"Captain's log: Stardate 44429.6. We are on a mapping survey near the Cardassian sector. It has been nearly a year since a peace treaty ended the long conflict between the Federation and Cardassia." Picard said.
Picard, Worf, Data, Riker, Deanna, and supernumeraries came to the Bridge as needed.
"Captain, we are nearing the periphery of Sector twenty-one-five-oh-three." Data said.
"Be on the lookout for a Cardassian patrol vessel, Mister Worf. They should be hailing us soon." Picard said.
"Even with a treaty, they're skittish about protecting their borders." Riker said.
Picard was on his feet, walked toward the viewscreen, gazing at the field of stars.
"Last time I was in this sector, I was on the Stargazer, running at warp speed ahead of a Cardassian warship." he said.
"Running, Captain? You? That's hard to believe..." Deanna said amused.
"Believe it. I'd been sent to make preliminary overtures to a truce... I lowered my shields as a gesture of good will. But the Cardassians weren't impressed. They took out most of my weapons and damaged the impulse engines before I could regroup and run."
"The Cardassians have no honor. I do not trust them." Worf said.
"They're our allies now, Worf. We have to trust them." Deanna said.
"Trust is earned, not given away."
Picard smiled wryly at his outspoken Security Officer.
"Well, I hope their scout vessel makes contact soon. It's not a good idea to stay too long on a Cardassian border without making your intentions known." he said.
Then a plate of food materialized in the replicator.
O'Brien was at his quarters sitting at a table, staring down at the plate of food. Keiko was just bringing her own plate, sat and joined him.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Kelp buds... plankton loaf... and sea berries." Keiko said.
O'Brien stirred the food dispiritedly.
"Sweetheart... I'm not a fish." he said and she smiled brightly, unoffended.
"It's very healthy. I had this for breakfast every morning when I was growing up." she said.
"No oatmeal - or muffins? How about corned beef and eggs?"
"For breakfast?" she said and continued to eat heartily.
"Keiko, I've been thinking... You've introduced me to all the wonderful foods you're accustomed to... I'd like to do the same." he said carefully. "Isn't that what marriage is about? Sharing?"
She eyed him somewhat cautiously.
"Like what kind of food?" she asked.
"Scalloped potatoes... mutton shanks... oxtails and cabbage..."
"Kind of... heavy..."
"No, you'll love it, I promise." he said and took a deep breath. "I can still remember the aromas when my mother was cooking..."
"She cooked?"
"She didn't believe in a replicator. She thought real food was more nutritious."
"She handled... real meat... touched it and cut it?" she said with mild distaste.
"Like a chef. She was fantastic. Of course, I'll have to use the replicator... but I'll make something special for you tonight. You'll love it, I promise."
She smiled, swung her arms around his neck, pulled him close.
"Okay. Maybe I'll have something special for you, tonight, too..." she said and kissed him gently then there was a muffled explosion and a tremor in the room.
Keiko pulled back, startled. O'Brien got to his feet, alert.
"Something's wrong..." he said.
"Red alert. Take emergency stations." the computer said.
Everyone on the Bridge was at their stations and functioning.
"Cardassian ship preparing to fire again, sir!" Worf said.
"Increase power to forward shields!" Picard said then another explosion jolted the Enterprise. "Hail them again, Mister Worf."
"What is he doing? Damage report!" Riker said.
"Minor damage to secondary hull before we put our shields up, sir. No casualties, structural integrity intact." Worf said.
"Engineering to Bridge... starboard power coupling is down..." Wesley said.
And another, bigger explosion ripped at the reeling Enterprise, causing the Bridge to shudder, lights play off and on.
In space the Cardassian ship was firing on the Enterprise.
Back on the bridge they were still in upheaval.
"Evasive action - Delta Sequence. Mister Worf, ready phasers." Picard said.
"Delta Evasion Plan initiated..." Data said.
"Mister Worf, limit targets to engines and shields..."
"Aye sir... ready..." Worf said.
"Fire."
Back in space the phaser fire ripped from the Enterprise toward the Cardassian ship.
Back on the bridge.
"Direct hit, sir. Moderate damage to their aft shield generators..." Data said.
"Continue phaser fire." Picard said.
"Multiple hits. Power failure in forward shields..."
"Cardassian ship is standing down, sir." Worf said.
"Let's see if they'll answer our hail now, Mister Worf." Picard said.
