USS Hanoi:

Jha'dur did not move as the glowing edges of the doorway blinked off, indicating the deactivation of the force field, permitting entry for visitors. She studied their movement and watched as two armed guards brought a small table and then two chairs into the cell, placing them before her without a word. Finally two more people stepped in, one elderly looking with a green tinge to his skin and the other a ruddier faced human. Both had neutral expressions and the air of confidence which comes from being long serving commanders. These two had seen it all and would be hard to impress. The force field was reactivated and the two Officers in red tunics sat down.

"My name is Admiral James T. Kirk, United Federation of planets," The human announced. "This is Captain Spock."

"My greetings," she purred, looking slowly from one to the other. "By now you know who I am, but formality and courtesy demands I make my own introduction. I am Jha'dur, last Warmaster of the Dilgar Imperium."

"A race and government that no longer exists," Spock said. "Yet you still remain loyal to it."

"It still exists, Captain." She smiled. "For as long as I live and breathe, the Imperium endures, which could be for a very long time."

"Why don't we get down to business," Kirk said. "What are you doing here?"

"Straight to the point." She smiled. "You are someone who knows what he wants and how to get it. Someone who knows the ways of command. Excellent." She chuckled. "But tell me Admiral, how do you feel about that? Does leadership fulfill you or leave you hollow inside?"

"You took a huge risk," Kirk continued. "If you'd have run into a League or EarthForce ship before coming here you'd probably be dead. Why are you here?"

"Why are any of us here?" She smiled constantly, a smile of superiority. "To be a leader is to be always alone, don't you agree?"

"Why are you here?"

"Did you ever find someone special, Admiral, a long term partner? Or did your life make long term commitment impossible? Do you regret it now that you are staring at your own mortality in the face with no legacy but your fame?" She was clearly enjoying this. "Yes I know, Admiral, a legend to your peers and enemies. You will be remembered forever because of your achievements, but who will carry your name? Who will truly know the Man James Kirk instead of the Legend? Where is your wife? Your child?"

There was a flicker in Kirk's expression, momentary, but long enough.

"I see now." Jha'dur grinned. "You have known true love, haven't you? You had it and lost it. You had that legacy, Admiral, a son or daughter who is now lost to you. Doesn't it make it all seem rather meaningless? All you have done, all you have achieved but to have your dearest creation snatched away with nothing the great hero can do to save it. Such a pity to feel so inadequate."

Kirk stared at her like a tiger stares at its next meal. She had no right to know all this, and certainly none to throw it in his face. She was nothing but a monster, a ghoul who deserved every pain she would receive.

He was about to answer when Spock stepped in. "Fascinating technique," he said. "By attempting to provoke an emotional response you seek to weaken our negotiating position."

Calmly she looked over to him. "And as a Vulcan you deem yourself immune?"

He did not feel surprise at her knowledge of his race. "By provoking Admiral Kirk you seek to manipulate him in a way favorable to your goals. I assure you, Warmaster, your efforts are in vain."

She smiled at Kirk. "Are they in vain, Admiral?"

He did not reply, allowing Spock to take over while he calmed down.

"Indeed one could ask the same question of you." The Vulcan remained implacable. "Are you satisfied with your achievements?"

"Eminently."

"You are known throughout the quadrant, infamous like no other," he continued. "You have made scientific advancement through questionable means and are clearly of superior intellect."

"Why, thank you." She continued smiling. "But you'll find appealing to my vanity a lost cause."

"I find everything about you a lost cause."

The smile vanished from her face in a heartbeat.

"Despite everything, the Dilgar are gone," Spock said. "All your efforts did not save them, and you remain the last of your kind. Alone, hated, isolated from the gifts life can offer. You have no legacy, and no family. Unlike the Admiral who lost his family by circumstance, you lost yours through your own design."

She kept an even expression, but Spock noted the twinge of a muscle on her neck that slipped through the carefully constructed façade.

"In war, one side wins, and another loses."

"Defeat does not mean destruction."

"For the Dilgar death is better than servitude."

"And yet you have been serving the Minbari."

She paused, and then the grin returned. "You are extremely well informed."

"Simple logic," Spock stated. "You arrive in a Minbari ship. You could not steal or buy one and so must have acquired it in Minbari territory, the perfect hiding place since the war ended. They would never allow you to be an equal so you must have served them, probably under one of the clans of the Warrior caste."

"Admirable," she nodded. "And the Minbari no doubt saw it that way, but I had a very different view upon who was using who."

by now, Kirk had recovered enough to speak calmly again. "You needed shelter from them to keep you away from the vengeful League, but what did they gain?"

