Author's Note: Early Christmas Present for you all! Chapter 30 may come between January and February at latest March.

+Sentence+ through nanite center
{Sentence} through black communication stone
'sentence' Mental thoughts
"sentence" talking out loud
Chapter 29
Delta Quadrant
Location- AMP- Rod McKay's Research lab
Time: The day before surprise attack.

Zeus was in Rod McKay's research lab, talking with Rod while scientists were going everywhere. Several new battle suits were in varying stages of assembly, and there were some of the new XRs being produced. Zeus had been more engaged in the development of these suits for Atra Gladius. So much restricted technology had now been released to develop these suits and Zeus wanted to test drive phase 1 personally.

"Explain everything," ordered Zeus, "I'm waiting to be impressed."

"Let us start with the personal shield units," began Rod, "we have modified them to work in unison more efficiently. They still do a triple layer shield, for a multi frequency defense, but now they can harmonize and form a single layer shield that can take a much heavier beating than the three shields, but is a bit more power intensive. We have been theorizing an alternate cloaking mode, but that would require more veededium and that would mean dismantling existing shield units since we can't replicate veededium as of yet. We decided it wasn't worth the risk yet."

"A cloak would definitely come in handy," said Zeus thinking of some past missions where a cloak would have been a blessing, "but you're correct it isn't worth the risk quite yet. What else have you got?"

"The XR has been a beauty to work on, Bradshaw really knew what he was doing, and all we had to do was improve the efficiency so it could keep up with an Asuran. We have made it so that it acquires targets as fast as you do, and can shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger. The targeting HUD syncs with the new helmet flawlessly, but can also sync with Asurans and nanite cores equally well, if not better. You personally, could probably kill forty individuals in less than two seconds. The scope is based on a Federation design but we improved its range and accuracy. It basically allows you to see through walls while the transporter, which is much more efficient now to keep up with the intensity of rapid use, lets you shoot as if from point blank range. The Borg won't know what hit them because you can clear a sphere within an hour and a half, and a cube in under eight hours."

"That long still?" asked Zeus.

"Maybe, less but measures have been taken to prevent over taxation of the system resulting in failure or overload. We also reconstructed the barrel and transport system to allow the round to either teleport or just pass through, for less power consumption."

"So far I'm impressed, next."

"The helmet is a new Idea, and we designed it to look like the AMPs fierce front end. I've been wondering how to help the Tau'ri to operate in extended missions, as well as non-standard conditions like a vacuum. It has a limited replicator system that produces a nutrient calorie smoothie that also tastes good. It even has a built in straw to feed them. The helmet has no eye-holes, instead relying on external imaging that displays the surrounding on internal view screens, providing a flawless panoramic view with zero visual limitations. The helmet has oxygen scrubbers and the replicators can produce more oxygen if needed. While everything works great for an individual without nanites it can sync with Asurans and nanite cores for a more flawless performance. The helmet also utilizes every available communication path including nanite link, radio, and external speakers."

"Wait, the suit operates in space?"

"Yes, we have integrated features to allow use in a vacuum. The armor is constructed from several layers of materials; dragon cloth, Shear-thickening liquid, nanites, and metal plates. Dragon cloth is a kull cloth alternate with superior physical penetration prevention. The STL has suspended particles that instantaneously react to dampen any impact, from a needle to a grenade. The metal plates, strategically placed so as not to impede movement, provide more increased protection. Finally the nanites fuse the layers into one seamless piece and improve the ability while synched. It also seals in oxygen allowing zero-atmosphere missions, increases the strength and speed of the user, and increases protection from all source, energy or physical. The nanites could also be commanded to form mini-thrusters for zero-gravity missions."

"Jump packs," said Zeus hopefully.

"Maybe in a few months," Rod said hesitantly. "They are possible, the system can handle the extra load and the strength provided by the suit should counterbalance their weight."

"Sounds like phase 2," said Zeus with a smile. "Now the power backpack, is it up to all these new modifications and power demand? Is it still safe?"

"The Tri-pack is what we are calling it now, and it is set up for the demands of intense combat and long-term missions. We've upgraded the survivability and safety of the three Micro-Mark III generators to be able to operate safely even if two of them were destroyed and the third was damaged. The Tri-pack itself is more streamlined and stronger so that it can take an even greater beating before problems arise. Essentially it is more powerful and safer to use, so, yes the Tri-pack will meet the new demands."

"Good, I require a fully functional suit and XR."

"Why?"

"I told you Atra Gladius needs to become familiar with it now, and I always like new toys."

"As you wish," Rod said, gesturing towards the completed suits. Rod mumbles something about Zeus and Asgard Plasma Beams.

Zeus narrowed his eyes at Rod, "I do say the first time you shot me with a one two hundredth powered APB was enough. You do seem too eager to have a chance at a second time."

"No, no!" replied Rod, throwing up his hands disarmingly. "Nope just relieved I don't get to accidently kill you and then face your wrath when you create a new body for you to come back, Zeus."

Zeus smiled as he gathered the gear that Rod had gestured to. Zeus left the lab, 'No it isn't possible for Rod to be Puras Albus since he was created in this universe, but if Arcturus… then Darth… no they are all accounted for during that time. Where and who could the Puras Albus agents be?'

(X_X) Zeus' Adventure

Atra Operatio Command Center, Drake's face is on screen; Zeus has a fierce look on his face

"…Drake, win this war quickly."

"Yes, Sir!" came the response, as the link was cut. Inquisition Wonderland appeared on the console next to Zeus, lava forming the Ancient lettering across his ninja gi. Zeus stroked his chin in deep thought.

"So, Drake is fighting an entire fleet, eh?" asked Wonderland.

"Any luck finding Puras Albus?" countered Zeus.

"No," replied Wonderland ashamedly, "I've done everything within my power. If they're on this ship, I should have found them."

