Danny Amor's Online Library/Danny Amor's Online Library - Volume 1.iso/html/startrek/story/tng/anton_sanderfoot/wisdomoftheancients

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 1
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Here is the first of ten parts of "Wisdom of the Ancients." The story has
been completed, and will be posted in a semi-rapid pace over the course of
this week.

Please do:
-mail me with comments and critiques.

-insert standard disclaimers (make up your own) about copyright and
ownership of characters, etc.

Please don't:
- mail me asking for missing parts. I don't have the time or resources to
send out a copy to everyone. If response for sections is too great, I will
repost it later.

-consider any of this as "cannon"

Now, on with the story:
_______________________________________________________

Open onto Enterprise warping through starfield, pan through to bridge as
Picard voices-over the log entry:

Picard: [vo] CaptainÕs Log: Stardate 46988.3. The Enterprise is proceeding
at warp 3 for the Cardassian border due to the hostilities that have
erupted there. Fortunately, Federation intelligence allowed us to be
prepared for the assault, or the damage could have been significant. Losses
were light for the Federation, though the CardassianÕs were not so
fortunate. Conflicts continue to erupt sporadically, and the Enterprise is
on the way to mediate any potential cease-fires and to provide needed
fire-power, if necessary.

Worf: Captain, priority message from Star Fleet, coded for senior officers
only.

Picard: Very well, [to ceiling] senior officers to Conference Room.

Riker, Worf, Data, & Troi leave bridge for Conference Room. As they enter,
Crusher and Geordi enter from opposite door.

Picard: Computer display message...

Screen shows standard fed title screen, and is replaced by typical Admiral.

Picard: Admiral duJour, how are things progressing on the Cardassian
border?

duJour: Better than expected.  But, the situation is still quite volatile.
Unfortunately, thatÕs not the reason IÕve contacted you. Seven days ago, we
lost contact with the ZetaOmega science station. Due to the conflict, we
were unable to spare a vessel to investigate. The long range probes sent to
the area have provided some unsettling data: the station is gone, ripped
off the surface of the planet.

Picard: The Borg...

duJour: ThatÕs what weÕre afraid of. Star Fleet is still stretched pretty
thin covering both the Cardassain and Romulan borders, but IÕve managed to
rush a vessel out of the Ontario 3 ship yard, a Nebula class, the
Gregarious.

Picard: Surely one vessel can be no match for the Borg...

duJour: Certainly not, we will not make that mistake again. ItÕs mission
will be recon only.

Data: Though ZetaOmega is pretty far out, seven days is more than enough
time for the Borg to reach the center of the Federation.

duJour:  Exactly, something else is up. We need to find out what. The
Gregarious is currently steaming for ZetaOmega, but it is currently without
a captain. Star Fleet needs an experienced officer out there, we believe
that officer is you, Commander Riker.

Riker: [surprised] Me, Sir? [looking around at other crew] I am honored.

duJour: Very well, William Riker, you are hereby given field promotion to
Captain. I am transferring any information as well as the crew manifest of
the Gregarious to the Enterprise. Rendezvous will be set up at Diego Marta
in 29 hours.

Data: [to group] Diego Marta is a planet at the fringe of Klingon
territory, it is considered Òfrontier,Ó and is somewhat lawless. Control
over the planet is considered thin at best. Is it wise to arrange a meeting
there?

duJour:  Time is of the essence, Diego Marta is the shortest meeting point
for the two vessels. By the way, Capt. Riker, the Gregarious is currently
short on command staff, so, with Capt. PicardÕs permission, you may choose
a First Officer from the E.

Riker: [staring at Worf] Captain, I wonder if you could spare Lt. Worf?

Picard looks over to Worf and nods.

Riker: Mr. Worf, would you be interested in joining me as first officer of
the Gregarious?

Worf: I, too, am honored.

duJour: Excellent, Mr. Worf,  you are hereby field promoted to Lt.
Commander, and designated first officer of the Gregarious. Any further news
we receive will be relayed to you on the Enterprise. duJour out.

Picard: Well, Mr. Riker, Mr. Worf, I believe a change in uniform is in
order. Mr. Data, how long will it takes us to get to Diego Marta at warp 3?

Data: 28 hours, 37 minutes.

Picard: Very well, relay the coordinates to the helm and change course.
Dismissed.

All but Picard and Crusher leave.

Picard: Dr. Crusher, is there something I can...

Crusher: The Gregarious, thatÕs WesleyÕs ship. He was so happy to get
assigned to it...and now...

Picard: Doctor...Beverly, there is no such thing as a safe assignment...he
could have easily been on one of the ships that was hit by the Cardassians
during their first assault.

Crusher: Yes, but with the Cardassians he at least has a chance...with the
Borg...

Picard: [walking over to her] Beverly, he has become a fine officer. Your
worrying doesnÕt help him, or you. In fact, from my experience with Wesley,
he may be just what Riker needs to stop whatever they will face...

Crusher: YouÕre right, itÕs just the Mother in me. I just wish...oh,
nevermind...[smiling weakly]...thank you Jean-Luc. [she gets up and walks
out]

Picard watches her leave, pauses, then exits to bridge

Cut to Riker, who is now wearing 4 pips, sitting at a table in Ten-Forward
drinking some blue colored drink. As he is about to set down his empty
drink, Guinan appears to claim it.

Guinan: Com..er.. Captain Riker, may I have a word.

Riker: Certainly, have a seat.

Guinan: Could I join you on the Gregarious?

Riker: I donÕt understand.

Guinan: Picard and I have discussed it, and we agreed that I should
accompany you on the Gregarious, with your permission, of course. If you
are facing the Borg, I could be helpful...

Riker: [smirking] This is a surprise, a welcome one, of course. Actually, I
was looking over the crew manifest, and noticed that I am without a shipÕs
Counselor...

Guinan: [hiding a smile] IÕm not sure IÕd want to get involved in
all...Counselor, huh?

Riker: I would be most pleased if you would join me as Counselor of the
Gregarious.

Guinan: It would be my ple...

Picard: [vo]: Capt. Riker, will you have you crew report to the conference
room

Riker: [pointing to door] After you, Counselor...

Cut to conference room, Riker, Worf and Guinan are present as well as the
usual Enterprise senior staff. Worf sports a red uniform and a third hollow
pip.

Picard: Mr. Data is about to present the latest information from the
Cardassian front, I thought you may wish to hear this. Go ahead Mr. Data.

Data: The Cardassians launched a second attack near the Romulan edge of the
border. The attack was halted by Federation forces including the Excelcior
class vessels: Wisconsin, Kingfisher and Sydney as well as the Klingon
cruisers Bechkai and Pucghcha. Each vessel suffered damage, yet managed to
destroy 3 Cardassian heavy cruisers before reinforcements arrived and the
main Cardassian force retreated. Meanwhile, Romulan ships have been
detected approaching and departing the neutral zone, but appear to only be
testing the Federation forces. Cardassian losses are now at 23 vessels
destroyed, 13 severely damaged. Federation losses at 8 vessels lost or
disabled, 4 vessels severely damaged. It is now felt a cease-fire can be
arranged, and a new treaty written.

Picard: Capt. Riker, the other reason I asked you here is that it appears
our presence at the border is required as soon as possible. I would like to
increase to warp 8 and drop you on Diego Marta early for your rendezvous.

Riker: I understand, IÕm sure we can fend for ourselves for 12 hours...

Ensign: [vo] Bridge to Riker. Incoming message from the Gregarious.

Riker: Pipe it into here...

The screen clears to show a young female lieutenant, in standard red
uniform, sitting at command, Wesley, also in red, can be seen at the Helm.
A vulcanoid male in a yellow uniform sits at Ops. The remainder of the
bridge appears sparsely crewed.

Rild: Capt. Riker, this is Lt. Rild. We have a problem, our anti-matter
mixing chamber has developed  a fissure and we must slow to impulse for
repairs. Chief Engineer Thomas tells me it can be replaced in 12 hours.
That would put us at Diego Marta in 24 hours from now.

Riker: Proceed Lieutenant, keep me apprised.

Rild: Thank you, Sir. Gregarious out.

Riker: [to Guinan and Worf] Well crew, it appears we will be staying the
night at Diego Marta. Mr. Worf, make the necessary arrangements.

Cut to the surface of Diego Marta. The surface is very desert like, and
structures similar to a 20th century city of Earth with some moderately
tall buildings. Decay and debris litters the streets. Riker, Worf and
Guinan materialize in front of what appears to be a hotel.

Riker: Riker to Enterprise, we are down. Good Luck...

Picard: [vo] And to you,...Captain Riker.