"They gained my knowledge," she said. "A simple deal, they protect me and I tell them anything they need to know from my fields of expertise." She leaned forward. "And it is a deal I now offer the Federation, grant me asylum and security from my enemies and I will give you access to my research."

It didn't take too long for Kirk to see some potential there. If she had been among the higher echelons of the Minbari warrior caste there was clearly some advantage to questioning her. Yet even so, she was still a mass murderer on a scale beyond comprehension.

"What manner of research?" Spock asked.

"I was expert in the field of biological weapons and cyber-organics, a field which your people are still relatively new at."

"We're advanced enough," Kirk stated.

"Perhaps the Federation Science Council should make that decision?" she returned.

"We have no need of biological weapons," Spock said.

"Weapons, perhaps not. But what about cures?" She folded her arms. "You see, creating plagues was half my work, but then creating cures to inoculate Dilgar soldiers was also vital. In the process, I managed to find antidotes for poisons and natural diseases deemed incurable. I believe that skill could be of use to you."

Kirk glanced over at Spock who remained completely unreadable. The argument made by Jha'dur was similar to that made by the pre-Federation scientist Arik Soong.

"And as for cyber-organics," she continued. "While I used these advances for military purposes to create enhanced soldiers, when my people were being driven back. You could use them to help the old or infirmed. I am aware of the mechanical hearts and lungs you have in your medical facilities. My versions are far superior."

"And how do you know that?" Kirk asked.

"Just because Earth Alliance wanted my people defeated doesn't mean there aren't one or two humans who didn't owe me a favor or two. Just a matter of asking the right people."

"You helped them in the war?" Kirk was surprised.

She smiled-again. "Quid pro quo."

"You spent time among the Warrior caste?" Spock stated, changing the subject.

"A great deal of time."

"So you know their senior members?"

"I do." Would you like a psychological breakdown of them? Their understanding of war, basic tenets of Minbari combat? Roots of their honor system? Maybe an understanding of their vices and acts of self service or cowardice? Or maybe you just want to know the location and orbital cycles of the Minbari home defense network?" That cat-like grin remained fixed to her face. "Ship numbers and their leading Officers' profiles? Anything you could wish to know. I even have information nobody else would ever tell you." She dropped her voice. "Ever heard of Z'Ha'Dum?"

"And in return you want our protection?" Kirk said. "You want to escape justice?"

"Justice?" she scoffed. "There is no justice! You think if there was justice my world would have been destroyed?"

"An argument could be made," Spock suggested.

She eyed him closely. "Our war came about because we knew what fate had in store for us. We died in spite of it, not because of it."

"We died?" Spock picked up. "Surely you mean they died?"

"Part of me also died that day, some might say the best part," she returned. "When you see all you know and love turn to ash why don't you see how it affects you."

"The Federation is not in the habit of giving aid to mass murderers," Spock stated simply.

"Nor is it blind to practicality," she replied. "It can gain from what I offer."

"But at what price?" Kirk added.

"I know the price if you do not take my offer, a price paid in the blood of your people as you stumble around in Minbari space from trap to trap." She spoke quickly and to the point. "You have fought many fools, but there are those Minbari who are not idiots, and they are waiting and planning for your arrival." She chuckled. "You specifically, Admiral Kirk; they really don't like you."

"I get that a lot." he smiled back—it was not a pleasant smile. "I usually deserve it."

"The Minbari think so." Jha'dur looked at him carefully. "Of course I do have something else to offer."

"And that would be?"

"How about eternity?" She laughed a little. " Life eternal, Admiral, immortality."

Kirk shook his head. "Your records said you were insane."

Her eyes turned dark and she bared her teeth. "Insane?" she spat. "I did what was required."

"You slaughtered mercilessly," Spock announced. "Your actions went beyond survival."

"Don't pretend you know my motives," she snarled. "Stand on the edge of the abyss and see your future lost in darkness and death, then judge my actions."

"We've faced unbeatable enemies often enough," Kirk stated bluntly. "We never resorted to genocide."

"How noble of you," she dismissed. "But the point stands: I have found the secret of eternal life."

"Okay, how?"

She chuckled. "Not so easy, Admiral, you should know better."

"Worth a try," Kirk answered. "I assume you tell us when we take you to a safe location?"

"Correct."

"And if it turns out there is no secret?"

"It exists, Admiral, feel free to scan me and see how my biology functions. You will see I am in perfect health, better than perfect and nothing like my recorded age."

Kirk looked to Spock who nodded slowly. "A prudent precaution. It could plausibly answer a few questions. Her current appearance in spite of her historical age, for instance."