"Oh, they're here," responded Zeus with increasing fury, "and you should have them by now. You have access to everything on this ship, FIND THEM NOW!"

"Oh, somebody is unhappy; maybe you should go let off some steam."

Zeus appeared ready to begin shouting some more when a thought crossed his face, followed by a nasty smile, "good advice my friend. I will indeed let loose some steam."

"Oh?"

"It is time for a trial run of the new assault gear." Zeus immediately continued preparing for his adventure, with Wonderlands assistance. Zeus, dressed in the new battle gear that he had acquired from McKay, began preparing his SAJ and programmed flight paths. He passed command of AMP to Major Ryan before beaming to his SAJ with the improved XRail gun.

Zeus' cloaked SAJ passed through the gate, causing a slight pause in the stream of XDrones. The familiar wormhole of the stargate soothed Zeus' aching nerves; he passed into a swarm of XDrones that was breaking up to intercept various Dominion and Cardassian ships.

"The situation doesn't look as bad as Drake made it sound," Wonderland said laughing while the Replicator Boneyard scuttled and repurposed dominion ships. "And those WDSatellites are doing well in keeping the Dominion lambs here for the slaughter."

"I don't like it when my prey escapes," replied Zeus thoughtfully. The screen focused on the leviathan, "I thought it be more ferocious than that."

"With the power spike registering we may just have the chance to see its teeth," replied Wonderland, who became awestruck the moment the Leviathan opened its massive mouth to fire the Mass Accelerator Cannon, "Jaws has nothing on that…"

Zeus watched quietly as the energy surge hit an apex followed by the Mass Accelerator Cannon firing on Boneyard. The Mass round tore through Skeleton ships, Hex-Plate, and the right side of Boneyard, like a bullet hitting brittle glass.

"That, Wonderland, is my prey." Zeus began piloting directly towards the Leviathan, "when they fire…"

"…I caught that, when it fires the shield drops around the barrel as it passes."

"Exactly, we are going to use that space of time to board their ship. I want you to take over their computers the moment we get there."

"Aye, aye, captain. So what will my brave and fearless, and not so fluffy, leader be doing while I do that?"

"I will be having fun taking the rest of the ship by force. I have this new battle gear and my newest Katana to play with."

"Are you sure it's wise to pursue these 'pathetic distractions' leaving AMP while the Puras Albus sect is still active?"

"I have my ways and for now it is still too risky for them to make a move."

"If you say so," replied Wonderland.

Boneyard was blown in half by another shot from the MAC while Zeus used the moment to get inside their shields barely dodging the round that had been fired. Zeus maneuvered close to the hull to avoid hitting the shields and weapons fire.

Some of the smaller weapons kept firing at the Replicators but that last shot had blasted through the warp core storage and triggered multiple overloads vaporizing multiple nearby ships. Zeus watched three SAJs work together in hit and run tactical warfare, while the rest of Boneyard disintegrated into small ships.

"Zeus, I wonder…" started Wonderland.

"…You wonder too much, Wonderland, what are you thinking?"

"If that MAC could pierce AMPs shields?"

"You should have already run the simulations and you know it couldn't, unless they got a lucky shot at close to warp speeds."

"It would require a stronger alloy round too," added Wonderland.

"Ascenium rounds?"

"At FTL speeds?"

"You think the McKays could make that happen, Wonderland?"

"Maybe we should add that to AMPs loadout."

"I agree but we should focus on the battle at hand right now, I want the Leviathan before somebody breaks it. I'll get you into the computer core; I want a complete overlord on that ship."

"Ha ha, what will you be doing, all powerful Zeus?"

"Same thing I do every time there is something I want; surgically remove all the obstacles in my way. However, that Founder might pose a bit of a problem."

"We could cheat, lock him in a cage."

"That might be what happens."

Zeus' SAJ used drone style shield match to enter a fighter bay, then used magnetic clamps to attach to the ceiling, while tiny drills in the clamps made a pathway for nanites to connect to local data network lines.

"I'm sure you will be fully integrated in a minute or less, Wonderland, so don't get caught by counter-measures, I want you to have full control ASAP."

"Yes, my god," replied Wonderland sarcastically. "Also, they just fired another round, this time at DS9."

"Then we must hurry," Zeus said as he grabbed the XR and plugged it into his new naqudah backpack, "this better live up to Rod McKay's designs."

Zeus finished double checking the suit and XR with the nanite link, before placing the helmet upon his head and completing the link. The helmet synched with the SAJs sensors, and every other sensor array he had access to.

"Makes me homesick," said Wonderland, dangling his legs off the SAJs main console.

"What does?"

"I miss the AMP and the helmet looks just like her wonderful figure."

"Ah, I see," replied Zeus, hefting the XR into position so he could attach the power cable. He then grabbed the pistol grip and made a few sweeps to check mobility. "Activate the rings, Wonderland; everything else should still be jammed."

The rings rose around Zeus and he was whisked away into the Leviathan.

(x)

Location: Leviathan-empty room

Time: before the two rounds are intercepted by the EAPB.

Zeus smiled at the successful use of the rings; there was no obvious detection of his infiltration. Passive scans from his helmet along with active scans from the SAJ painted a complete picture of his surroundings.

"No enemies," said Zeus, "Wonderland, where is the nearest access point you can use to gain control of the main computer?"

"Two levels down, I updated your HUD to show a waypoint," replied Wonderland over the comm link.

Zeus moved into the hallway, checking for life signs. For the moment his path was clear if he used a maintenance Jeffery's Tube. After walking down the hall, Zeus opened the access hatch for the tube and disabled his shield so he could fit through the tube. It was a tight fit but it minimized his sound. He came to a junction that led up and down and took the tube down to the desired level.