"Frequency open, sir."
"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the Federation Starship Enterprise." Picard said stepping forward.
A Cardassian Gul appeared.
"I am Gul Macet of the Cardassian ship Trager." Macet said.
"Why have you fired on us?" Picard asked.
"A curious question. In war, one attacks one's enemies."
"There is a treaty between our people..." Picard said perplexed.
"Perhaps that fact was unknown to the Federation starship which destroyed our space station in the Cuellar System two days ago."
Picard was taken aback.
"A Federation starship... ?" he said.
"Attacked an unarmed science station. They had barely enough time to send an emergency signal... before they were incinerated."
"Gul Macet... the Federation and the Cardassians have struggled too hard for peace to abandon it so easily..."
"We are not the ones who abandoned it, Captain."
"Let me talk to my superiors... find out what's behind this. Give me one hour. The alternative is for us to continue firing at each other. In such a contest, you would be at a disadvantage."
"Very well. One hour."
His image was replaced with that of the ship.
At the Ready Room Picard was with the image of Admiral Haden.
"We've confirmed the report, Captain. It was the starship Phoenix... under the command of Benjamin Maxwell." Haden said.
"Ben Maxwell... he's one of Starfleet's finest Captains... he must have had provocation." Picard said.
"I wish we knew. He's gone on silent running... doesn't answer our communiques."
"Then he's still in Cardassian space."
Haden acknowledged.
The station he destroyed was in sector twenty-one-five-oh-five - you're the nearest starship. We want you to go in and find him."
"Will the Cardassians cooperate... ?"
"They've granted you safe passage... We've agreed that you'll take along a delegation of observers as a show of good faith." Haden said. "Jean-Luc... I don't have to tell you the Federation is not prepared for a new sustained conflict. You must preserve the peace... no matter what the cost. Haden out."
Then the screen went blank and Picard sat for a moment, reflecting on the precariousness of the situation.
In space the Enterprise and Cardassian vessel was head-to-head.
A few minutes later Picard was on the bridge with briefs the crew.
"... there will be three Cardassians transporting on board... Their Captain, Gul Macet and two of his aides." he said. "My intention is to be as open as possible with them... allow them to share in our search for the Phoenix."
"Sir, it is necessary to assign them a security detail." Worf said.
"They will be our guests, Mister Worf. I don't want them to feel like prisoners."
Worf was silent, but his look was eloquent.
"I'm inclined to agree with Worf, Captain. I would limit their access while they're on board. They don't need the run of the ship." Riker said
A minor rebellion here and Picard faced them.
"I understand your concerns. And I realize... that we have had a long and difficult history with Cardassians." he said and paced, formulating his thoughts. "However... it is not an exaggeration to say that the difference between peace... and war... is up to us. And the way we treat the Cardassians may make the difference."
"At least let me post guards at some of the sensitive areas of the ship." Worf said.
Picard considered.
"Very well, we will limit their access. But instruct your people... they are guests." he said and turned to Deanna.
"Counselor, stay close to the crew. Some of them might be uncomfortable with the Cardassians on board. I want no incidents."
"Yes, Captain." Deanna said.
"Mister Data, is there anyone on board who served previously with Captain Benjamin Maxwell?"
"Accessing..." Data said. "Chief O'Brien served under his command aboard the Rutledge."
"Very well. Mister Riker... Counselor... you will greet our guests in Transporter Room Three. And advise Chief O'Brien that I will be calling on him." Picard said.
"Yes, sir." Riker said rising then he and Deanna headed for the Turbolift.
A few minutes later they entered the Transporter room and O'Brien was there.
"The delegation is ready to come aboard, sir." O'Brien said.
"I believe you served under Benjamin Maxwell?" Riker said.
At the mention of this name, O'Brien brightened.
"Captain Maxwell? I'm proud to say I did." he said.
"It seems Maxwell has taken it upon himself to destroy a Cardassian space station."
O'Brien was taken aback, but there was no flickering in his loyalty.
"If that's true, sir, there was a reason for it. I'd bank my life on that." he said.
Riker and Deanna both took note of the fervent defense.
"The Captain may want to talk to you about him." Riker said. "Bring them aboard
Then he manipulated his controls, there was the shimmering effect, and three Cardassians - Gul Macet and two aides - materialized on the pad. Riker stepped forward as they descend.