Worf: I have arranged rooms in this ÒhotelÓ, the communications equipment
has already been transported inside.

Riker: So, letÕs see what Diego Marta has to offer in the way of
accommodations...

They enter hotel. Cut to the 3 walking down hall of third floor. The
interior appears to be as a normal hotel with hinged doors opening into the
rooms. Worf is reading his tricorder as they walk along.

Guinan: No one is around, itÕs kind of eerie...

Worf: I asked that the floor be cleared, for security reasons. I am reading
no life forms on this level, and the lift doors have been locked.

Riker: Excellent, Mr. Worf. With luck, we should have no need for such
precautions.

Worf: Our rooms are here, they are connected. The CaptainÕs room is on the
right, I am in the center, Guinan you are in here.

They enter GuinanÕs room to find an typically furnished room, near the
window is a vase of white flowers.

Guinan: What beautiful flowers...

Worf: [suspiciously] They are...unexpected.

Riker: I think I recognize them, they are from Earth I think.

Guinan: Yes, Carnations, very rare this far out....

Riker: Mr. Worf, letÕs get the communications equipment set up.

They leave. Guinan examines the flowers further.

Guinan: [to the air] So, what trouble do you have for me this time?

END PART ONE

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 2
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Again: Send any critiques/comments, don't mail for missing parts, all will
likely be reposted later.

__________________________________________

Wisdom of the Ancients, part 2

Open in GuinanÕs room on Diego Marta, she is rearranging the carnations on
a table near her window. Her communicator beeps.

Riker: [vo] Guinan, we have a message coming in from Star Fleet. Please
join us in Mr. WorfÕs room.

Guinan leaves through side door into the adjacent room. Inside a portable
subspace communications station has been set up, the message is about to
start.

duJour: Captain Riker, I see you are situated. I have what could be
considered good news. The telemetry and visual data from an satellite
orbiting ZetaOmega have provided us with some data about the lost station.
It appears the station has been obliterated by orbital bombardment.

Riker: That would be very unlike the BorgÕs usual pattern.

duJour: Yes, and we also have a visual account of the attackers...

duJour is replaced by a picture of a huge vessel which has the appearance
of 3 large vessels melded together. The edges of the vessel are smoothed,
yet weapons bristle from many places along the length of the vessel.

Guinan: ItÕs incredible, the size of a small moon!

duJour: Our data suggests that the Gregarious could easily park in the
shuttle bay of this vessel. It appears we are no longer dealing with the
Borg, yet the danger appears to be as great. I understand you will be
delayed in arrival at ZetaOmega, but I would ask you to proceed with all
due haste. The more we know of this vessel and its occupants, the better we
may be able to face it. Your orders will change slightly. You are to do
your best not to engage this vessel, instead, you are to gather as much
information as possible and return with that data so that a proper defense
can be arranged. Understood, Captain.

Riker: Yes, Sir.

duJour: Excellent. duJour out.

Riker: Mr. Worf, what is the ETA of the Gregarious?

Worf: It is scheduled to arrive at 1300 hours tomorrow.

Riker: LetÕs get some rest. WeÕll meet tomorrow at 0800. Mr. Worf, help me
to secure the station.

Guinan leaves for her own room. Upon entering she wanders over to the
window. Out of the corner of her eye, she notices the flowers in the vase.
The carnations have been replaced by a single black rose.

Guinan: [shocked, hitting communicator] Riker! Emergency!...uh! Red Alert!!

Riker: [vo] Guinan? What?...

A crash is heard over the channel, followed by phaser fire. Guinan heads
for WorfÕs room grabbing her phaser from a table. She tries the adjoining
door, but finds it jammed. She exits through the door to the hall. A man is
fleeing from WorfÕs room as she exits, Guinan fires and stuns him, then
rushes into WorfÕs room. Inside she finds Riker & Worf standing over a
downed man. The communication equipment has been knocked over and is
blocking the door to GuinanÕs room.

Guinan: What happened?

Worf: Two men rushed into the room. If not for your warning, we would have
been in grave danger.

Riker: How did you know?

Guinan: [haltingly] Um...[smiling] I guess itÕs just womenÕs intuition....
His friend is out in the hall.

Riker nods towards the door, and Worf exits to retrieve the second
criminal.

Riker: [looking at communications equipment] I donÕt suppose your womenÕs
intuition could repair the subspace communicator.

Worf returns, dropping the second criminal onto the floor next to the
first.

Worf: Shall I take these criminals to the authorities?

Guinan: I think we should all stick together, something is up around here.

Riker: [examining communication equipment] I agree, we should all go. This
equipment is useless, with any luck, theyÕll have some communication lines
we can use. We need to stay in contact.

Guinan: We should probably wait until morning...

Worf: I disagree. On this world, we are just as likely to be ambushed in
daylight. At night, we have the advantage of darkness.

Riker: IÕm not sure I share your assessment of our Òadvantage,Ó but it is
essential that we get in touch with Star Fleet and report our situation.
Collect anything important, we move as soon as they regain consciousness.

Later. Riker is examining the door to the lift which has been blown open.
Worf and Guinan are approaching down the hall, preceded by the two
criminals.

Worf: They still refuse to talk.

Riker: No matter, IÕm sure the local authorities will be able to get
something out of them. I hear theyÕve been cracking down lately. WhatÕs the
plan, Mr. Worf?

Worf: We go down the stairs and out the back. The nearest precinct is less
than a kilometer to the East. They will precede us, I will cover the rear.

Riker: Excellent, letÕs move...

The six leave by the stairs, and exit into an alley at the rear. They move
through various alleys, with Worf reading his tricorder to determine the
way. Suddenly, a phaser shot hits Worf from behind. Riker spins to fire but
is hit also. Both slump to the ground. Guinan turns to see a partially lit
man who carries a carnation in one hand. Guinan raises her phaser, but is
hit before she can fire. The two criminals turn to the man who has walked
into the light, where the back of his head can now be seen. With shocked
expressions they run from the alley. The camera pans around to see  Riker,
Worf and Guinan sprawled on the ground at the feet of the man. The
carnation drops to the ground...

END PART TWO

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Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!news.cso.uiuc.edu!lazarow2.life.uiuc.edu!user
From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 3
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Net Noise owner)
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Sorry about the U's instead of quotes. I'll try to catch them all before
the next sections come out. If I miss some, be understanding, huh?

________________________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 3

Fade into large moderately lit room, a man is sitting at a table drinking
from a mug. The manÕs name is Qiti (chee-tie). He appears to be in his
mid-thirties,and is dressed in a grey jumpsuit similar to Wesley's acting
ensign uniform without the shoulder pads. Pan around to show Riker, Worf
and Guinan laying on cots. Guinan slowly rises looking at the man.

Qiti: [In a mild British accent] Ah, Guinan...Welcome back to the world.

Guinan: You shot me!

Qiti: I am sorry, dear Guinan, but it was necessary.

Guinan: Necessary? I don't understand...

Qiti open the drapes on a large window to show the sunrise over the city
which is about 10 km distant across the desert.

Qiti: I'll explain when your captain wakes up. Will you join me for some
tea? Ask your Klingon friend if he'll join us, perhaps heÕs tired of
pretending to be unconscious?

Guinan looks over at Worf who opens his eyes. With a sneer and a growl, he
gets up. Guinan limberly puts herself between Qiti and Worf.

Guinan: Please, Mr. Worf. Sit down, everything will be fine.

Riker: [waking up] What in the hell is going on?

Qiti: Perhaps now is a good time for me to explain...

Riker: Yes, I think you should start with why you shot us.

Qiti: That would be easy. You're probably not aware that there is a price
on your heads. You see, the Cardassians and the Romulans are currently
having a bidding war over the bounty for your capture.

Guinan: Why would anyone want us?

Qiti: Well, it's pretty clear why the Cardassians want you. The war is not
going well, and they are looking for hostages. The Romulans? One never
knows exactly what the Romulans want, but a Federation Captain would likely
be quite a prize. Regardless, the bounty is more than enough to get any
entrepreneur with a phaser off of this lifeless rock.

Riker: And you?

Qiti: I like this lifeless rock. That, and I have no need for any bounties,
especially on old friends.

Worf: Old Friends? How old?

Qiti: [jokingly] Shame on you. Asking a lady's age.

Guinan: Let's just say, it was well before you were born.

Qiti: Anyway, the only way to stop the assorted rabble from taking potshots
at you...

Riker: ...Was to beat the rabble to the punch. [suspiciously] So, whatÕs
your plan for us now?

Qiti: First of all, your ship has been trying to contact you. You can get
the message here. I assure you the line is secure, and private. I will
collect some breakfast. If you will excuse me...