'My energy signature may be masked, but this feels too easy,' thought Zeus before proceeding to the computer access room. 'Life signs are still clear, let's get Wonderland plugged in.'

An alert chimed that the Leviathan had fired once more. Wonderland said, "You better hurry, Drake barely handled that one using Darth's new EAPB."

"Understood," replied Zeus as he made his way, swiftly and silently, toward the Engineering sub-station. As he arrived at his destination he asked Wonderland to sweep for life signs, "any Jem'Hadar for me to shoot?" he asked hopefully.

"No, disappointed?"

"Yes, but I will get to play with these new toys before the job is done here," with that he entered the sub-station which held a glowing, star like in design, computer station complete with interfacing port and interaction console. Zeus plugged the nanite infiltration device into the port so wonderland could take over the ships entire network. The device released nanites into the computer that built all the necessary connections to link with the SAJ and Wonderland. "Done" said Zeus as the alert notified him of another fire from the MAC.

"The second shot was also intercepted, but DS9 took some nasty shrapnel. The EAPB is out of commission, you were just in time it seems. Making the transfer now."

Zeus nodded as the uplink showed the AI's transfer, then his HUD flooded with new information as Wonderland connected him to the full array of internal sensors.

Zeus used the new sensor information to begin painting targets throughout the ship as he strove to achieve over twenty kills in less than two seconds; he started a sub-routine to begin painting targets automatically.

"Wonderland, how are you doing?" asked Zeus.

"Do you want me to leak poison into the life support system? Or begin beaming them into space en-mass? Oooh… we could leak nanites into the air and when they breathe in enough of them we could activate a Diascen's Gambit!"

"Do that in the command bridge and main engineering, I want to shoot everything else."

"Now releasing nanites in those locations, happy hunting."

"I will, also delay the Mass Accelerator Cannon."

"Right, delaying power charge."

Zeus had painted everyone outside the main control bridge and main engineering, the trigger became a blur as he fired at everything with a few corrections as they kept moving, soon they tried to raise the alarm but Wonderland had cut all alarm systems and communications. Over and over a trinium shell super dense core beamed and embedded itself in a Jem'Hadar or Vorta.

The scope was showing a new target every one-twentieth of a second, but that was still slower than Zeus wanted it to go. A Tau'ri, even with all the enhancements, would barely be able to handle eight in one second let alone the twenty Zeus was currently handling. There were still thousands of enemies onboard the ship and it would take roughly a half-an-hour to finish up barring any obstructions or surprises. It soon became apparent to the bridge that something was wrong as the MAC was taking too long to charge. Wonderland was getting close to just firing so that they would stop checking systems.

"Zeus, they are getting suspicious."

"Wonderland, do Diascen's Gambit, ASAP," responded Zeus.

+Zeus?+ sent Drake.

+I'm busy,+ replied Zeus.

+Doing what?+

+I'm conquering the Leviathan.+

+So that's why it hasn't fired the MAC yet. Need help?+

+Just don't blow me up.+

+Okay, good luck.+

"Zeus I've activated internal force-fields in order to quarantine sections of the ship before then venting the atmosphere. I've also captured the Founder in force-fields, and by using Diascen's Gambit I now have control of the bridge and engineering."

"It feels like you made it too easy," complained Zeus. "I wanted to shoot some more stuff."

"I left you the main barracks; I could beam you in now if you want."

"Start ordering a cease-fire, I'd like to visit that barracks now."

"Roger, Zeus."

Zeus teleported directly to the middle of the Barracks XR and immediately started picking targets. Jem'Hadar reacted quickly to his presence, taking cover and firing on this unknown intruder. The beams just bounced off the shield, and anything that did hit caused so little damage that it only let Zeus know what direction he was being shot from. Several Jem'Hadar cloaked using their shroud ability and began to strike at Zeus with physical weapons; Zeus grinned maniacally and signaled for his seven foot sword. Zeus dropped the XR disconnecting the power cable and grabbed the katana style sword while the Jem'Hadar simply continued wailing away on his shields. Zeus did a little twirl and cut a Jem'Hadar into thirds.

The HUD showed that Zeus had about two months of power left at the current rate of use. War was the purpose of this armor and war was what it was getting as a one man army versus the Jem'Hadar. Zeus laughed maniacally in a Gou'ald voice through the external speakers. The unyielding loyalty of the Jem'Hadar to the Founder as they kept coming at him and they didn't even balk at throwing explosives amongst their allies to attempt to kill him, though all that did was give him a momentary reprieve from the combat before he threw himself upon his foes once more.

He swung the sword into every foe he saw, relieving many torsos of their lower parts. Though most foes would have surrendered at this much of their blood being shed the Jem'Hadar kept coming, and Zeus taught them what the inside of a meat grinder looked like. More explosives were thrown and Zeus would slice into them causing premature explosions.

"At least make this a challenge," roared Zeus in the Gou'ald voice. As if to emphasize the point he crunched a Jem'Hadar into a pancake beneath his left fist, followed by more maniacal laughter.

Zeus felt a sudden and powerful impact against his back, launching him into the air and some nearby bunks. The way he landed allowed him to look at what had shot him and he saw a Jem'Hadar pointing his XR at him, another whine of a transporter and he was launched, once more, across the room, this time by an impact to the front of his helmet.

'How does the gun have power?' thought Zeus as another impact launched him through the air, 'there is an internal power source, I can't believe I forgot about that.' Another impact dangerously close to passing through the shield, 'I should have McKay fix this little oversight.'

More incoming fire and some more explosives left Zeus' shield as a red lightning storm. Zeus tried throwing a body up to block the incoming fire, however the incoming fire from the energy weapons shredded the body and the XR just teleported the round behind him, launching him out into the open once more, another shot launching him upward again. Zeus tried everything he could to duck out of the cross-hairs, when he realized that the XR has an auto-track targeting mode, 'So, I can't dodge, where is my sword?'

