest. "Do not underestimate our conviction,
General.  We are a peaceful people, but if provoked we will fight back
and you can never win."
        For the first time, Troi sensed that the captain was now
murderous.  His blood boiled with a great hatred that defied all
descriptions and Troi could do nothing but watch as the events unfolded
themselves.
        "Trust me, Picard, the Klingon people have waited long
for this day.  They will follow me the time comes, and we shall be
triumphant in our quest.  And do not worry, after this debacle I shall
learn never to underestimate you humans again.  You people are fine
fighters, Captain.  I am impressed with you sacrifice and your skill.
But do not doubt that I will fail, for I shall not.
        "Commander Kahl," he said turning to a Klingon officer
who stood behind Worf with his disruptor drawn. "Take these Federation
people to the holding area.  If any of them resist, kill them.  We do
not have the patience to deal with them."
        "Yes, my Lord."
        The first action the commander took was to almost throw
Worf to the ground as several other Klingon soldiers began rounding the
bridge crew up for transport.  Soon, the flag of the old Empire would be
raised upon this ship.  It was more of a symbolic gesture.  In the
hundreds of years the Klingons and the Federation had been allies, and
foes, it was this ship that always defeated them.  But today, it was a
captured trophy.

        Captain Picard marched proudly as he was escorted to the
main shuttle bay where he and his crew were to be held.  They had been
already confiscated of their communicators, but still Picard walked with
his head high.  This is not a day for defeat, he knew.  Even if he and his
crew were lost, he wouldn't give up without a fight.
        Eventually, the bridge crew reached the main cargo bay where
hundreds of other crewmen were also located.  Troi immediately went about to
calm those she felt were most frightened, but even she could not hide the
danger in the situation.  Dozens of Klingons stood watch overhead on the
catwalks that surrounded the bay area.  All were armed with disruptor rifles
that were very effective in crowd control.  If there was a riot, there soon
would be no crowd.
        Riker walked around towards Worf who stood in stern contrast
among all the other Starfleet personnel.  It was clear he was beyond anger.
He was beyond hate.  Worf was seething for revenge but he too knew that
DeKhargh was a formidable adversary that, at the moment, could not be
defeated so easily.
        "Worf," Riker said quietly.  The Klingon turned abruptly as
if he did not notice Riker until now. "are you alright?"
        "I am..fine, Commander." He said tersely.
        "What do you think about DeKhargh?  Do you think he can get
away with this?"
        Worf thought for a moment and responded honestly. "Yes, sir.
I believe the General DeKhargh may succeed in causing a war between the
Klingon Empire and the Federation.  He has already managed to capture us,
sir."
        "You may be right, Worf.  You may be right."

        DeKhargh sat in Picard's ready room as he fumbled through
the datapads on the desk. It seemed almost an absurd sight when DeKhargh's
massive figure sat behind the small desk; almost humorous.  He had a starship
here.  Not just any ship, but the flagship of the Federation.  With this
vessel he can strike fear into those who are weak and force them to his feet.
He knew, deep in his heart, that the time for the Empire had come.  It
was time and he would be its first ruler.
        For the first time in weeks, the General allowed himself a
brief rest as he sat in the chair of an imprisoned captain.  It seemed so
fitting that his first success would be the Enterprise.  It was so right.
He closed his eyes and envisioned the new empire.  He saw the millions of
planets that carried the seal of the New Klingon Empire.  He saw the power
that the new force will have.  Enough to crush such adversaries as the Borg
and the Dominion.  Indeed, DeKhargh desperately wanted to destroy the entire
Dominion people.  Not for personal hatreds, but for the fact that every
attempt to do so by others were met with utter futility.  No, he wanted to
show the Dominion that he, DeKhargh, was an enemy worthy of fear and of
respect.
        Soon, he realized.  Soon that Empire will come and he will
be the new ruler.  No force in the galaxy could question or surpass him. He
would finally show the true strength of the Klingon people. Not even the
Romulans would last long if he managed to get control of Federation
technology.  Soon, they too will fall to the arms of the New Empire.  And
soon, he will be ruler.
        DeKhargh smiled at the thought that within his grasp, he alone
had the power to change the landscape throughout the galaxy.  It was within
his reach to place the Klingon people where they belonged, above and
beyond all others.  It was just a matter of time.