"All right. If what you say is true it doesn't mean anything," Kirk said. "The Federation has standards, and I want to see you go to trial under Federation law."

"Never going to happen," she said confidently. "I am no fool Admiral; I came here because I know something about humans."

"About the humans here," Kirk pointed out. "You'll find we are very different."

"You cannot trick me Admiral." She leaned back. "Admit it or deny it, but at your core you are the same as the people who defeated my world, and ultimately you are the same as the Dilgar."

Kirk scoffed. "Trying to get me angry again?"

"All races have the capacity for genocide, just look at your own history."

"We've moved on."

"Don't insult my intelligence."

"What you did was bloodlust," Kirk said.

Jha'dur laughed. "Who am I to deny myself a little sport?"

He sat back in annoyance, letting Spock have his turn.

"We will assess your offer and consult with our superiors."

"Do that," she said. "I see Admiral Brock Cartwright as a very practical man, I am sure he will have views on my gifts."

"Some of them," Spock replied. "Your knowledge of the Minbari may prove useful."

"And immortality." she asked. "Are you not tempted?"

"Immortality holds no promise for me."

She turned to Kirk. "And you, Admiral, don't we all ask for more time to finish what we started? To leave a true legacy? Perhaps another child to carry on your name?"

He looked stoically at her. "The only thing worse than dying is living forever."

She looked coolly at him, pale eyes locked on his. "Do you really believe that Admiral?"

"If you knew the things I'd seen, and the offers I've turned down you wouldn't ask that," he returned. "The Federation already have several methods of immortality at hand. And all has been rejected."

Jha'dur was surprised. "Really? They're probably not as efficient as my method."

Kirk smirked. "We'll see. There is nothing you can give me that would make a difference, nothing. The only thing I want from you is the information to keep our ships and crews alive and winning battles."

"If that is your price, you may have it," she said. "But only if my price is accepted. When I am in your quadrant, I will tell you everything."

Kirk stood, prompting Spock to follow suit. "Don't call us, we'll call you."

He gestured to the guards who deactivated the force field.

"You might be a born leader, Admiral Kirk," Jha'dur said to his back. "But you are not the first I have known, and I'll have you know they all have one thing in common."

"And that is?"

"They die before their time."

He left the room, and as he walked away he could feel her laughing eyes watching his every step.

Day Eleven

"Captain, there are three unidentified vessels paralleling our course."

"Specify," Captain T'Lara ordered.

"Sir, sensors can't lock onto the vessels but our optical telescopes can and we are imaging the ships through chemical film. We can relay those images to the main screen."

"That is acceptable. Do so now."

Onscreen, there were three ships traveling together. One was unquestionably Minbari a modified Sharlin. But it was the others that captured the crews' attention. One was of Klingon configuration of a type never seen before. It was huge, even larger than the ships that had accompanied the chancellors' daughter, Azetbur to the Courtor system. It possessed the classic configuration of the Klingon battle cruiser, however the differences were obvious. The 'neck was much shorter and the nacelles were longer and rounder. The bridge section was more triangular and windows were seen there and throughout the ship, and the ship wings were much larger and barely tapered. The overall size indicated that it was larger than the Concordat's three hundred twenty meters two meters by almost three hundred-eighty meters. It was a monster that made the dreadnaught pale in comparison.

The other vessel was unmistakably of Federation design – but not one they were familiar with…

"Captain, it measures seven hundred meters," her science Officer told her. There was more than a trace of awe in his voice as he continued with his analysis. It has a double pylon structure; however the nacelles are secured between the pylons probably giving them extra strength, against the fantastic stress that that ship must generate. It was probably transwarp capable, he thought. From what I can speculate, the nacelles can adjust position, allowing for optimal warp field configuration. The power output of that ship must be phenomenal."

T'Lara was completely unaware that she was standing. Logically, she shouldn't even be looking at this vessel if it was indeed from the future as she suspected. Starfleet could not have kept such a design secret. It was a clearly a warship, as was the Klingon heavy class dreadnaught accompanying it. Both ships were of designs she knew engineers hadn't yet devised. The Minbari warship was of a standard design with small differences than that of the Minbari warships encountered so far.

"Captain," her First Officer said. "We should not be looking at this vessel." Like her, he assumed that those ships had to be from the future. That implied that the corridor was more than just a simple passage, a suspicion that many of the scientist studying the transit way had concluded.

No. Standing orders were clear, and vessels determined to be from the future were not to be scanned, or contacted in any way. However, Vulcan determination won over Vulcan logic. In this case…

"I do not believe that these vessels are from 'our' future," she announced with finality. "I do not think it likely that they would be traveling with a Minbari Sharlin. Can we contact them?"