Zeus cast his eyes about between bullets and saw his sword embedded in the floor about half-way between him and the Jem'Hadar 'Hero' with the XR, as he made a move toward the sword another round launched him across the room, then a peculiar round blasted into his helmet, getting stopped after barely piercing the very outermost layer on the left side of his helmet, it resembled a three inch diameter eight inch long crossbow bolt being held in place by his shields. Another bolt sent him spinning as it struck at his abdomen, just about where a Tau'ri belly button would be, and embedded itself in the STL layer.

'Those bolts must be for titan drones…' thought Zeus when it cut through the bunk he had thrown at it as if it hadn't been there, 'a great test for the endurance of this tech.'

+Need any help?+ asked Wonderland.

+What makes you think that, I wonder?+

+Nothing too pressing, the fleets are tearing into each other, the founder refuses to play nice with me, and we need him to order the cease-fire.+

+And?+

+Like I said he won't play nice with me, so I figured you could handle it, but if you're too busy I'm sure Drake can hang on for a bit longer.+

+Give me five minutes before you do what you want with the survivors.+

+Are you sure the suit will last that long, you look like a porcupine.+

Zeus realized that was true, however nothing so far had penetrated the STL layer. Zeus formed the Asuran nanite pistol in his hand shooting and stunning Mr. Hero with the XR. Zeus collected his sword with respite, slicing the Jem'Hadar now moving toward the XR.

"Who wants a hug?" asked Zeus in a Gou'ald voice before giving the nearest Jem'Hadar a bear-hug, the numerous bolts protruding from his armor shredding it quickly. No-one else wanted a porcupine hug, especially from one like Zeus, who enjoyed slamming into every group of Jem'Hadar he could shredding several of them. Three Jem'Hadar decloaked right next to the XR and fired it at Zeus again; who tried, unsuccessfully, to deflect the bolt with his sword.

One bolt struck another already embedded in the chest-plate, splitting it Robin Hood style. The momentum of the second bolt pressed the first bolt through the armor and STL layers into the place where a Tau'ri heart would normally be, Zeus, being a heartless Asuran, was totally fine with the current situation. 'McKay probably won't like that I've completely destroyed this armor.' Zeus now looked more like a pin-cushion and was still being rocked by the fire from the XR.

Zeus took every shot he could at the Jem'Hadar wielding the XR but some were throwing themselves in the line to protect them and others were building fortification out of bunks and tables. Zeus bounced across some dead bodies and several got tangled and stuck on the bolts protruding from his armor, 'a literal meat-shield,' thought Zeus.

+You have one minute before I end your fun, Zeus,+ sent Wonderland.

+What?+ responded Zeus, +I need more time!+

+From what I can tell, you are just playing around and destroying that armor needlessly.+

+I got dis.+

Zeus was indeed just playing around, and it was a good challenge. 'A thousand wounds can be dangerous, however,' thought Zeus, hurling some explosives, from a fallen enemy, toward the XR. Suddenly a spike pierced the Tri-Pack, and alarms began sounding in the helmet to let him know that the outer casing had been breached. The Micro Mark III b's were still secure and functional, but Zeus didn't want to disprove the safety rating McKay had given them. Zeus thought about calling Wonderland, but instead decided to charge head on dodging as only an Asuran could.

The XR had different plans, however, as two bolts pierced his left shield unit in quick succession. Zeus cursed as his shield unit became scrap. His shield strength reduced and everything pierced just a little deeper than it had before. More bolts hit the Tri-Pack and one pierced a Micro Mark III b, which shut down instead of going critical. The other two increased power but Zeus' chest shield unit became disabled as more bolts pierced him.

+Zeus!+ screamed Wonderland.

+Fine!+ responded Zeus.

Zeus sent the signal to disable the XR over his nanite link. Wonderland pumped sleeping gas into the barracks and Jem'Hadar began dropping into blissful. Zeus moved erratically because of the vast number of bolts embedded in the various parts of his armor, but his movements became more regular as he removed the bolts one by one and instructed the nanite layer to loosen and push the bolts out. Zeus collected the fallen XR and his broken sword.

+They should be sleepingnow and I still need you on the bridge,+ sent Wonderland.

+Yeah, I'm on my way,+ responded Zeus as he hurled a bolt into a wall and grabbed the Jem'Hadar who had first thought to use the XR. "You, I will let live, I have a few questions for you." Zeus then placed a transporter beacon on the Jem'Hadar so it would come to the bridge with him.

The nanites finished removing all the bolts from the armor except two in the helmet that Zeus decided to keep because they had the appearance of draconic horns. Zeus signaled the transportation to the bridge.

On the bridge Zeus was met by Gul Dukat, Damar, another Weyoun, the Founder, and a slew of Jem'Hadar that saluted Zeus. The Founder stared at Zeus and his derelict armor from within the force-field prison.

"Do you know how much fun I just had?" Zeus asked with a Gou'ald voice.

"It looks like you nearly lost, solid… or are you like the creature Drake?" replied the Founder.

"I am like Drake, and if I hadn't 'accidentally' left my weapon for this Jem'Hadar, then I wouldn't have a scratch on me."

"I'm not sure if I believe you."

"Why would I lie?"

"All outside the Link are liars."

"What's your name?"

"Within the Link I need no name."

"Well, Founder, I will ask you to surrender one more time, and I suggest you choose your answer wisely." Zeus disables what was left of his shield and removed the horned helmet.

"If I refuse, what will you do?"

"You would remain a prisoner, the shattered remnants of your fleet will be given the option to stand down or be destroyed, and the Dominion will fall."

"If I say yes?"

"Then you will be given the option to join the alliance against the threat to this universe, or leave back to your space and never return to our space."

"This universe?"