        It was just a matter of time, LaForge thought.  The chief
engineer stood at the main propulsion console as two fairly large Klingons
stood vigil over him.  Apparently, he was still alive because the
Klingons needed someone to expedite ship repairs and to help bypass any
security systems in the main computer.  He was human, he was expected to
comply without question.  But that was their mistake. Never doubt a man's
conviction.  Geordi leaned towards another console and pressed a few buttons
while his guards watched curiously.  They wanted to see what he was doing,
but they didn't know why.  And for that, he thought, they would pay.  While
his left hand manipulated a control, his right hand ever so slightly pressed
a few commands into the ship's computers.  Just a few more minutes, he knew
and all hell was going to break loose.
        It was standard Starfleet regulation to set up a series of
countermeasures in the event a ship was boarded by a hostile enemy.  In this
case it was the Klingons.  However, over the years the crew implemented a
highly unorthodox method of repelling a boarding party that could be done
only with this crew, or more particularly a certain crew member.  In a corner
near the warp core, the unmoving figure of Commander Data lay sprawled
across the deck with a phaser burn on his uniform.  However, that injury was
far from real.  It was assumed that because of the large crew and the
relatively small boarding party, the Klingons could only apply a cursory
sweep of all areas, using sensors.  When the Klingons reached engineering,
they found the body of Data, minus any life signs.  This error in planning
was what Picard was gambling on.  A bet he wagered for his ship and his
crew.
        Data's eyes sprung open as his internal chronometer read
that the time for action had come.  He was the best chance now, and he knew
what had to be done. With a deathly quiet, he rose letting the shards of
glass fall from his uniform.  He could hear over the murmur of the warp
core, Geordi complain to his Klingon guards.  Two of them, he realized, as
he could listened to the shuffling of their feet and their grunts.  Data
quickly reached behind a desk and removed a phaser which he had managed to
plant there. Silently, Data walked towards Geordi, the Klingons having their
backs to him.  Geordi saw Data and was impressed by the silence and continued
to banter on about the peace treaty and how they were in violation of this
regulation and that law.
        Suddenly, Data's hand crashed down quickly on one of the
Klingons' shoulders. It was a sickening sound as the shoulder was clearly
separated and the Klingon fell to the floor, unconscious.  His counterpart
turned around in surprise and attempted to draw his disruptor but Data was
too quick. His hand sliced upwards into the jaw of the massive guard hurling
him against the computer console.  Just as quickly as the mayhem started did
it stop.
        LaForge whistled as he looked at the two prone Klingons and
faced Data who had a small smile on his face.  "Thanks, Data.  I think you
came just in time."
        "Actually, Geordi, I am late by several minutes.  I did not
think that there would be two guards here."
        Geordi chuckled at that as he slapped his friend on the arm
urging him towards the engineering main console, but not before he reached
down and took a disruptor.
        "Come on, Data.  We have a lot of work to do.  Did you see
any other Klingons around here?" he said as he accessed a secured file.
        "No.  But I think it would be accurate to assume that there
are other roving patrols on the area."
        "I'll bet there are." Geordi said as he moved to another
console and began inputting command instructions. "You know, Data, when this
thing goes there'll be about thirty seconds before they start firing on the
Enterprise.  You're sure you can get to the bridge, right?"
        "I believe that it is possible, however, there is a margin
of error involved here.  As long as you can reactivate the warp drives then
I believe it may be possible to escape.  Otherwise..."
        "Yeah, otherwise we're are all dead in the water."

        Picard didn't like to wait, especially when he knew that time
was of the essence.  He wish he had his chrono with him, but the guards had
confiscated that also.  No matter, he knew.  The plan was either well in
motion by now or DeKhargh was about to have him escorted to the bridge to
explain to him how his two officers were killed trying to sabotage the
boarding party.  Hopefully, things were going as planned.
        He looked towards Riker who returned a thoughtful nod. It
was important to appear weak and defeated for the sake that the Klingons
would lower their guard and make themselves more vulnerable.  Picard had
barely noticed how his first officer had managed to edge towards a Klingon
guard without arousing any suspicion.  Well, with a little luck, you never
know what wonders will happen.