"It's impossible, Captain," the Science Officer said. "Unlike the ships traveling with us, those vessels are slightly out of phase, just like the planets. We can't scan them or communicate with them."

USS Enterprise:

Minbari Territory

"Admiral, sir!" The security Officer stepped up to Kirk as he left. "Sir, signal from Starfleet Command."

Spock raised an eyebrow as Kirk took the message and read it, finally screwing up the piece of paper with an angry expression.

"I take it that was bad news."

"Admiral Cartwright is arranging for that woman to be sent to Earth," Kirk said through gritted teeth. "He caved in."

"He likely has good reason," Spock said. "It is illogical to ignore information simply because we do not like the messenger."

"That's an understatement," Kirk muttered.

"She is dangerous, and I do not believe Admiral Cartwright is skilled enough to resist her manipulation."

"Before she goes to Earth, we're going to need a negotiator who is immune." Kirk saw where Spock was going.

"One in full control of his emotions."

"A Vulcan."

"I will send a message to my father and inform him," Spock stated simply.

"Then she'll be in good hands." Kirk smiled wryly.

"She was wrong, Admiral." Spock said simply. "You have left a personal legacy, and your actions have been fulfilling."

Kirk turned to his friend with a hint of surprise. "A compliment, Spock?"

"A fact, Admiral." he tilted his head ever so slightly. "The needs of the many…"

"I remember." He chuckled. "Thank you, Spock." He added that last with total sincerity.

"As for the issue of progeny, your nephew, Peter, still lives."

"Oh yes." Kirk smiled fondly. "The little terror. No, not little any more. He joined Starfleet officers training last yet. He's barely able to shave!"

"I shall speak to Ambassador Sarek," Spock stated. "Whatever Warmaster Jha'dur is planning, she will not achieve it."

Transitway

USS Concordat: same time

"That may necessarily not be true," Communications said.

"Explain."

"We can't talk to them directly. However, we can transmit a simple form of optical communication. For example we can flash our lights in a specific code such as the old Morse code."

"Acceptable. Federation ships have a variety of visual transmission techniques that can be applied to this situation. Those vessels may not use any of our codes but we can make the attempt. Please apply the most commonly used visual transmission and codes and attempt to communicate using our orbital lighting. And please have Mr. Khali join us so that he may witness this. It might provide illumination for him."

"Yes, Ma'am." The communication's Officer smiled. Who said that Vulcans didn't have a sense of humor? "Standard hail using Federation visual code four three…they are responding."

On screen, the huge Federation vessel's lights began flashing, just as Dr. Khali and two members of Earth Forces were allowed entry onto the bridge.

"Translating. "USS Voyager-A NCC-74656, aSovereign-class Federation Starship. Admiral Kathryn Janeway onboard, Captain Chakotay commanding. They are asking how is it that we're using this corridor.

"Transmit this message," the Captain ordered. "We discovered and have been using this passage for almost nine months. Why are they accompanied by a captured enemy warship towards Earth?"

"Response Captain. They are saying … We are at peace with the Klingon Empire for the last seven years. It is obvious that you are from a different reality and possibly temporal location. May we ask why you are traveling with Earth Alliance vessels?"

"Fascinating," the Captain of the Concordat said. "Mr. Yamada, tie the translator directly to our 'Morse' code so that we can achieve voice communication. And please patch our communications to the Earth Alliance ships so that our allies may be aware of our situation. "

"Working on it now." A few moments later, Yamada nodded. The voice would be artificial however communication would be somewhat easier. "This is Captain T'Lara of the USS Concordat, to Admiral Janeway and Captain Chakotay of the USS Voyager, Greetings."

The response was immediate. "Greetings Captain. It is nice to see a fellow Federation vessel. I am curious though about your knowledge concerning these passage way. We've only just received knowledge of its existence."

"We have been using it to travel from the Alpha quadrant to Earth Alliance territory. I must ask you, what is your purpose in traveling with a captured Minbari to Earth?"

"We are not at war with the Minbari," said the Admiral, an answer that came as a shock to the crew of the Federation dreadnaught and the warships of Earth Alliance. "We have had a lot of difficulty with Earth Alliance and EarthForce under the leadership of President Morgan Clark. Earth Alliance was under a dictatorship by Clark and EarthForce had standing orders to acquire our technology by any means necessary. There were several disputes between our Starfleet and EarthForce despite our entreaties."

"Why would President Clark attack you ship?"

"He needed the technology to maintain his hold over Earth during the civil war under his regime."

"Civil war? What civil war? Please clarify."

To be continued