"Welcome to the Enterprise. I am First Officer William Riker... this is Counselor Deanna Troi." he said.
"I am Gul Macet... my aides, Glinn Daro and Glinn Telle." Macet said.
There were murmured greetings. Riker guided them toward the door. The Cardassians saw O'Brien, who cannot entirely disguise his discomfort around his former enemies.
"Our Transporter Chief, Mister O'Brien." Riker said.
The Cardassians nodded politely. O'Brien inclined his head only enough to have acknowledged them. Then he stared straight ahead, not making eye contact. The others started out the door.
O'Brien turned his head to followed their progress. In his eyes there was a look of strange and puzzling intensity.
Deanna was the last out the door, then turned back to look at O'Brien. She had seen his reaction to the Cardassians, and was troubled. Then she met his eye.
He looked away, his face an impervious mask once more.
The Enterprise was moving through space.
"Captain's Log, supplemental: We have entered Cardassian territory, and are proceeding in our quest to locate the Phoenix." Picard said.
Picard, Riker, Geordi, O'Brien, and the three Cardassians were at the Observation Lounge.
"... and with long-range sensors, we've been scanning a radius of ten light years. We can effectively scan one sector in a day." Geordi said.
"We are scanning Sector twenty-one-five-oh-five now. So far... no sign of the Phoenix." Riker said.
"In fact, you have no assurance that the ship is still in Sector twenty-one-five-oh-five." Macet said challenging.
"In fact, we don't have any idea where it is. But the last known co-ordinates seemed like a reasonably good place to start." Riker said right back at him.
"We would welcome any additional intelligence your forces could provide." Picard said jumping in to keep it smooth.
"Captain Picard... you can understand that we are skeptical. Do you expect us to believe that you are using every means at your disposal - to track down one of your own?" Macet asked.
"Of course you would have concerns, Gul Macet. It is precisely because of that fact that I am including you in every aspect of our effort." Picard said. "You are here, with my staff, hearing reports as I hear them. Nothing is edited... nothing withheld." he said gesturing.
This was Picard at his most charming and persuasive. He waved his hand toward Macet's chair.
"Please. Let us continue." he said and Macet hesitated a second, lest he appear too acquiescent.
"Very well." he said and sat down.
"Our Transporter Chief, Mister O'Brien, has served with Benjamin Maxwell. I thought he might provide some insights." Picard said and they all turned toward O'Brien. "Mister O'Brien... I believe Captain Maxwell lost his family... during a raid on an outpost."
"More like sabotage, sir. It was on Setlik Three. A squad of Cardassian militia made a sneak attack on an outpost... wiped out close to a hundred civilians." O'Brien said.
"Then it's vengeance he's after." Macet said.
"That's not what I meant -"
"Maxwell's taking retribution for his own loss."
"Captain Maxwell would never -" O'Brien said half rising.
"Gentlemen, please. Let us avoid speculation, and confine this discussion to facts. Now, Mister O'Brien -" Picard said.
"Worf to Captain Picard." Work said on com.
"Yes, Lieutenant." Picard said keys insignia.
"Captain - long range sensors have located the Phoenix."
Macet was already on his feet and Picard rose also.
"Will you join me on the Bridge?" Picard asked and the left toward the Bridge; the others, toward the corridor.
O'Brien waited as a Turbolift door slid open, entered and turned as the Cardassian aides enter.
"Deck six." O'Brien said as the doors closed.
"Deck ten." Daro said.
Then the Turbolift took off. There was a moment's strained silence.
"Your Captain is most impressive." Daro said.
O'Brien was a little startled at being addressed.
"Yes. He is." he said then there was more silence.
"Chief O'Brien... our Transporting system is still operating with active feed pattern buffers. I would like to talk with you about your technology."
"I'll have to get Commander La Forge's approval on that."
"I understand. In the meantime... we're going to your Ten-Forward. Will you join us?"
The Turbolift had arrived at Deck seventeen. O'Brien started for the door, turned back.
"If my commander tells me to discuss the Transporter with you, I will. If Captain Picard orders me to tell you everything I know about Ben Maxwell, I will." he said and moved closer. "But who I choose to spend my free time with... that's my business." he said quiet intensely.
He turned and stepped off and the doors close, and there was an embarrassed silence.
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf were on the bridge.
"We have located the Phoenix in Sector twenty-one-five-oh-five." Data said.