        Commander Kahl sat in the captain's chair of the captured
Federation starship as the doors to the ready room opened as General
DeKhargh walked onto the bridge, his eyes scanning the room.  Kahl leaped
to an attention as his senior officer reviewed the crew.  He wanted to
truly impress his general if by nothing else than to appear competent. He
knew that when the great day came when all Klingons would rise above all
others, he would be there by hi master's side; as his lieutanant.  Perhaps
this Federation ship could be his reward.
        DeKhargh walked onto the bridge and approached Kahl.  Things
were going rather well, he knew, and he also realized that he had to act
quickly.  The Federation was open to attack, but the window wouldn't last
much longer.  With the Dominion becoming an ever increasing threat, it was
inevitable for Starfleet to begin stockpiling weapons of war.  And when
that happened, there wouldn't be much of a chance for the Klingon
revolution.
        "Commander, I shall be leaving the Enterprise for the Drakkar
immediately.  I intend to have you remain aboard as the senior officer.  See
to it that the Federation people are summarily executed before our
engineering crews have made all necessary repairs.  When that is done, you
are cleared to eliminate them all."
        "Yes, my Lord.  Shall I kill all of them?  Even the Klingon?"
        "He is no Klingon!  He is a human now.  Bred like a sloth to
heed the words of the weak minded.  He has no honor.  No, you will execute
all of them before you depart for the rendezvous point.  I have learned from
experience that having hostages can prove to be a formidable liability."
        Kahl nodded his head sharply in approval of his master's
commands.
        "Soon, Commander.  Soon, the Earth will be a smoldering ruin
and their history shall be destroyed.  And we shall be victorious."
        DeKhargh spun away and exited through the turbolift as he
disembarked the Enterprise.  Kahl never felt so honored as he did now.  Once
the legendary starship that patrolled the galaxies, now Kahl was in command
of it.  He could not help but smile at the thought, Captain Kahl.

        The sensors had to be set to their lowest level, so as to avoid
detection.  But they managed to do the job, the coordinates were set in the
computer.  It was a calculated risk but it was worth it, Geordi thought
as he worked the weapons control unit in the engineering department.  Data
had already taken out six more Klingon roving patrols with relative ease.
It might work, he thought.
        Damn, he said to himself.  The Drakkar was leaving the area
as it entered warp.  It was gone, and with it, presumably DeKhargh.  But the
scans still read that there were two Klingon Birds of Prey out there, and not
to mention the Klingon crews spread across the Enterprise.  That was already
more than enough.  He just hoped the repairs he made were enough to get the
Enterprise out of here.  It was like a fine wire that he was walking on and
at any moment it could break sending him and his friends to oblivion.  He
shook the thought from his mind as he heard footsteps behind him.
        Data.  He was carrying a load of phasers and laying them
on the ground.  All in total, forty phasers were recovered from the
security lockers.  Not much, but enough to fight with.
        "Data, are we ready yet?" he asked nervously as he keyed in
the transporter coordinates into the computer.  This was, as they say, going
to be hairy.
        "Almost, Geordi.  We managed to get forty two phasers from
the engineering sections, however, we are still outnumbered by the number
of armed Klingons aboard."
        "Don't worry about that.  When all hell breaks loose, I'll
try to use the local force shields to close them up.  Plus, those Klingons
on empty decks are going to get the surprise of their lives.  I'm going to
flood those decks with carbon dioxide and put them to sleep.  It should be
quick and painless."
        Data nodded in agreement. "Hopefully this will work.  I have
armed the photon torpedo and it is ready for transport.  Geordi, do you think
your detonator will work?  It is rather...unique."
        "It'll work, Data.  Trust me.  When that bomb goes off, those
guys are going to have a bad day."
        "I certainly hope so."