Qiti exits through a side door, Riker, Worf and Guinan huddle in the center
of the room.

Riker: Guinan, can we trust him?

Guinan: I'm not Troi, I can't tell you if he's lying. But, what I can tell
you is that he has no reason to lie. I'd like to speak with him for a
moment...

Riker: Go ahead. Mr. Worf and I will speak with the ship.

Guinan leaves through the same door, Riker and Worf manipulate the console
to receive the message from the Gregarious. Cut to a kitchen where Qiti is
preparing breakfast. Guinan enters.

Qiti: Ah, Guinan. Pour yourself some tea, and have a seat.

Guinan: Why?

Qiti: Because you look uncomfortable standing there.

Guinan: I mean, why did you capture us? We could have survived long enough
to be picked-up by our ship; or, you could have just as easily let us
die...

Qiti: No need to be so melodramatic. But..., you're right I do have other
reasons for bringing you here...

Guinan: The vessel in ZetaOmega. Are they coming for you?

Qiti: Again so melodramatic. Yes, they've come for me...finally. I had
hoped the energy barrier would keep them out. After all, that was it's
purpose.

Guinan: Purpose? I donÕt understand...

Qiti: Come now, your people know of the energy barrier. Such "secrets" are
passed along while youÕre adolescents.

Guinan: There's nobody left to pass on those secrets, anymore.

Qiti: The Borg, I had forgotten...

Guinan: Tell me...

Qiti: Tell you? A race of listeners.... Alright, then. Listen: It was long
believed by the many races that the universe began with the "Big Bang": a
cataclysmic explosion creating all that we see...

Guinan: ...Yet, what came before?

Qiti: Well, myself for instance. Cycles begin, cycles end. "My" cycles
ends, "yourÕs" begins...

Guinan: Only your's didn't end?

Qiti: Yes. The last collapse was unusually weak, and several galaxies on
the fringes were spared, including the one in which my people were
contained.

Guinan: But what does this have to do with the Energy Barrier?

Qiti: [curtly] Aren't you supposed to be listening? [smiling] Ever wonder
why there are so many ÒomnipotentÓ beings running around? Quite simply,
they persisted from the last cycle. Trillions of years of evolution can let
you in on a few secrets. But, anyway, the survivors, "The Ancients" banded
together to watch the new universe unfold. They...

Guinan: They? Not "We"?

Qiti: At the time, my people we no more advanced than the humans of this
day, content to roam our galaxy, and somewhat beyond. One day, we roamed
across the Ancients. We were "adopted," and they let us share their seat in
watching the cosmos.

Guinan: Quite generous of them.

Qiti: Not as generous as you might think. You see, the weak collapse of the
last cycle left this cycle perilously short of the heavy elements which
were essential  to the eventual evolution of life. The Ancients had written
off this cycle as lifeless, and had decided to stop looking, or at least
have someone else look. While looking fervishly, we discovered the start of
life, in a galaxy which is likely quite familiar to you. As this was rare
for this cycle, the galaxy was set aside, as a preserve. Only, one race
chose not to preserve it. They looked into the future of this life, and
were disappointed: limited life span, limited mental capacities, etc. They
decided they could do better; by extracting this life, and dispersing it
about the galaxy. Manipulating it into new forms and
varieties...Ironically, the peoples that resulted would name this race "The
Preservers." Needless to say, this was considered a violation of the
highest order. But, what was done, was done. Though further violations were
not to be permitted. A barrier was put up around the galaxy to prevent
further incursions.

Guinan: So where do your friends in ZetaOmega come in?

Riker: [entering with Worf] Yes, what about your "friends" in ZetaOmega?

Qiti: I think "friends" in an incorrect term. I believe "mortal enemy" may
be more appropriate.

Worf: So, that is the reason you have brought us here: You wish to use us
to destroy your enemies!

Qiti: No, I doubt the combined firepower of the Federation could scratch
the paint on that vessel. But, you are partially right. I need you to take
me to ZetaOmega.

Riker: Surely you donÕt plan on taking on the vessel by yourself!

Qiti: I don't intend to destroy the vessel, I intend to surrender to it...

END PART 3

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 4
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__________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 4:

Open in the Kitchen. Qiti is preparing breakfast, Guinan is seated, Riker
and Worf are standing.

Guinan: I don't understand, why would you want to surrender to them? Surely
they'll kill you!

Qiti: Oh, most certainly! But, they are coming for me. Once they have me,
they'll leave.

Riker: And you just expect me to drop you off so you can commit suicide!

Qiti: You really have no choice. There are 15 civilized worlds between here
and ZetaOmega, over 11 million beings. Each will be destroyed until they
get here.

Guinan: I thought there were 16 civilized planets?

Riker: There were. We just received word that a second planet has been hit,
Balthazar 6.

Guinan: [to Qiti] How did you know?

Qiti: [looking down] I felt them die... Many more will meet the same fate,
if you don't deliver me to the Zenrabi.

Riker: So this menace has a name, do they have a story?

Qiti: Yes, I suppose they do. But, I don't talk well on an empty stomach.

Qiti carries a plate over to the table, and begins to eat breakfast.

Qiti: Please, join me. You must be hungry. Come, sit down, and I'll tell
you a story.

Guinan sits down and begins to eat, Riker and Worf eventually join them.

Qiti: The story begins while your Earth was still cooling. My people lived
in a quiet system near the edge of our galaxy. We had lived in peace for
eons, and had begun to search the systems around us. We came across many
other peoples, some contacts were pleasant, others deadly. It was a
misspoken word with an extremely xenophobic group that would spell the
ultimate doom of my people. These people, the Zenrabi, fell upon my system,
they destroyed every planet, every soul that remained.

Guinan: What did you say to these people?

Qiti: I honestly don't remember. Fortunately, we had warning of their
attack, and our people had fled across the galaxy in the first exodus. The
first of many. The Zenrabi were not content to simply destroy our worlds,
they would only be satisfied with the extinction of our entire race.
[pause] After fleeing from our 13th home world, it was decided that we
should fight back. War and battle was foreign to my people, and the thought
of fighting was abhorrent to them. But, our leader, Malqi, was adamant in
the desire to fight. It was decided that the next generation would be bred
for battle...

Riker: Bred? I don't understand.

Qiti: I am from an extremely long lived people, reproduction to sustain the
race was unnecessary. Through genetics and training, a generation of
warriors was created. A first strike was planned on the Zenrabi home world.
Their fleet had temporarily been berthed there for some celebration.

Worf: An excellent opportunity. Strike when your enemy is weakest.

Qiti: Precisely. The battle went extremely well...too well. The entire
fleet, the entire planet, and all upon it were destroyed. We had gone too
far.... The agreed plan had been to simply persuade the Zenrabi to abandon
their chase, instead, we were fooled into committing genocide.

Worf: Such destruction is dishonorable, there is no need for such
destruction when defeating an enemy.

Qiti: There is never a need for such destruction! Malqi was removed as a
leader, due to his deceit. But, Malqi, and those loyal to him, felt that
our people were truly built for war. In his delusion he felt we could
conquer the entire universe. A civil war resulted. It was while we were
slaughtering our own that we discovered the presumed genocide of the
Zenrabi was premature. A portion of their fleet remained. Divided and
unprepared, our people were destroyed. In the end, only eight of my people
survived. Realizing their fate, the remaining 8 dispersed across the
universe.

Riker: How long ago did this battle occur?

Qiti: Around 9500 years ago. While the civilization of your people was just
beginning to live, my civilization was dying.

Guinan: Yet, your people survived. Otherwise, how would you be here to tell
the story.

Qiti: No, my people did not survive. My people are extinct. I am one of the
8 survivors...

Riker: No humanoid could possibly live that long!

Qiti: Of course not, but then, I'm not as human as I appear.

Worf: So, you take on human form to deceive us.

Qiti: Not to deceive you. I am,...was, hiding among you. It would be
difficult to hide among humans were I to have remained in my natural form.
One of the survivors was a physician, and each of us were surgically
altered to resemble the species in which we hid. You see, we knew the
Zenrabi would continue to pursue us, until all were dead.

Riker: So, how can you be sure that when they take you, they will leave us
alone?

Qiti: The Zenrabi are mere ghosts of themselves. They have mindlessly
pursued us for so long, that they no longer have a life of their own. Once
all of my people are gone, they will have no reason to continue, and they
can die. They know this as well as I do, I have felt their wish to die.
They have already found the other seven survivors. I am the last of my
people. Take me to them and no others must die.

Riker: Except for you and the Zenrabi...

Qiti: Together, we are the final specimens of two extinct races. In many
ways, we are already dead.