"The Borg attempted to expand into our universe, so we were sent to eradicate them. Finding that they were more numerous than we anticipated, we were authorized to share intelligence and form this alliance to achieve this end."

"I will need to join with the Link before I can finalize any decisions."

"That can be arranged, and I can promise that you won't be destroyed if you choose to join us."

"I would like to know why the others now act like automatons."

"Tiny machines have implanted themselves in their brains and taken over their bodies so that I am not required to kill them. They will choose to follow or be relieved of duty after things have settled down."

"Solids should indeed serve us. They will have their free will returned?"

"Eventually."

"I surrender and agree to a temporary cease fire, however the Link must certify and establish a more permanent one. For now we will stand down."

"A wise decision, I would hate to fight more than is necessary. Please order the cease-fire now. Gul Dukat will do the same, will you not?"

"Of course…," replied Gul Dukat with an angry tone matching his facial expression.

"Finally! He stops complaining about, and arguing, over every tiny thing!" exclaimed the Founder.

"Indeed," said Zeus. "Now let's send those signals and end this pointless bloodshed." A general hail went to all the ships and the cease-fire was established. A conference was called to take place on DS9 in a couple hours. The replicators had stopped targeting live ships, but continued collecting destroyed and otherwise abandoned vessels and assimilating them into the Skeleton fleet and Boneyard. The remaining Dominion and Cardassian ships regrouped according to their respective leaders orders, while the Leviathan moved closer to DS9 under command of Zeus and Wonderland. The four SAJs escorted the Leviathan before taking up defensive positions with the retrofitted fleet. Ships began beaming over representatives from the various factions present in order to attend the conference.

Sisko ordered damage control and repairs on the areas of DS9 that had taken shrapnel from the MAC round. Sisko also ordered a meeting of captains and other members of the Federation so that all their representatives would be on the same page during the council to come. The WDSatellites remained active and were to remain active for the duration of the proceedings.

An hour later the council of the Alliance finally got underway. Representatives of all species present at the last battle and the factions they represented there argued over the pros and cons of joining with the ATA in a war to exterminate the Borg, and cease with the factorial conflicts they had hitherto participated in. Sisko, Dax, and Worf represented the Federation; General Martok and several other leaders representing the Klingons; The Founder, Gul Dukat, Damar, Weyoun, and a handful of high ranking Jem'Hadar represented the Dominion and Cardassia; with Zeus, Drake, and Five representing the ATA.

After about two hours of debate, the formation of an tentative Alliance was generally accepted and they had begun on the actual negotiations requisite for that formation. Shortly the offer of knowledge, technology, and a stargate network for the primary planets of the Alliance, and retrofitting shipyards for all the fleets, led to a decision to cease the Dominion war and enter a war on the Borg. Zeus informed Sisko of the discovery of the two federation ships, USS Voyager and USS Equinox, and their intent to recover and return them. The issue of the Boneyard arose, along with concerns about the replicators, but after much discussion the fact that Boneyard was originally a Shipyard and the replicators could quickly make modifications and repairs, led to a decision to reform a shipyard and use the replicators as engineers to construct, repair, and retrofit ships.

The Assault Stargate landed in a docking bay on DS9, as it was going to be the beginning of this universes stargate network. More stargates would be established on space stations in the home systems of each member of the alliance. The computer databases for every member of the Alliance was downloaded to a supercomputer core that, for now, would be kept on DS9 and equal access would be given, allowing all members of the Alliance to gain from all other members.

It took several days just to identify and discuss the needs and desires of each faction, along with their areas of concern. For example, the Klingons wanted more representation leading to more influence, but didn't want anyone else to be that well represented. The Dominion wanted to continue its expansion regardless, but it was decided that they could only expand to other non-Alliance worlds. There were other small details that debates arose over such as letting the Romulans join, which was OK at best, but the debates finally began settling down.
Zeus also shared more plans such as plans to build two Arcturus class war fortresses and higher level technology for the retrofitted ships. Zeus also ordered several of AMP's scientists to go on several ships to travel to every major shipyard in the Alliance to start with the major technological upgrades at the shipyards themselves. The debates began to settle down to Zeus' delight, as he felt he had left AMP with Puras Albus still active for far too long. Hopefully One was OK being the only Atra Operatio agent on board the AMP.

Everything finally began lining up and there was actually no opposition to the organization of Black Fleet, whose sole purpose is the defense of the Alliance, with individual members coming second. DS9 was established to be the headquarters for the Alliance and was to have additions making it a space station similar to a dread city with its own shipyards and factories.

Now everything was in line and now they just had to accomplish their goals and make it all work in practice. All the replicators were recalled to DS9 to assist with repairs and expansions.

The WDSatellites were shut down, the wormhole reappeared, and the Founder contacted the Dominion, who agreed with the terms and the treaties were ratified by all the governments represented at this council, the Alliance was finally established with Sisko as its current president.

Zeus ordered Drake to oversee the continued progress while Two, Three, and Five were sent to Cardassia, Earth, and Q'nos to start setup of the stargate network, embassies, as well as drop off unified intelligence computer cores. They were to, as Drake was here, oversee the establishment of the Alliance in each respective system and begin the shipyard upgrades to handle the mass of retrofitting jobs necessary while settling opposition to the Alliance.

Reynolds acted as mediator between section 31 and the Alliance, which was going exceptionally well since they were offered first placement in the now formed Atra Operatio. The other Black Ops type organizations would be considered when they were ready, willing, or covertly converted… Klingon intelligence was going to be something else, but one of their representatives discussed membership with Zeus. Drake talked with Mr. Garak and Damar about the Obsidian Order joining also. Two, who was stopping by the Dominion Empire after visiting Cardassia, was going to approach the Great Link about Atra Operatio. Zeus was impressed with how everything was going so far but his contingency plans were still ready, just in case. Once everything here was settled here they planned to send word to the Romulans to invite them, if they so choose, to join the Alliance. Zeus took his leave and retired to the Leviathan.