        Picard sat there looking disallusioned when he heard the
familiar whine of the transporter systems.  It was towards the center of the
cargo bay, an area Picard had designated to be the transport sight.  So, it
was happening, he thought as he slowly rose and went towards Worf.  The
Klingon slowly and surreptiously slipped Picard a phaser and a communicator-
the only communicator available.  Picard took them both and quietly moved on.
If the Klingons looked carefully, which they weren't, they would have seen
that several prisoners were moving to the perimeter of the cargo bay.  But,
of course, their attention was not there.
        Riker stood up, his left hand hidden behind his back as he
concealed his phaser.  He stepped towards the nearest guard who looked at
him curiously.  The Klingon didn't even bother to level his disruptor at
Riker, who merely smiled.  Suddenly, the sounds of phaser fire echoed through
the cargo bay as the cries of the Klingons reverberated against the walls.
Riker aimed and fired two quick bursts at the Klingon guard who was thrown
back against the wall-dead.
        The revolution had started and there was no turning back.
Worf fired his phaser at the catwalk above and tore it apart sending half
a dozen Klingons to the ground below, their shrieks deafening the scene.
It was an intense fire fight that bordered on the edge of insanity.  Several
Starfleet personel were killed as they made a run for the main doors.  The
Klingons were losing this battle, but they were not apt to surrendering
either.

        LaForge was already sweating profusely as he read the sensor
readings.  The cargo bay as well as several other holding areas were in a
pitched fire fight now.  Certainly the Birds of Preys could detect the
firing.  Well, it didn't really matter.  Geordi activated the transporter
as the photon torpedo dissolved and was beamed thirty kilometers off the
starboard bow.

        The captain of the Relk sat in his command chair.  He was
listening to his officer report the phaser fire aboard the Enterprise
when the whine of a transporter was heard on the bridge of his Bird of Prey.
Before him, to his chagrin, was an eight foot long, off grey, Starfleet
standard issue, photon torpedo.  For an instant it hung there in space right
in front of him.  Then, as the internal gravity took control, it fell to
the ground.
        All the bridge crew leaped away from it as the captain
nearly shrieked from the sight of it.  He turned to his executive officer
to order him to beam it off, but the sight of the frightened officer was
shocking.  It was too late.  The entire bridge of the Relk burst into real
flames and raw energy as the torpedo detonated. Whole deckplates were sent
hurtling through the ship, slicing through other decks and, subsequently,
other Klingons as the ship tore itself apart.
        The Relk listed helplessly as the main bridge was blown
clear off the main fuselage of the ship.  Pieces of glistening metal burned
in the plasma gas as the ship began to collapse onto herself.  The detonation
of a photon torpedo inside of the ship was far more than it could take.  Her
SIF fields were no match for the power of the blast as sections of the ship
became exposed to the cold of space.  The Relk was destroyed.