The hailing sound of RikerÕs communicator sounds as the Gregarious contacts
him.

Rild: [vo] Gregarious to Riker.

Riker: [hitting pin] Go ahead.

Rild: [vo] This Lt. Rild, we have arrived in orbit.

Riker: [looking intently at Qiti, then to Guinan] Four to beam up...

END PART FOUR

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 5
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Net Noise owner)
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Remember: Critiques and comments are welcome, requests for missing parts
are not, if necessary, all parts will be reposted later.

_____________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 5

On the bridge of the Gregarious. Lt. Rild is standing at mid-bridge. Wesley
is at the Helm. A vulcanoid, Lieutenant Mirok, in yellow uniform, sits at
Ops. A yellow uniformed Lt. Rimpole stands at Tactical.

Riker: [voice over] Four to beam up...

Rild: Four, Sir?

Riker: [vo] Yes, Lieutenant.

Rild: Yes, Sir. [walking off towards turbolift] Inform Transporter Room 3
to prepare for arrival. You have the bridge Mr. Mirok.

Cut to hall outside Transporter Room 3. Rild is approaching the door as
Chief Engineer Elsa Thomas, a Lieutenant Commander, nears from the other
direction.

Rild: How are repairs going?

Thomas: Not as fast as I'd like. I was hoping to speak with the Captain
about slowing us down a bit so I could get things in order.

They enter into the transporter room as Riker and company are materializing
on the pad.

Riker: [stepping off the pad] Permission to come aboard?

Rild: Granted, Sir. Welcome to the Gregarious. This is Chief Engineer Elsa
Thomas.

Riker: Nice to meet you Chief. This in Lt. Commander Worf, Guinan, and our
guest Qiti. Lieutenant, will you escort Mr. Qiti to quarters.

Thomas: Captain, I was hoping to speak to you about repairs to the ship.

Riker: We can talk on the way to the bridge, let's go.

They exit. Rild and Qiti turn away from the group as the rest proceed to
the bridge. Cut to the bridge. Riker, Thomas, Worf and Guinan exit from
lift.

Riker: It comes down to this Chief, we need to get out there as fast as
possible, and I need a functioning vessel.

Thomas:You're asking the impossible!

Riker: [smiling] ItÕs the job of the Captain to ask the impossible, and
it's your job to give it to me... [looking to Wesely at the Helm] Mr.
Crusher, set course at the best possible speed.

Thomas: I've only got a skeleton crew, Riker! I need more people!

Riker: This whole ship is running on a skeleton crew, I'm not sure there
are any spare crew...

While Riker speaks, Rild enters the bridge and relieves Wesely at the Helm.
Wesely walks to the relief position at the back of the bridge. Riker
watches him...

Riker: Actually, I think I can spare Mr. Crusher. Ensign, would you care to
give Commander Thomas a hand in Engineering.

Wesley: Yes, Sir.

Riker: Excellent. I want a meeting with senior officers at 1900 hours. I'll
be in my Ready Room, Mr. Worf, you have the bridge.

Riker enters his Ready Room. After walking around, examining every aspect
of the room, he sits at the desk and leans back in the chair putting his
feet up. The door chimes.

Riker: Come...

Guinan enters and walks to the front of the desk.

Riker: I could get used to this...

Guinan: The benefits of the big chair...I think we need to speak with Qiti,
again...

Riker: Is their something else he can tell us? We pick him up, deliver him
to the Zenrabi, they kill him, they leave. Seems like a simple enough plan.

Guinan: You know, as well as I, that it's not that simple. Last I heard,
you weren't very high on this plan of his. Frankly, I was surprised you
brought him on the ship.

Riker: On the ship, I can keep my eye on him. I have a feeling that if we
hadn't taken him, he would have gotten out there on his own. He seems quite
resourceful. But, you're right, we should speak with him. [to ceiling]
Computer, locate Qiti.

Computer: [neutral male voice] That name does not correspond to any on the
ship's crew.

Riker: Right, I knew that...

The door chimes.

Riker: Come...

Qiti enters from hall entrace to ready room.

Riker: We were just looking for you. Actually, before I forget. Would you
please state your name for the computer. [to ceiling] Computer, recognise
the voice of Qiti. Record and save.

Qiti: [to ceiling] Computer, I am Qiti.

Computer: Recognise: Qiti.

Qiti: Keeping an eye on me?

Riker: Are you saying that's a bad idea?

Qiti: [smiling] Regardless, I have a feeling you wish to speak with me
further.

Riker: I'd like you to speak at a meeting I have set for 1900 hours. I'd
like you to give us any information you have concerning the Zenrabi:
tactics, capabilities, etc.

Qiti: I'd be happy to.

Riker: Perhaps I could have a preview?

Guinan: I think I'll wait for the meeting. I have some unpacking to do.

Follow Guinan into the hall as Riker and Qiti continue speaking in the
background. In the hall, Guinan meets with Wesley as she walks along.

Guinan: Hello, Wesley. How are things going for you on your first
assignment?

Wesley: Until Captain Riker sent me down to Engineering, I've really been
doing nothing but relief duty on the bridge. But, I guess everyone must
start somewhere.

Guinan: That's a good attitude. By the way, your Mother sends her love.

Wesley: Thank you. [pause] What's with this Qiti? He's a strange guy.

Guinan: Strange? Yes, I suppose he is. He's an old friend. I knew him while
I was a child.

Wesley: Is he one of your people?

Guinan: No, he came to my people from [pause] ...somewhere else.

Wesley: That's a bit vague.

Guinan: He's a very old soul, even by my people's standards. He knows
things that we can only imagine. It's amazing. He knew that Balthazar 6 had
been destroyed before we did.

Wesley: How could he know that?

Guinan: He said he felt them die.... But, I think I've spoke out of turn.
You should get back to work, Ensign. I should get to my unpacking.

Cut to Conference Room. Riker, Worf, Guinan, Rild, Thomas, Mirok and Qiti
are present.

Riker: Thank you all for comming. I'd like to introduce you to Qiti. He has
some knowledge of the Zenrabi vessel that I think will be helpful. I know
you have all received the background information in the briefing file, I
would like Qiti to now fill us in on the vessels specifications.

Qiti: Well, you know their past. Their present is not much different. Their
weaponry is primative, yet effective. Basically, they throw huge amounts of
"flak" at their target: metal projectiles, fusion bombs, antimatter, even
small asteroids. Accelerated to relativistic speeds and discharged in every
direction, any target is unlikely to survive for long. Even after surviving
such a pounding, energy weapons carve up the unfortunate vessel, or planet.
The Zenrabi vessel itself is mainly just a storehouse for the projectiles,
which is the reason for the large size. Only a small fraction of the space
is used for the bridge, engines and crew. Speed-wise, the vessel is not to
quick. Due to the size and presence of many gravity wells, the craft can go
no faster than your Warp 4.

Mirok: That velocity is consistant with the time between the two attacks.

Riker: Thomas, how long could our shields hold versus such an onslaught?

Thomas: ItÕs difficult to tell. ItÕs unlikely we could hold out for more
than a few minutes.

Worf: If we judge their speed to be Warp 4, they will arrive at the next
civilized planet in [reading from computer screen] 42 hours. Since we have
the time, I recommend we travel to ZetaOmega and determine if Qiti's data
is still relevant.

Qiti: It's unlikely. The Zenrabi were never one to change something that
had worked so well in the past. Yet, I do think it would be wise to make
sure.

Riker: I agree. We will divert to ZetaOmega and examine the planet.
Anything further?

Rild: I have one question for Qiti. If these vessels were so unstopable,
how did your people possible stop them. The briefing file said that you
had, at one time, destroyed most of their fleet. Were your vessels
stronger?

Qiti: No, my people had nothing of this scale. Instead, our methods were
much simpler. We simply boarded and took over their vessels, then turned
them against their own.

Rild: Surely the losses in such a boarding were heavy.

Worf: It would be an honorable way to meet death.

Qiti: Yes, on both counts. Of the 100 warriors sent to each vessel, on
average, only 18 would survive.

Rild: 82% losses, thatÕs unbelievable.

Qiti: When it means the death or survival of your race, such rates become
acceptible.

Riker: I hope that it never comes to such a point for us. Let's get under
way for Zeta Omega. Dissmissed.

All file out, Worf stays somewhat behind to speak with Qiti, who has
remained seated at the table.

Worf: I am impressed. 100 men against a vessel of that size. Truly, you
must have been effective warriors.

Qiti: It scares me. How after so many years of peace we could degenerate
into such weapons of destruction...

Worf scowls, then exits, as Qiti remains seated.