(X)

Zeus' SAJ

Time: Three days after Zeus retired to the Leviathan

Zeus was going over reports dealing with the various issues of getting the Alliance up and running, the latest reports were about the Romulans securing their borders and threatening anyone who entered their space. There was some minor infighting between the members of the Alliance, and while everything was close to schedule, it could all come crashing down at the drop of a hat.

Zeus needed to be on AMP, until Bradshaw was OK he needed to be there, but he also needed to be with the Alliance, he needed to oversee much of its formation and assist the now prophet president Sisko grow into his new responsibilities. Zeus had decided to clone himself but wasn't sure what Puras Albus would try while he was in such a compromising position. The risk was very great but Zeus believed that the need outweighed that risk and so was on his way to AMP.

"You know, you could always appoint me president, Right," teased Wonderland.

"Oh, I can already feel the headaches, not to mention the insurmountable troubles," replied Zeus. "What are the chances of Puras Albus making a move?"

"With your extended absence, they most likely have made several."

"Well, the main Wonderland is still there, but it is possible that they have completely taken over," said Zeus.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, now that you have won a war, established the seeds of a galaxy wide empire, and begun plans for another war you start thinking about one of your biggest obstacles that has already possibly stopped all your plans, and take pot shots at a computer."

"Yeah, I took advantage of a few situations by using Diascen's Gambit with Gul Dukat and Damar to help form the Alliance. Making this a once in a Tau'ri lifetime opportunity. I need to get back and recover the Voyager and Equinox."

"Well get a move on, before you forget what you're doing, Old Man Zeus."

(X)
Location: AMP-Stargate room

Zeus flew out of the stargate aboard the Arcturas Maximus Primus in his Stealth Assault Jumper. He immediately beamed to the nanite lab and began the cloning process. The Wonderlands discussed the new developments; a few scientists came to oversee the cloning process, while the rest remained around Colonel Bradshaw.

The dimensionally phased Puras Albus agent, Cindel, watched as her foe became two. 'Why won't the others let me remove him right now? Immolatis and Ember both had made moves while he was gone, and now he has put himself in such a vulnerable position, I could end him right now. I don't understand their hesitation,' she thought, 'it would be so easy.'

She walked up to the Asuran cloning chamber and aimed a large revolver at Zeus; the revolver was a Tau'ri invention to kill Asurans. 'We tried the non-lethal route, all it had done was make Zeus watch his back and cover himself more than he had before.' Her finger began to contract against the trigger.

'He still intends to use the Convergence Void Concordance Resonance Exhelio!' thought Cindel. 'One pull of the trigger and it would all be over… that device would easily make the Big Bang look like a cherry bomb next to a nuclear bomb. Atra Operatio had previously built a micro scale concept prototype and it had caused twenty lightyears of space to vanish, taking three solar systems with them. A full scale CVCRE, like the one Zeus was planning, would cause everything to end, as it would take out the entire galaxy, at the very least.

+Cindel,+ sent Immolatis, +don't shoot Zeus, until we disable Diacen's Gambit he is a god.+

+You can't kill a god, but I can kill Zeus, here and now.+

+No, you couldn't, his failsafe systems would prevent it from truly working.+

+Fine,+ sent Cindel, +I could take him even if he wasn't in such a weak position.+

+We all could, but he still has the upper hand while Diacen's Gambit, and any other surprises are in place.+

Cindel audibly sighed as she watched the second Zeus take form. Several scientists who were working with Rod McKay walked through her without taking any notice, she had been watching as they prepped for Bradshaw's awakening, which was likely to occur soon. Cindel sighed again as she slowly walked back to the not-so-secret Tau'ri cloning lab and took her regular place at Colonel Bradshaw's side. Scientists continued scurrying about, studying various readings on tablets and other scientific instruments. One of the scientists had summoned their own clone and was studying the body that they could transfer to if the need arose, or if they simply wanted to. Cindel laughed aloud, thinking of the time that she had first seen a clone of herself and heard of the soul transference process. The Asgard and Ancients had done copious amounts of work in that particular field of science.

Cindel smirked as she looked from Bradshaw's new body to his old one. 'I wonder if Immolatis would allow us to prepare a body like mine for the Colonel to be transferred into?' she wondered, 'then we'd both be the most powerful beings in the universe, next to ascended, the Q continuum, and any others of that level. Plus we'd be super compatible.' Cindel stretched and her pure white armor seemed alive as it moved with her perfectly. She began giggling uncontrollably, like a school girl, and stretched out her hand, a minor tremor registered across the entire ship. 'Ah, the power of an Alterran body, so powerful. McKay's discovery of the forced evolution device has been so useful, especially on Eternus Tau,' thought Cindel, 'I could crush everyone with no more than a thought if I wanted.'

+Cindel,+ sent Magnesium, Purus Albus' super AI, +I've detected the use of level two abilities, are you OK, is there a threat?+

+I'm fine,+ replied Cindel with a shrug, +I just got a little too excited for a moment.+

+Be careful, I can only cover our tracks so much while Wonderland is in Inquisition mode.+

+I'll do better to control myself in the future,+ she replied, a little crestfallen.

+What got you so excited anyway?+ asked Magnesium.

+I pictured Colonel Bradshaw in an Alterran clone body,+ her girlish disposition was back.

+Immolatis has already built the facilities needed to make that very thing possible.+

+Can you do me a favor?+

+No.+

+Please, just let me have access for a minute so I can get him one started, just in case.+

+No, you have to go through Immolatis.+

+Fine!+

(X_X)

Delta Quadrant

USS Equinox-orbiting a world.

Time: Zeus making clone.