"Ensign, set a course - warp six. Mister Worf, send a message by sub-space. Tell them to prepare to rendezvous with us." Picard said.
"Yes, Captain." Worf said.
"Captain... a suggestion." Macet said.
Sensing something coming, Picard turned toward him.
"Yes?" he said.
"We have a number of ships in sector twenty-one-five-oh-five. If you give us more precise coordinates... and the ship's coded transponder frequency... we could intercept Maxwell much more quickly than you."
A barely perceptible pause.
"I'm sure that's true. However, given the circumstances, I'd prefer to make the initial contact myself. As I'm sure you would if the situation were reversed."
These were two shrewd masters of verbal fencing. Macet made one last exploratory thrust.
"Time is crucial. You have a dangerous man out there, with a huge arsenal at his command. If he's bent on revenge against my people... he must be stopped before he can do more damage." Macet said.
"At the moment, we have an isolated incident. If I reach him first, diplomatic efforts can still prevail." Picard said. "But if one of your ships decides to retaliate against the Phoenix... we risk losing control of the situation."
"Then you won't give us the means of finding his exact location?"
"No. I will not." Picard said and turned away from him.
Macet glared at him.
The Enterprise was warping through space.
Later O'Brien was in his quarters, humming a little tune, carries a steaming casserole from the replicator, put it on the table, where Keiko sat.
"There you are... potato casserole - a dish fit for kings." O'Brien said then turned back and gathered napkins, flatware, and a candle.
As Keiko inspected the casserole, he arranged the table. He was still half-humming, half-singing the song.
"... minstrel boy to the war is gone..." he hummed and
Keiko looked up at him curiously.
"What's that you're singing?" she asked.
"What? Oh... just an old song..."
He hadn't even realized he'd been singing. He tried to explain.
"A bunch of us used to sing it together... on the Rutledge. I haven't thought about it for years..." he said.
"What's it about?"
"Oh... about war, and glory..." he said. "The minstrel boy to the war is gone; In the ranks of death you'll find him; His father's sword he hath girded on; And his wild harp slung behind him." he sang softly. "... Captain Maxwell always liked that song..." he said speaking. "I guess all this business with him and the Cardassians... brought it back." he said and sat then started slowly eating.
He's trying to figure a way to bring something up... something he didn't quite feel comfortable discussing head on.
"You know... sitting with the staff this morning, I could tell there were people in that room who still don't like the Cardassians." he said.
"I imagine that's to be expected..."
"You do?"
"The war lasted a long time. That takes its toll on people. What are these little black things?"
"Capers. But the fighting is over now. Why would anyone still feel... however they feel?"
"Maybe it's not that easy for some people to forget."
She eyed him, knowing him well enough to know there's more going on here than he's admitting to.
"I'm... trying to understand. The people who hang onto - grudges. Seems to me they ought to be able to put those feelings aside... once the fighting's done with." he said.
"That may be harder to do than to say." she said. "You fought the Cardassians, didn't you?"
"There were some skirmishes... when I was with Captain Maxwell."
"Well... how do you feel about them?"
"Me? I feel... fine. I mean... the war's over now."
She gave him a look: Is it? Disconcerted, he took refuge in his food.
"Tomorrow night... kidney pie. And then maybe pot roast... beef tongue..." he said.
Keiko regarded him quietly. Something's going on with him... she'll be patient, it will work itself out.
It showed an Okudagram: the grid of a sector with two flashing figures indicating starships; one was red, the other, blue. The red one was moving slowly; the blue, larger, still a ways away, was moving faster, headed right for the other.
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Conn, and Macet were on the bridge gazing intently at the screen.
"The pursuing ship is the Phoenix." Picard said.
"And the other?" Macet asked.
There was a hesitation, and some looks were exchanged.
"We believe it to be a Cardassian supply ship." Data said.
"How would you know that?" Macet asked.
"We... are able to make that determination." Picard said.
Macet looked from one to the other.
"You can read our transponder codes!" he said.
"What is important at the moment is that your ship may be in jeopardy. Mister Worf - any answer to our communications?"
"No, Captain." Worf said.
"Put a repeating message on all sub-space channels. Make it a Priority One communique - break off pursuit immediately." Picard said then turned to Macet. "Gul Macet... as you can see, we are doing everything in our power to reach the Phoenix."
"And accomplishing nothing." Macet said and looked at the screen. "Can you show me the location of our other ships?"