END PART 5

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 6
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
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Things pick up a bit after this section. Parts 1-6 were just introducing
the main players. I'll be slowing down the rate of posting to once a day
for the remainder of the sections, putting the conclusion on Friday. Have
fun...

___________________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, pt. 6

Open with Gregarious slowing as it approaches ZetaOmega. The planet appears
quite grey and cratered. Riker's log entry voices over the opening.

Riker: [vo] Captain's Log, stardate 46991.7. We have arrived at the remains
of the ZetaOmega science station. The reports from the probe underestimated
the destruction of this planet. Orbital assessment of the planet has shown
that it is likely to break up due to the seismic stresses induced by the
bombardment. Mr. Worf has lead an away team down to the planet to examine
the surface.

Cut to Engineering, Riker is walking in towards Chief Engineer Thomas who
is going over some schematics with Wesley.

Riker: What's the story Chief?

Thomas: I think we have all the bugs worked out. Nothing really unexpected
for a vessel rushed out ahead of schedule. Mr. Crusher has been a great
help.

Riker: Excellent. It's likely we'll need a fully functional vessel if any
of Qiti's information is correct.

Qiti: [walking up from behind] Unfortunately, the information is quite
true.

Riker: [surprised] How is that you show up whenever I speak about you?

Qiti: Coincidence, I assure you...

Riker: No offense, but I would prefer if you weren't in Engineering.

Qiti: I understand, I was simply on a stroll. No malice intended.

Riker: I'm sure. Mr. Crusher, will you escort Qiti on the remainder of his
stroll.

Riker and Thomas continue to speak as Wesley and Qiti exit. Cut to random
hall as Wesley and Qiti walk along.

Wesley: Is there anything in particular you wish to see?

Qiti: No, I was just walking. Clearing my head. There are many more minds
on this vessel than I am used to dealing with. I've got a bit of a
headache.

Wesley: Are you an empath?

Qiti: Empath? No, I'm no mind reader. I am simply able to sense to presence
of life.

Wesley: It doesn't seem simple at all. Is it common for your people?

Qiti: Somewhat, all of my people are slightly sensitive to such things. It
was a skill that was deemed important for a warrior to have, and was
amplified. A killing machine should always know the location of its prey.
Malqi's delusions...

Wesley: Malqi, he was your leader?

Qiti: Leader? Yes, I suppose he was. He led my people to destruction by
making monsters such as me. He planned to create his own private army, and
use it to dominate the universe. If not for the revolt and the resulting
civil war, he would have succeeded. [pause] I only wish I would have killed
him myself when I had the chance. It's ironic, Malqi himself had taught us
to be mindless killers, if his training of me had been complete, I would
have killed him. Instead part of me still held life sacred and refused to
kill him. Still, the Zenrabi ended up doing the job for me. Last I saw him,
he was being taken by a band of Zenrabi.

Wesley: [after long pause] If you can only sense the presence of life, why
should their presence give you a headache?

Qiti: I'm not sure. The minds of humanoids are especially "noisy." Perhaps
I'm just not used to dealing with the noise.

Wesley: Counselor Troi used to say the same thing. She was an empath.
Strange, I still don't understand how such things are possible.

Qiti: What is a brain but a sophisticated electromagnet. The firing of
neuron creates a momentary electric field. The presence of anything creates
a gravitation disturbance. Simply being attuned to and interpreting those
signals is all that is required. Strictly speaking, anyone could be trained
to at least sense such things.

Wesley: [pausing] Guinan has told me that you knew when the Zenrabi
destroyed Balthazar 6. Surely you can't sense things from thousands of
light years away.

Qiti: Distance is not important. Yes, in three-dimensional terms, such
distances are great; but in...[smiling] Well, such things are ment for each
people to discover on their own.

Wesley: We have already glimpsed such ideas. While I was on board the
Enterprise, I met a being called the Traveller. He...

Qiti suddenly looks away and buries his head in his hands in pain.

Wesley: What's wrong?

Qiti: We must speak with your Captain. The Zenrabi are attacking another
world.

Cut to the bridge. Great activity is occurring as crew rush around.

Riker: Away Team, standby for immediate transport. [to Ensign at helm] I
want maximum warp as soon as the Away Team is on board.

Wesley and Qiti enter the bridge.

Qiti: Riker, the Zenrabi are attacking another world.

Riker: Your news is a bit late, long range sensors picked up their ship at
Milagro 7 ten minutes ago. WeÕre already underway.

Worf, Rild and Mirok return to the bridge from away duty taking their
positions.

Worf: It appears the estimations of their speed were incorrect. [looking at
Qiti] At current speed, it appears we will be too late.

Qiti: Open a channel to them. Broadcast that you have me on board. They
will stop their attack.

Riker: [after a pause] Open the channel, broadcast the message.

Lieutenant Rimpole manning the Weapons Console executes the command.

Rimpole: Aye, Sir. Sending message.

Mirok: Sensors indicate that the bombardment has ended.

The tension level on the bridge decreases as sighs of relief are heard from
all except Qiti. His face has become ghostly white and his mouth hangs
open.

Guinan: Qiti, what's wrong?

Wesley: Are you sensing something from the people of Milagro 7?

Qiti: No, it's from the Zenrabi vessel....[pause]...laughter...

An alarm sounds from Mirok's panel.

Mirok: [Shocked] It's gone!

Riker: What's gone?

Qiti: [eyes closed in pain] Milagro 7. They destroyed it.

Riker: My God! How!

Mirok: An energy weapon discharged from the center of the vessel, striking
the center of the planet. A seismic resonance was set up and the entire
planet just shattered.

Qiti slumps to the ground, sitting on the ramp to the lift, his head buried
in his hands.

Worf: It appears our data was quite incorrect!

Rimpole: Captain. Incoming message from the Zenrabi vessel. Reading as
visual.

Riker: Let's meet our enemy. On screen. Do not send a signal from our end.

The starfield on the screen is replaced by the visage of a humanoid form
who appears to be in his late forties.

Riker: What in the hell!

Qiti: [still with head in hands] Malqi...

END PART 6

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 7
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_______________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients: part 7

Open on bridge of Gregarious. Usual compliment is present. Qiti is sitting
on the ramp to the lift, slumped over in pain. Wesley is near Qiti checking
his condition. On screen is the visual message from the Zenrabi vessel. A
humanoid male in his late 40s, who Qiti has just identified as Malqi, is
shown on the screen.

Riker: Who in the hell is this?

Qiti: [still in pain] It is Malqi! Gods help us all, he is still alive!

Malqi: [from screen] Though you send no signal, I know you are receiving
me. There is no reason for you to hide...

Riker: Send our signal. [pause] Zenrabi Vessel, this is Capt. William Riker
of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Gregarious. Explain the reason for your
destroying three Federation planets.

Malqi: [very condescending] Well, "Capt. William Riker of the Federation
Starship U.S.S. Gregarious," the answer is quite simple: I am here on a
mission of conquest. [pausing] Perhaps, you are wondering about my
appearance? To make your race more amenable to the conquest, I have taken
on your appearance...[turning towards Qiti] As I see you have also, Qiti.

Qiti suddenly grasps his head and falls unconscious.

Wesley: [hitting communicator] Medical Emergency. Medical Team to the
Bridge.

Malqi: Silly fool. He probably told you that the Zenrabi were coming to get
him. I suppose he was planning to nobly go to his death for the sake of
your people. I don't want to kill him...yet. I want him to be around to
witness my empire -- the empire he refused to be a part of. You see, when
he took away my personal army, I had to find a new one. Fortunately, the
Zenrabi were willing to help me out.

Riker: I think you may find the conquest of this galaxy more difficult than
you believe.

Malqi: On the contrary, I think stopping me will be more difficult than you
believe. In fact, I welcome you to try. I will be traveling to your next
little world in 24 hours. Meet me there. I welcome you to stop me...

The transmission ends. Medics come onto the bridge to collect Qiti. Riker
is standing with teeth gritted and barely contained fury.

Mirok: The Zenrabi vessel is heading for the Sulkare system.

Riker: Set course for the Sulkare system, warp 9. Staff meeting in 60
minutes. Give me some options people. I'll be in my Ready Room. Mr. Mirok,
get me a secure channel to Star Fleet.

Cut to Sickbay. Qiti, still unconscious, has been put on a scanning table.
Dr. Murphy Salverson, the CMO, is examining Qiti as other medics mill
about.

Salverson: [looking at the scan results] My God! What is this thing on my
table?

Wesley: So much for medical detachment...

Salverson: Watch yourself, Mr. Crusher. [pause] He looks humanoid, but
nothing inside is even vaguely like it's supposed to!