Begin Captain's Log

I am not sure why I am doing this. It isn't like we are ever going to get home! No I must remain strong, for my crew. They are relying on me for strength; and I can't let them down. I have ordered us to orbit this planet while we trade for much needed supplies. They have these strange devices that can summon creatures from an alternate dimensional plane. My First officer Maxwell Burke has been super happy with the scans, and believes that they can be of use in speeding up our journey back home. If we can figure out how they jump between places, then maybe we can alter our warp core to do the same thing, then we could reach home in just a few years, not a hundred!

End Captain's Log

Captain Ransom leaned back in his ready room chair. A beep sounded from the door. He turned his chair to face the door, "Enter."

"I think I have made some progress," said Maxwell Burke as he entered the room, "but it would be faster if you would let me capture one for study, and then release it. We would need a device to summon them, and I figure I could build a device to contain them for study."

"Something doesn't feel right about that though, these creatures are sacred to the people below. Are you sure you would be able to use anything you learned?"

"Unless the couple of scans I have taken with my tricorder are lying than we can use this to get us home easily."

"Let me ask you this, we could probably stay here and have families, the people would let us settle down."

"I have a family, on Earth; I would never betray my wife and children."

"I just had to ask. Are you certain that the dimension hopping alien eels can help us?"

"It's not worth passing up this opportunity."

"Fine we will meet with them again and try to bargain for a device."

(X_X)

Delta Quadrant

AMP-stargate room

Zeus watched as his clone passed through the gate, in his SAJ, to the Alliance headquarters on the expanding DS9, followed by technicians and scientists with supplies needed for the Alliance's early development. The gate was still in a docking bay but they were working on building an official gate room, with all the requisite security features. There have been supplies going through almost constantly since they began expanding DS9 and preparing the Alliance for its war with the Borg. Zeus watched as the last of this convoy passed through the event horizon with the Gate deactivating behind them.

"Wonderland, have you located the USS Equinox yet?" asked Zeus.

"Yes, so you want to head there now?"

Yeah, if I remember correctly, they get into some serious trouble and nearly take down the Voyager with them."

Zeus headed to the bridge and took his spot beside the command chair, he acknowledged Andrea, Maj. Ryan, and Alice as he took his place.

Wonderland became the center of attention as he made a dramatic entrance and sat in Bradshaw's command chair, receiving the nastiest glare from Alice.

"Get out of Colonel Bradshaw's chair. Now!" yelled Alice. "And why should we beware the Spanish Inquisition, Wonderland?"

Zeus looked over and saw that Wonderland had changed what inquisition mode had written on his gi. "Ignore him Alice, he likes attention. Everyone this is my personal AI-"

"The Great, Honorable, Extraordinary, Wonderland!" finished Wonderland.

"Ignoring, Alice would you take us to these coordinates please," requested Zeus.

"Not until Zeus gets out of Colonel Bradshaw's chair!" said an angry succubus.

"Wonderland, move out of the chair," ordered Zeus in a nice but firm voice.

"So worked up over nothing," said Wonderland as he moved from Bradshaw's command chair into Q junior's chair.

Wonderland, now that's a good boy. I don't want any more fighting between you two," said Zeus, "now can we get to the USS Equinox."

(X)

Arcturus Maximus Primus exited hyperspace in the outer reaches of the solar system, the USS Equinox appeared on the view screen and Alice directed the AMP toward them at full sublight. Andrea opened a general Federation signal and then hailed the ship.

Captain Ransom appeared surprised and what was visible of his crew appeared hopeful. There was no damage visible in the feed they were receiving and no detectable interference with their shields. Captain Ransom began, "This is the Starfleet vessel, USS Equinox, I am Captain Ransom. With whom am I speaking, and how are you using Starfleet codes?"

"I am Commander Zeus of the Alliance, which Starfleet Federation has just joined with, we were sent to bring you home, also do not mess with any of the local alien life-forms."

"What do you mean?" asked Captain Ransom with even more surprise.

"Trust me, the aliens that appear from thin air are very extremely dangerous and will cause great harm if provoked."

"I will talk to my first officer immediately," replied Captain Ransom. "Maxwell Burke, stop the experiment now."

"Why?" responded Burke.

"We have received a warning about messing with these life-forms, and we have a ride home."

"How?"

"Have you stopped yet?"

"Yes, but, um…"

Zeus interrupted, "Let it free, turn off whatever is attracting them, now!"

"What happened Burke?" asked Captain Ransom.

"It's staying, it isn't leaving like they usually do…" said Burke, "I think it's staying of its own free will…"

"Try turning the device on and then off again," chimed in Wonderland.

"Okay, turning it on…" said Burke, "so more came and left, but now there is another one just swimming through the air with the first."

"Captain, this could end very poorly," said Zeus, "seek assistance from those on the planet, because if anything happens to those two, then the rest of them will seek retribution."

"I am scanning it now and everything is calm," said Burke.

" Burke leave it alone, and Captain you should evacuate the surrounding decks. Deactivate your shields and we can beam your crew aboard."

"The data though, it's amazing the way they travel between dimensions."

"Dimension traveling?" Zeus asked with a sudden thought. "That's it, Wonderland, that's how they are doing it."

"Who is doing what?" asked Wonderland.

+Puras Albus may be using dimensional travel, or simply be out of phase onboard the ship,+ sent Zeus.

+Oh, I will begin searching for signatures of dimensional shift or phasing,+ replied Wonderland.

"Excuse me Commander Zeus, but what are you talking about?" asked Captain Ransom.

"Sorry, I just realized the solution to another problem that I was having. Contact with the alien life-forms can kill you so we need to get them off your ship before something happens."

"I am petting one right now, and there aren't any problems," replied Science officer, "it actually feels really interesting, like liquid static energy."

"Be careful, contact those who live on the planet about returning them, Then you can dock your ship in our hanger."

"Understood, Ransom out."

(X_X)

Delta Quadrant.