"Mister Data."
Data manipulates controls, and other red blips appear on the screen... one of them within striking distance of the Phoenix.
"You see... we have a warship which could intercept the Phoenix before it's too late. If you will give us the transponder frequency." Macet said as the Phoenix moved inexorably closer to the supply ship. "Or are you going to stand and watch while our ship is destroyed?"
"Mister Worf - has there been any response to our hails?" Picard asked.
"No, sir." Worf said.
Picard made a tough decision.
"Very well... prepare to relay the transponder code of the Phoenix to the Cardassian warship." he said but Worf didn't like this idea.
"Sir - ?" he said.
"And then send a message to Captain Maxwell... advise him that we have relayed his location to the Cardassians."
Worf turned to his task. Riker was upset enough that he risked questioning the Captain in front of Macet.
"Begging your pardon, Captain... the transponder code will allow them to track all our ships." Riker said.
"I'm aware of that. Mister Worf- any response from the Phoenix?" Picard said.
"No, Captain." Worf said.
"Mister Data, any change in their their course?"
"No sir. The Phoenix is continuing on its bearing toward the supply ship." Data said.
There was a long, tense moment.
"Mister Worf... relay the prefix codes of the Phoenix to the Cardassian warship." Picard said.
"Sir, they'll be able to dismantle its shields! The Phoenix won't have a chance." Worf said stunned.
"I cannot allow Maxwell to ambush that supply ship. Mister Worf - now."
Worf stared down at him, almost trembling in his distress.
"Yes, Captain." he said.
He started working the controls. Gul Macet's expression was enigmatic, Riker's distressed. On Picard - nothing, except perhaps, deep in his eyes, the anguish of hard choices.
The Enterprise was warping through space.
Picard, Riker, Macet, Data and Worf were on the bridge watching the viewscreen.
"Sir, the Cardassian warship is moving on the Phoenix." Data said.
The Okudagram showed that the Cardassian ship had turned toward the Phoenix and was rapidly bearing down on it.
"Mister Data, overlay weapon ranges of the two ships..." Picard said.
On the screen, two circles appeared around the flashing blips. They were just beginning to touch.
"The warship is three hundred thousand kilometers from the Phoenix. It is opening fire. The Phoenix has taken a direct hit." Data said.
The men stared at the screen as he, in his emotionless way, narrates the grim battle.
"The Phoenix is beginning evasive maneuvers." he said. "It has positioned itself outside the weapons range of the opposing ship." he said. "The Phoenix has powered up with both phasers and photon torpedoes." he said. "The Phoenix is firing photon torpedoes."
On the screen, the Phoenix had turned and was engaged with the warship. The blips flutter a moment on the screen... and then the Cardassian ship simply disappeared.
"He has destroyed our warship..." Macet said unbelievable.
There was a moment's silence as Picard's mind raced.
"Does the supply ship carry any weapons?" he asked Macet.
"Limited. Not enough to defeat a Nebula Class Starship." Macet said.
"Sir..." Data said and looked up at the screen... as the smaller blip of the supply ship flashed and then vanished.
The men watching were grimly silent.
"The warship carried a crew of six hundred... the supply ship... fifty..." Macet said.
There was a silent, awful moment as they all absorb the enormity of this act. Picard glanced at Macet, mind racing.
"Mister Data... estimated time until we intercept the Phoenix." Picard said.
"At our present speed of warp four, sixteen hours, forty-four minutes." Data said.
"Ensign, increase to warp nine."
Gul Macet looked at him, overwhelmed by the events they have just witnessed. Then he turned and stride toward the Turbolift.
Later O'Brien was at the transporter room doing routine maintenance at his console when the doors slid open and Picard entered. O'Brien straightened up, surprised.
"Captain... ?" O'Brien said.
"I wanted to... chat with you." Picard said.
"Anything I can do, sir, you know that."
"Ben Maxwell must be quite a man."
"He's a rare one, all right." O'Brien said. "I count myself lucky, sir - I've served with the two finest Captains in Starfleet." he said sincerely.
Picard nodded in acknowledgement of the compliment.
"Then... from your knowledge of the man... what has gone wrong?" he asked.
"There's a reason for what he's doing. Those Cardassians were up to something, I'm sure of it." O'Brien said vehemently.
Picard paced, searching for the questions that will help him understand this rogue Captain.