Wesley: Is he dying?

Salverson: I don't even know if he's living. The readings are all over the
scale...Neural reading (I think they're neural readings) are arcing
wildly....[medical alarms sound] What! WeÕre loosing him! No activity
anywhere! Get me 10 units cordrazine!

Cut to exterior. The Gregarious is traveling in warp. Ahead of the ship, a
diaphanous outline of a huge vessel appears. The Gregarious passes through
the outline of the vessel. Cut to bridge, Worf is at command, Rild and
Mirok are at their stations. The red alert klaxons are sounding.

Riker: [vo] Riker to bridge. Why are we at red alert?

Worf: Sensor malfunction. For a moment, it appeared that a vessel was in
our path. Proximity detectors set off red alert automatically. I was about
to cancel red alert.

Riker: Proceed. Let's stay at yellow alert. Inform Ms. Thomas about our
malfunction.

Cut to sickbay. Focus behind the medics working on Qiti in the empty area
near the door. A flash of light, followed by a thunderclap reveals a
glowing form. The form moves slowly towards the medics. No one in the room
reacts to the sound, and appears not to see the form. Salverson and the
medics stop working.

Salverson: It's no use, nothing is working. He's gone.

The medics leave, Salverson and Wesley remain. The form moves over to Qiti
and puts a "hand" across QitiÕs head. After lingering for a few minutes,
the form removes its arm. Salverson begins to turn away. Wesley, continuing
to look at Qiti, notices him move.

Wesley: Doctor, he moved!

Salverson turns back in time to see Qiti's eyes open. But, instead of the
usual green eyes, the whole of the eye is a deep orange.

Salverson: What in the hell!!

Meanwhile, the form has returned to where it first arrived. As it is about
to leave, its "head" turns to see Guinan looking directly at it. In a blast
of light and thunder, it disappears. Back on the table, Qiti's eyes close,
then reopen with their normal appearance.

Wesley: Is he alright?

Salverson: I have NO idea!

Qiti: [grogilly] Yes, I am alright.

He looks over to see Guinan staring at him with a hard look. Cut to the
exterior. The Gregarious passes out of the diaphanous vessel, which then
disappears.

Salverson: What in the hell are you!

Qiti: You're right, Mr. Crusher. He could use some lessons in bedside
manners.

Salverson is fuming as Guinan approaches from behind, she puts a hand on
SalversonÕs shoulder and defuses him with a look.

Guinan: Could I have a minute. I need to speak to him, alone.

Wesley and Salverson exchange looks and walk away discussing bedside
manners.

Guinan: So, who was our visitor.

Qiti: [pausing, surprised] There are forces at work here, who wish to be
[pause] anonymous. Malqi cannot be allowed to destroy another galaxy.

Guinan: Another galaxy?

Qiti: Yes. He has already destroyed two others. He will not destroy a
third.

Guinan: How do you plan to stop him. You said yourself that the combined
power of the Federation wouldn't scratch the paint on that vessel.

Qiti: I have some ideas, though I was hoping for a little Federation
ingenuity.

Guinan: You'll have your chance to ask for it. Riker has called a meeting
for 20 minutes from now.

Cut to Riker's Ready Room. He is speaking to Admiral duJour over subspace.
The conversation is ongoing.

Riker: I firmly believe that negotiations will not be possible. He has
already destroyed three worlds and has dared me to stop him from destroying
a fourth.

duJour: I understand your point, Captain. My only question is: Just what do
you plan on doing against this vessel?

Riker: Hopefully, nothing. We will arrive at Sulkare 2 shortly. I plan to
evacuate as many colonists as I can, and then get them out of there. I
don't plan on getting anywhere in range of the vessels weapons unless
absolutely necessary.

duJour: I understand your caution. I'm afraid I can't spare any vessels to
back you up. The Cardassians are at the table, but they refuse to sign a
cease-fire. I know it may not seem this way to you, but the Cardassians are
a greater threat at this time. At the speeds you quote, it will be over a
week before the vessel can bear arms upon any essential bases. Your orders
will be to stall this Malqi as long as possible, until we can mount a force
against him. I hate to say it, but you're alone out there. Keep your head.
Don't do anything stupid. duJour out.

Riker leans back in his chair contemplating duJour's message. His door
chimes, Qiti walks in.

Riker: So, Qiti, what trouble do you have for me.

Qiti: I have some ideas...I'd like to share them with you...Nothing stupid,
I assure you....

END PART 7

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From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 8
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________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 8

Open in the Conference Room of the Gregarious. The senior officers are
present: Riker, Worf, Thomas, Rild, and Mirok; as well as Qiti.

Riker: The word from Star Fleet is that they can't spare any back up for at
least a week. [pausing for protests to die down] Our orders are to keep
Malqi and the Zenrabi busy until such time as the back up can get to us.

Worf: It seems unlikely that even with back-up we could have any effect on
such a vessel...

The red alert klaxons sound as Riker's communicator beeps.

Wesley: [vo] Captain to bridge!

All file out to Bridge. Wesley, rising from the Helm as Rild replaces him,
reports:

Wesley: We are 20 minutes out from Sulkare. Sensors have picked up the
Zenrabi vessel at Sulkare. It is currently firing upon Sulkare 2.

Riker: Damn it! Increase to warp 9.5. Mr. Crusher, get to a science
station. I want all the information you can get from this attack. How in
the hell did they get ahead of us?

Mirok: Message coming in from the Zenrabi vessel.

Riker: On screen.

Malqi: [from screen] Why, Hello. A bit late aren't we?

Riker: I believe our date was still 20 hours from now.

Malqi: I was tired of waiting. I have no reason to wait for you. But, I was
unfair. I'll give you another chance. In 10 hours I'll be at these
coordinates. [numbers appear on the screen] Do't be late.

As the transmission ceases, the screen blanks to show Sulkare 2 just as the
Zenrabi beam shatters the planet.

Worf: Raise shields! Ready all weapons!

Riker: [pausing] Recommendations?

Worf: [reading panel on his chair] Recommend we move in on a high speed
pass. Fire upon the rear half, targeting the engines. Then swing around the
moon to cover our back.

Riker: Battle stations. Prepare to execute Commander Worf's plan.

The Gregarious screams into the Sulkare system and falls upon the Zenrabi
vessel. The Gregarious fires phasers and torpedoes which impact harmlessly
on the surface of the Zenrabi vessel. The Gregarious continues on to behind
the moon, where it prepares to turn.

Mirok: Weapons impacted on the surface, no change in energy readings from
the vessel. The vessel is turning.

Worf: Bring us around the moon, prepare to fire again.

The Gregarious begins to move around the moon, as it does, the Zenrabi
vessel suddenly moves quickly over it and then disappears.

Riker: Damn it! Where did they go!

Mirok: The vessel took off at a speed greater than warp 9. No warp field
was formed around the vessel. It's propulsion system must be unique.

Riker: Things have changed! We can't wait for backup. Get your ideas
together. Conference in 10 minutes. [to Rild] How long will it take us to
get to the coordinates he gave us?

Rild: At warp 9, it will take 9 hours 50 minutes.

Guinan: He's toying with us.

Riker: Yes, I know. Set course, warp 9. Ms. Thomas, Mr. Crusher analyze
your data. I want a report in 15 minutes. [turning to Qiti] This may be our
last stand.

Riker exits to his ready room. Qiti exchanges a glance with Guinan, then
follows Riker. Cut to the Ready Room. Riker is seated as Qiti enters.

Riker: Present your plan at the meeting.

Qiti: It may be very costly.

Riker: We can't afford to wait any longer. It's clear that Malqi can make
his way to any planet in the galaxy. Earth, Vulcan, even Romulus; any of
which would be an unstoppable blow. We've got to get him while he's out
here. I'm going to send a message to Star Fleet, but regardless of their
feelings, it's us against them.

Qiti exits to the bridge as Riker is punching buttons on his console. At
the Science station, Thomas and Wesley are discussing the accumulated data
with Rild and Mirok looking on. Guinan walks up to Qiti who stands at the
far edge of the bridge.

Guinan: We're going to attack them, aren't we.

Qiti: Yes, I'm afraid so.

Guinan: How many are going to die?

Qiti: Too many...

Cut to Conference Room, all the usuals are collected there.

Riker: We must stop this vessel. We can't destroy it from the outside, we
need to get inside. This is not something I take lightly. If we don't stop
it, there's nothing to stop the Zenrabi from getting to any Federation
world, and we've already seen what they are capable of. I've asked Qiti to
explain to us what is necessary to disable this vessel.