        Kahl was on his feet as he witnessed the Relk explode into
space particles.  He saw no ship in the area that could have fired.  He did
not even see a torpedo launch.  The murmur of doubt began to rise in his
head as he turned to one of his officers for an answer.
        "Commander, we are detecting heavy transporter activity.
I think they beamed a torpedo to the Relk!"
        Kahl screamed in rage as he marched towards the young Klingon
officer.  "Get our people together and slaughter the humans!  Now!"
        "Sir, they are not responding.  The Federation crew has
taken control of most of the secured areas and have...Commander, most of our
forces are not conscious." Kahl looked at him like a beleagured animal before
it too was killed. "We are detecting a foreign gas in the atmosphere on
several decks.  Our forces have been neutralized."
        Kahl knew that DeKhargh was going to have his head for this.
How could he have lost so quickly? He suddenly felt like tearing the hearts
out of every human in the galaxy when he tried to refocus on the current
situation at hand.
        "Commander Kahl!  Someone is coming here!" yelled the officer
as he pointed to the starboard turbolift.
        Four Klingons drew their rifles as they surrounded the lift
entrance.  They burned with hate and anger as they leveled their weapons
and prepared to kill the Federation people.  Kahl stared at the lift and was
surprised to see the gall of the humans.  Did they think that all Klingons
would run away in fear when the sound of battle is heard?  Not quite so
as he started to walk away from the captain's chair.
        The lift doors opened but there was no one inside.  The four
Klingons looked dumbfounded as they aimed there rifles at the enemy that
wasn't there.  It was empty.  Then, one of the guards looked down at the
floor of the lift and noticed the small black cube.  It took only an instant
to register that it was an explosive.  But it took even less than that
instant to detonate.
        The force of the blast threw the four Klingons hard against
the far walls and the Ops control section.  The lift doors were torn
apart as Kahl fell to the floor.  There was debris everywhere as he suddenly
realized that the humans weren't quite as foolish.  He remembered the
conversation between DeKhargh and the human captain.  He finally got to see
their resolve.  Suddenly, from two locations near the main viewer, two
sparkling images formed as Picard and Data beamed onto the bridge.  They
quickly raised their weapons and fired, sending two other Klingons to their
deaths.  Kahl rose despite the sharp pain in his arm and raised his disruptor
at the android and prepared to fire when he felt a burning sensation in his
chest.  Picard fired a steady stream at the Klingon who was knocked over
one of the command chairs.  He did not move.
        The bridge was clear, but was completely destroyed as Picard
and Data took up their stations at Ops and at the helm.  They had to move
before the other Bird of Prey decided to open fire.  Response was sluggish
as the Enterprise yawed to port and engaged her impulse drives, straight
into the asteroid belt.  Picard quickly raised the shields and found them
to be at barely thirty percent.  He frowned at the figure but ordered Data
to press onward to the asteroid belt.  It was the only place that could offer
any safety.
        The Enterprise shuttered as a torpedo barely missed the ship,
shimmering the shields and worrying Picard who felt every unnecessary motion
was in danger of taking out the shields. The Klingon vessel was far
behind but it was beginning her pursuit, full weapons blazing as the
Enterprise entered the Kh-Troph asteroid belt.  Data guided the ship through
the storm of matter as he tried to evade the enemy vessel.  It wasn't a good
situation when one considered that the Enterprise was still on auxiliary
power.
        Picard made several sensor sweeps as he felt the ship rock
again.  The shields dropped to twenty seven percent.  Not by fire, but by a
stray asteroid that hit the shields.  At least the Bird of Prey couldn't
get a clear shot through all the asteroids floating about.  That much was
good news.  Then he saw it, a large asteroid the size of a starbase. Picard
yelled to Data who steered the Enterprise in a startling dangerous maneuver
that took it between two asteroids, towards the massive rock.  For the
briefest moment, they lost the Bird of Prey and Picard took advantage of that
as the Enterprise came alongside the huge asteroid, nearly three hundred
meters from the surface.  Quickly, Picard began to shut down all the power
systems on the Enterprise to try to cloak his vessel to any sensor sweeps
as the Bird of Prey came directly at them, then go past in a roaring flight.
They were safe, for the moment and Picard gave a sigh of relief.
        They did it.  The Enterprise was safe again.  For now, at
least.  Picard knew that it would just be a matter of time, but that was what
they needed the most.  Time.  With a few hours, LaForge could repair most
of the ship's systems and hopefully, they could get out of this mess.
        The Bird of Prey searched for its prey as it made another
sweep of the area.  This was not good.  Somewhere in this mess was a
Federation starship and on it, were people who knew the intentions of General
DeKhargh.  No, this was not good at all.  The Klingon vessel made another
turn to avoid a large asteroid that lay before it, hurtling through the
crowded space.  The Klingon captain mused to himself that the asteroid was
bigger than a starbase.
        Riker and several other officers came onto the bridge and
began to assist Picard in assessing damage reports.  They had a few hours at
most before DeKhargh would know what was going on or the Bird of Prey found
them and blew them apart into fine galactic dust.  They were all worn out
now having fought hand and phaser for every inch of the ship.  It was a
brilliant counterattack plan but it had its costs too.  Yet, in the heat of
the moment, Riker did not feel any better in his entire life than he did at
that very moment.  They had given the Federation a second chance.




***Okay, that was the most recent addition to my story..How was it?  Was
it OK?  Did it suck cowballs?  Lemme know..course if it was bad, don't tell
me.  The other parts are still being worked on right now...well not right
now..but, you get the picture, right?  Have fun.

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