Location: Asthun's Cruiser- bridge.

Time: One day after AMP retrieved the USS Equinox.

Asthun had continued to watch over the cube that was dragging the Voyager and Asthun's Cruiser behind it. Asthun had determined that either the Cube didn't know he was there, or they didn't care. However, for now that didn't matter, because the voyager's rescue was going to be happening soon.

Asthun had summarized, to Zeus, all that had happened so far, and explained the differences he and Wonderland had discovered between the TV timeline and the one they were experiencing. Then he informed Zeus of the tempory alliance between the Voyager and the Borg, and the destruction of the planets leading to the destructive wave of debris flowing into a transwarp tunnel, and the ensuing destruction of the very fabric of space that occurred. Along with his report he sent a data dump through the Atra Operatio Ancient communication stones, containing all the sensor readings during the various encounters they had had, as well as Voyager's database and everything else he deemed relevant.

Immediately after their escape from the destructive wave Voyager and the Cube redoubled their efforts together. Lt Tuvok and Cpt Janeway, aboard the cube, worked with 7 of 9 to develop the technology to combat and assimilate species 8472. Asthun made sure to obtain copies of all the work and research done by the teams, just in case species 8472 proved unresponsive to a treaty or the Alliance.

{So we are just waiting for species 8472 to attack again?} Zeus asked over the black communication stone.

{Basically, the attack should be soon, if we can still use the series as a point of reference,} replied Asthun.

{We could jump the gun and bang bang kill the cube and take voyager now,} suggested Asthun's Wonderland.

{That would be Awesome,} responded Zeus' Wonderland.

{Too many Wonderlands…} lamented Zeus. {That is a backup plan; we are within range to arrive whenever you need us.}

{Is Atra Gladius ready then?} asked Asthun.

{They, and I, will secure Voyager after the Borg and 7 of 9 are aboard. We should also be able to remove her connection to the collective.}

{OK, we have also made some headway in the Cube's computer network, Wonderland believes he has found another inter-universal wormhole station.}

{Where is it at?}

{We have narrowed its location to be near one of the Super Transwarp Hubs, near Unimatirx One.}

{So we have to hit the most defended section of Borg space.}

{Yes, but if we can cause the station to explode with the same Omega particles as the last time we could hit three birds with one stone.}

{Last time the Ascendant Ancients interfered to cause that explosion with the Omega particles and then a hundred lightyears of missing space resulted.}

{Maybe we can reproduce the effects they had on the wormhole; the Borg may be losing but not nearly as much as they were in the show.}

{We have noticed that as well, the Borg have been able to deal out much more damage than they were capable of in the show.}

{I will signal when the time to make our move comes. Asthun out.}

(X)

The attack came a few hours later when species 8472 sent two ships to destroy the cube and Voyager. The cube moved to shield Voyager, who received only a glancing hit, and returned fire, destroying the closest ship. The surviving ship fired several yellow energy weapons resembling lightning strikes.

Inside the cube, overloaded systems exploded and part of the beam arced through Janeway. Tuvok rushed to Janeway's side and they beamed back to the Voyager. The cube rammed into the species 8472 ship, destroying both spectacularly. Voyagers shield held and stabilized, however the extended portion of the shield became clearly visible as debris collided with it.

On Voyager's bridge, the red alert sirens were blaring and Chakotay requested a status report. Ensign Harry Kim reported no other ships, and Lt. Tom Paris was busy piloting Voyager through the Debris field to safety. Asthun watched all of this on the secret cameras while Wonderland ate virtual popcorn.

"Tuvok commander Chakotay," called Tuvok over the comm system. "We are in the cargo bay and you need to beam Cpt Janeway to medical, now."

Chakotay signaled Ensign Kim who beamed them remotely. "What happened, Tuvok?" asked Chakotay.

"Cpt Janeway was hit by an arc from the species 8472 weapons, and the Borg beamed us, and themselves, to the cargo bay. The Doctor has Cpt Janeway on the surgical table and is running scans with a medical tri-coder."

"Doctor, how is she?" asked Chakotay.

"There is neurological damage at the base of her skull, I am trying a few things to stabilize, but inducing a coma was necessary."

"Keep her alive, Doctor. We need her. Security team Delta, follow me to cargo bay three."

"Will do, sir!" came the unified response.

"Um, Chakotay, a ship just dropped from some unknown FTL travel and is hailing us with a Starfleet signal," said Ensign Kim. "They want us to drop shields."

"What? On Screen," ordered Chakotay. "Who are you?"

"I am Zeus, of the Alliance, and Starfleet has requested that we rescue you," answered Zeus. "Drop your shields so that we can take care of that Borg infestation you seem to have picked up."

"This is too good to be true, how do I know that I can trust you?"

"This is 7 of 9, keep your shields active, these charlatans have destroyed a hundred lightyears of space and reports show them working with species 8472. I have requested support from the Borg Collective."

"I will say our war with the Borg has its reasons. Chakotay, what did the scorpion do to the fox?"

Chakotay froze, surprise etched into his features, "Ensign Kim, drop the shields."

"I can't!" exclaimed Ensign Kim, pressing several buttons, "Commander, I'm locked out of the system."

"What do-"

"I have taken command of this vessel," interrupted 7 of 9. The ship suddenly entered warp with a heading for the nearest Borg fleet. Asthun fell from his chair while Wonderland began choking on his virtual popcorn.

"Zeus is NOT going to like this," said Wonderland once he took a sip of virtual soda pop and stopped choking.

"Wonderland, quit goofing around and drop us from warp," ordered Asthun.

"Err-"

"What?"

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"7 of 9 locked all the systems, and I wasn't anticipating something like this."

"Zeus is going to kill us, then put us in new bodies and kill us again," said Asthun before answering the communication stone alerting that Zeus wanted to talk to them.