Qiti: Primarily, I should mention that while casualties may still be high,
the 80% rate should not be expected. The majority of the losses occurred
while boarding the vessel, something that will be unnecessary due to your
transporters. Matter-Energy transport was never discovered in our
experiences. And scans have shown that such equipment is not on board the
Zenrabi vessel. Further, as the vessel has no shields, it should be easy to
transport aboard. Yet, once on board, the difficulties begin. Each Zenrabi
vessel is built differently, with such stations as the Bridge and
Engineering well protected and quite random in placement. The atmosphere
will be hostile to you, and will change with the whims of the Zenrabi. Your
environmental gear should be more than sufficient to protect you, though.
The most dangerous aspect will be the Zenrabi themselves. Their appearance
cannot be well defined. They are reddish semi-gelatinous forms, motile on 6
"feet." Their weapons are stored within an "arm," from which they discharge
an electric bolt with great accuracy. Your phasers set on stun will have
little effect. A setting of 10 will be required to subdue them.

Worf: [to Riker] Will we be firing to kill?

Riker: If it becomes necessary, everyone is authorized to set to 16.

Qiti: Even on 16, your phasers will not kill them. The idea will be to
repulse them and keep moving. Upon arriving at any important looking
station, you will destroy it. Two person teams will be spread throughout
the vessel.

Riker: I want to stress that this will be on a volunteer basis only.

Thomas: And what happen to the Gregarious when the teams are on board the
Zenrabi vessel?

Riker: We keep the Zenrabi busy, and for that, I was hoping you had some
ideas, Chief.

Thomas: Actually, I do. I think we can turn some of their weapons against
them. By modulating the shield output and using the tractor beams, I
believe we can capture some of their projectiles and then slingshot them
back onto the vessel.

Riker: Excellent, Ms. Thomas. Make the necessary adjustments.

Qiti: The reason this vessel isn't already destroyed is that I am on board.
Malqi wants me alive so that he can gloat. Once he knows I'm on board his
vessel, the Gregarious will no longer be safe.

Rild: I think his choice of system may be useful to us. The Pulchara system
is loaded with planets and asteroids. It should be easy for us to hide
among them.

Riker: Without objections, I believe a complement of 40 should be
sufficient.

Worf: I would be most honored to lead this mission.

Riker: I felt as much. Coordinate with Qiti on getting volunteers and
preparing the attack. We will arrive at Pulchara 13 in 8.5 hours. I want a
plan worked up in 2 hours, and have everyone fully briefed. Good luck to us
all. Dismissed.

END PART 8

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!news.cso.uiuc.edu!lazarow2.life.uiuc.edu!user
From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 9
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Net Noise owner)
Followup-To: alt.startrek.creative
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 22:33:48 GMT
Lines: 179

_________________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 9

Open with Gregarious traveling at warp. Pan through bridge with usual
complement as Riker voices over the log entry

Riker: [vo] Captain's Log, stardate 46996.3. Plans have been arranged to
assault the Zenrabi vessel. Forty volunteers have been arranged from the
crew, the names of which I have appended to the log entry. Their chances on
board the Zenrabi vessel are even at best, but we could be the last line of
defense before the whole of the Federation falls. Our visitor, Qiti, has
arranged a plan of assault based on the success of his people's attacks in
the past. I think his presence will be a great help in this attack. Still,
following procedure, at the completion of this log a buoy containing all
the information we have gathered will be dispatched to Star Fleet in the
hopes that they could be more successful if we fail.

Cut to bridge, Riker enters from Ready Room.

Riker: Mr. Mirok, launch the log buoy.

Mirok: We are 10 minutes out of Pulchara. Sensors indicate that Zenrabi
vessel is already there. It has not yet begun to fire on any of the
planets. The colonists of Pulchara 14 have been informed and have taken to
hardened shelters.

Riker: [hitting key on panel, hailing whistle sounds] Attention all crew.
We are about to begin our attack on the Zenrabi vessel. Everyone to battle
stations. Boarding crews report to transporters.

Fade to hallway. Worf, Qiti, Wesley and Rild are walking to their
Transporter Room. They are dressed in a full pressure suit (a
tightly-fitting grey rubberish suit) and carrying a full face helmet. Each
is wearing two phasers and assorted other armaments.

Qiti: These suits are really impressive.

Worf: Klingon battle armor would be better, yet, I agree. These suits are
quite safe even in zero-gee and allow a full range of motion.

Rild: [smiling] Quite fashionable also...

Worf and Qiti turn to give Rild a stern look. The smiles on Rild's and
Wesley's faces disappear. They drop back a bit as Worf and Qiti move ahead.

Rild: They're a bit serious today.

Wesley: I think now is the time to be serious. [pause] Nervous?

Rild: No....Yes. You?

Wesley: Petrified.

They catch up with Worf and Qiti as they enter the Transporter Room. Cut to
Bridge.

Mirok: Picking up two major energy sources, as well as thousands of smaller
ones.

Riker: Relay those coordinates to the Transporters. Put Worf and Rild near
one, and Qiti and Crusher near the other. Spread the remainder about the
vessel. [to Ensign at Helm] Prepare to execute the maneuvering sequence as
planned. [to Thomas at Bridge Engineering station] Ms. Thomas, are we ready
for your little tricks?

Thomas: Yes, we're all set.

Riker: [to ceiling] Bridge to boarding parties. [pausing] Coordinates have
been sent for your boarding. Remember, this is not a sight seeing tour.
Keep on the move. Avoid contact with Zenrabi and destroy anything that
appears even slightly important. Also remember, there are 40 of you on that
vessel. The helmet transponders should allow you to identify each other,
yet don't get trigger happy. Keep your heads. Don't do anything stupid.
[Riker smiles at having passed on duJour's advice] Get ready, we go in 2
minutes.

Cut to space. The Zenrabi vessel is languishing in the midst of the
Pulchara system. From behind the systems star comes the Gregarious. It
makes a high speed pass across the length of the vessel, carving troughs
with phasers and making craters with photon torpedoes. On screen on the
bridge comes Malqi's face.

Malqi: [from screen] You'll have to do much better than that.

Riker: We haven't even started [Riker signals to cut transmission, then
turns to Mirok] Are the teams down?

Malqi: Yes, all teams have been placed.

Cut to interior of Zenrabi vessel. Worf and Rild materialize. They look
around then run off in the direction indicated by their tricorder. In a
different hall Qiti and Wesley materialize then take off running. As they
move along, they turn a corner and come across a Zenrabi. The alien raises
an arm and fires a bolt at Qiti before he can duck. Qiti raises his hand
which is struck by the Zenrabi bolt. Qiti somehow dissipates the energy
then fires on the Zenrabi knocking it back. Qiti then fires at a panel on
the wall and a bulkhead door slams between the two and the alien. Qiti sits
on the ground, and begins to remove his helmet.

Wesley: Wait! The atmosphere is unbreathable for humans!

Qiti removes his helmet, then smiles at Wesley.

Qiti: You forget that I'm not as human as I look.

Wesley: How did you stop that bolt?

Qiti: I don't have time to explain, just don't you try it. This helmet was
scrambling my signals. I should have known that Zenrabi was there. Well,
let's go.

They move along. Cut to the Gregarious Bridge.

Riker: Things seem to be progressing well...

Mirok: I am reading minor explosions throughout the vessel. Power levels
have dropped 5%

Thomas: I'm surprised they haven't fired upon us yet...

Thomas' words are cut short as the ship is rocked by Zenrabi fire.

Riker: Evasive action! Pattern delta 5. Ms. Thomas prepare your tricks.

The Gregarious loops around to avoid the projectile fire from the Zenrabi.

Riker: Ensign, keep our speed up, we don't want to get nailed by their
energy beams.

The Gregarious moves over the cloud of projectiles and scoops up several
with a combination of shields and tractor beams. Swooping down onto the
Zenrabi vessel it deposits them back from where they came in a burst of
explosions.

Riker: Bravo, Ms. Thomas! Look alive, Ensign. They're likely to be a bit
more determined now. Be ready to make another pass if they give us the
opportunity.

Cut back to the Zenrabi vessel. Wesley and Qiti are moving quickly towards
their objective.

Wesley: I'm getting reports in from other members. Things are progressing
well. There's even reports of Zenrabi moving away to let them pass. Mr.
Worf feels that they may be setting us up for a trap.

Qiti: Mr. Worf is probably right. It would be consistent with...

Qiti stops in mid sentence as he sees a Zenrabi approaching from ahead.
Qiti raises his phaser and fires. The Zenrabi is knocked back, but returns
to standing with it's arms raised. Qiti is about to fire when Wesley grabs
his arm.

Wesley: Wait, something is up! It looks like it's surrendering.

Qiti stops to take a deep breath with his eyes closed, then looks at the
Zenrabi who slowly lowers his arms. Qiti smiles then looks at Wesley.

Qiti: I was right. I did feel despair from the Zenrabi. They don't want to
be Malqi's slaves. And, yes. They wish to die, as I thought. Well, most of
them anyway. There are some directly under Malqi's control who will fight
for him.

Wesley: What do we do now?

Qiti: We get to Malqi, once we get him out of the way the Zenrabi will
leave us alone. It says Malqi is this way, on the Bridge.

Wesley and Qiti move ahead to a large doorway.

Qiti: Get ready, we're going in.

The door opens. Behind it are over twenty Zenrabi flanking Malqi. Wesley
and Qiti turn to see more Zenrabi blocking their retreat.

Malqi: Your such a silly, sentimental fool, Qiti. It's unfortunate. I had
hoped to keep you around to see my empire. But, you've already forced my
hand. And now, you must die...

END PART 9

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!news.cso.uiuc.edu!lazarow2.life.uiuc.edu!user
From: [e-mail] (Anton Sanderfoot)
Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 10
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Net Noise owner)
Followup-To: alt.startrek.creative
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1992 14:14:27 GMT
Lines: 212

Here is the conclusion to the story. Thus far, there have been no requests
for missing parts, so I don't think it will be necessary to repost the
story. Enjoy the conclusion:

__________________________________________
Wisdom of the Ancients, part 10

Open on board the Zenrabi vessel. Malqi has just sprung his trap for Qiti.
He and Wesley are marched into a large chamber and are placed in the middle
and guarded. Both have been striped of their weapons. The ship occasionally
shakes as the Gregarious continues to pound the vessel.

Malqi: [to Zenrabi around him] How long until this pest is swatted! Get
that vessel!

Qiti: Is this the power of an Emperor?

Malqi: It is only a matter of time... Be certain that they have no weapons.
We will deal with them once we have destroyed the Gregarious. The human may
continue to wear his helmet, or he will die before I have the chance to
kill him.

Malqi turns away to concentrate his attention on the Gregarious.

Qiti: [whispering to Wesley] Could you pilot this vessel?

Wesley: [whispering] It seems simple enough. Yes, I could.

Qiti: Can you still communicate with the other crew?

Wesley: Yes. Reports are still coming in. Resistance has gotten quite
strong.

Qiti: Inform them to prepare for immediate transport. Your going to pilot
this ship into Pulchara 13's moon. The collision should destroy this
vessel.

Wesley: That's a wonderful plan. But how do you expect to get me to the
controls?

Qiti: Send your message. In a minute, all hell is going to break loose. Get
to the helm. Send this thing into the moon at the best speed you can get.
Destroy the station then transport off.

Wesley: And what about you?

Qiti: That's not your concern.

Wesley begins to send his message. While sending it, he looks over at Qiti.
His eyes have again turned a deep orange and his body appears very tensed.

Qiti: [in a low grainy voice] It's time.

Wesley prepares to move. Just as he is about to, "all hell breaks loose."
Panels all over the room explode. A phaser being held by a Zenrabi suddenly
flies into Qiti's hand as he begins blasting his way to Malqi. Wesley moves
over to a panel which has been cleared by Qiti's phaser fire. After a few
seconds, he manages to decipher the panel and maneuvers the vessel onto a
collision course with the moon of Pulchara 13. Out of the corner of his eye
he notices a Zenrabi rushing at him. It's electronic blast skims his helmet
and destroys the panel he was working on. Rolling out of the way, he comes
to a stand.

Wesley: [noticing the destroyed panel] Thanks, I was just about to do that.
Gregarious, get me out of here.

Wesley looks over to see Qiti be hit several times by Zenrabi bolts, yet he
continues to rush at Malqi. Just as he begins to dematerialize, he sees
Qiti smash into Malqi crushing him up against a wall. Cut to the Gregarious
Transporter Room. Wesley materializes on the pad. Already in the room are
Worf and Rild. Guinan is just entering from the hall.

Wesley: [running off the pad] Can you lock onto Qiti?

Transporter Chief: No, I can't get his signal.

Wesley: But, he was only 20 m away from my last position!

Transporter Chief: The interference is too great! The force of the
collision with the moon is blocking the sensors.

Riker: [vo] Good work, teams. The Zenrabi vessel has just been destroyed in
the collision.

Wesley: Dammit! We lost him.

Worf: He died in battle. A most honorable death.

Wesley: Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better.

Guinan: There's nothing you could have done.

Wesley begins to file out behind Worf and Rild. Meanwhile, the transporter
panel begins to light up.

Transporter Chief: What?! The transporters are activating!

Wesley: What's going on.

Transporter Chief: A being is transporting from the location of the
vessel's debris field on the moon to the remote desert area of Pulchara 13.
I don't know what's going on, they're running themselves!

Worf: What is the pattern of the being.

Transporter Chief: [punching keys on his panel] It matches the trace of
Qiti.

Wesley: He made it?! How! Chief, put me down at those coordinates.

Guinan: No, he didn't beam back to the ship for a reason. Let him be, for
now. You need to make a report for Riker on what happened.

Worf: Store those coordinates, and monitor activity at that location.

Cut to the bridge. Time has past. Riker is briefing Admiral duJour on the
mission.

duJour: I congratulate you on a successful mission; yet, this was not the
mission we discussed. The Federation Council has requested that you return
to Earth to explain your decisions to the full council. Being so far out, I
wouldn't expect you to arrive for, say, two weeks. Though, I would expect
you to travel with all due haste.

Riker: Mr. Mirok, what is the most direct path back to Earth?

Mirok: The most direct path will take us through the Supra Expanse.

Riker: That is unexplored space.

duJour: [clearing his throat] In which case, I'm sure the damage sustained
to your warp engines will prevent you from arriving at Earth until perhaps,
two months. After all, travelling through the Supra Expanse, who knows what
one might find there, if one were looking.... Returning in two months, you
would be just in time to rendezvous with the Enterprise returning from the
Cardassian boarder. Picard expects treaty negotiations to last that long.
Again, well done, Captain Riker. Just remember, Riker, proceed with all due
haste. duJour out.

Guinan: What damage to the warp engines?

Riker: He's stalling for us. He obviously feels the furor from this will
have died down in two months. He's probably right.

Rild: Shall I set course for the Supra Expanse?

Riker: Not yet. First, I need to pay a visit to a friend. Guinan, Mr.
Crusher, would you care to join me.

Later. Fade to the desert surface of Pulchara 13 at twilight. Three forms
materialize near a small camp site. Qiti is laying flat with eyes closed
near a small fire.

Qiti: [with eyes still closed] Oh, Damn! You're here already.

Riker: Were you expecting us?

Qiti: I was hoping you would think I was dead. But, I knew better. You've
been parked overhead for 3 hours.

Wesley: Why didn't you come back to the ship?

Qiti opens his eyes and leans into the light of the fire to reveal their
deep orange color. A closer look at his face reveals small cracks, and the
skin of his hands is pealing off.

Qiti: I don't quite fit the part of human anymore.

Guinan: That's not important. There are many non-humans in Star Fleet.

Qiti: It's no use Guinan. I don't belong up there. My presence is
disruptive to your development. Your Prime Directive forbids you to
influence other cultures. I am simply applying your rules to myself. Leave
me to exist in isolation.

Wesley: But what if we need you again in the future.

Qiti: Exactly my point. You can't be counting on me to solve all your
problems. You must seek your own solutions... and failures. That is the
purpose of evolution.

Riker: [pausing] Our records will be appended to show that you died in the
crash of the Zenrabi vessel. I leave it to you how you will care for
yourself. You will have our thanks, and our respect, forever.

Guinan: May I have a moment alone.

Riker and Wesley transport away, leaving Guinan and Qiti standing alone
facing each other.

Guinan: Will they be coming back for you?

Qiti: They?

Guinan: The visitor from sickbay. It sounds like they gave you a bit of a
hand up there.

Qiti: [smiling] Yes, I suppose they did. [pause] No. I asked them not to
come get me. I don't belong with them anymore than I belong with you.

Guinan: Where do you belong?

Qiti: I belong on a planet 3 galaxies away and many millennia ago. [pause]
I am now, truly, the last of a long extinct race. Let my people pass
gently. It is the way we would choose...

Qiti turns his back to look out onto the desert. Guinan watches him for a
moment, then signals the Gregarious to transport her away. Pull back into
orbit to see the star of the Pulchara system set behind the planet as the
Gregarious warps away.

THE END