"How did he take it... when his family was killed?" he asked.
O'Brien paused, considered. He clearly wanted to present Maxwell in the best light.
"I'd say he took it well. Oh, I know he was broken up inside... who wouldn't be? But you'd never know it to see him. He never missed a minute's duty, always had a smile and a joke..." he said as validation but Picard heard something rather more damning in this tale of the man who never grieved.
"I see..."
"And Captain Maxwell, he'd never retaliate out of vengeance, no matter what that Cardassian says. They're up to something... they're the ones you should be investigating, sir, not Captain Maxwell."
"You don't care for the Cardassians..."
"I like them fine. It's just... well, I know them. You learn to watch your back around those people."
"Within the last hour... Benjamin Maxwell has sent over six hundred of them to their deaths."
O'Brien was stunned.
"I don't know what to say, sir... he must've had his reasons..." he said.
"I think... when one has been angry for a very long time... one gets used to it. Then it becomes comfortable... like old leather." Picard said. "And finally, it is so familiar that one can hardly remember feeling any other way." he said. "But in the long run, we are the ones who are damaged by that kind of anger. We are. Not them." he said then left and O'Brien was left with feelings stirred and unresolved.
Later O'Brien was at Ten Forward sitting at the bar, nursing a synthetic beer. Presently, the Cardassian, Daro, entered, looked around, sat at the bar at a remove from O'Brien.
"Kanar?" Daro said to bartender.
The bartender nodded, retreated. O'Brien shifted his eyes toward the Cardassian, caught him doing the same; both look away. O'Brien took a drink to finish off the beer then set it down and thought.
Then he rose, moved toward the Cardassian.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked.
Daro gestured toward the stool next to him. O'Brien sat; the bartender brought Daro's drink.
"You want another?" Daro asked and O'Brien nodded. "And an ale."
O'Brien was trying to find his opening gambit while Daro drank.
"Kanar... never could develop a taste for it." O'Brien said.
Daro smiled.
"It takes some getting used to." he said.
Things eased a bit and O'Brien took a breath.
"I wanted to say... I... I owe you an apology." he said and Daro made no response so he pressed on, gingerly. "Shouldn't have... popped off like that. In the Turbolift."
"I think... this is hard on all of us. I know I'll be happy when I'm back on my own ship." Daro said carefully.
O'Brien regarded him. This hadn't occurred to him.
"I guess that's true." he said. "I hadn't thought of it like that." he said simply.
The bartender arrived with O'Brien's beer and he took a swallow then a breath.
"I was on Setlik Three." he said.
Daro looked at him, wary, not sure where this was going.
"With Captain Maxwell, the morning after the massacre. We got there too late, of course... almost everyone was dead..." he continued.
"It was a terrible mistake... we were told the outpost was to be the launching place for a massive attack against us..." Daro said jumping in.
O'Brien stared into his beer, talking as though playing a tape in his mind.
"The only people left alive were in an outlying district of the settlement... I was sent there, with a squad, to reinforce them." he said going into an almost dream-like state, re-living the incident. "Cardassians were advancing on us, moving through the streets, destroying, killing... I was with a group of women and children when two Cardassian soldiers burst in... I stunned the one, but the other jumped me... we struggled... one of the women threw me a phaser and I fired..." he said and took a sip of his beer. "The phaser was set at maximum. The man just... incinerated... there, before my eyes." he said. "I'd never killed anything before. When I was a kid I would worry about having to swat a mosquito."
O'Brien shoved his beer away and stood.
"It's not you I hate, Cardassian. I hate what I became... because of you." he said then walked out leaving Daro staring into his drink.
Later Picard, Riker, Data, and Macet were on the bridge. Then the Turbolift door opened and Worf entered, holding the Cardassian Glinn Telle in a strong grip.
"I will protest this, Klingon!" Telle said.
"Captain Picard." Worf said.
Picard and Macet had risen staring at the two in surprise.
"Mister Worf, you may release the man." Picard said.
"He was found at a computer station on Deck thirty-five, attempting to access information on our weapon systems." Worf said letting go.
"A lie, Gul Macet. I was studying the terminal interface systems... they are more efficient than ours. I have no idea what was in the files." Telle said to Macet.
"What business did you have going near one of their computers?" Macet asked.
Telle was startled that his Captain didn't support him.
"But... Gul Macet... I meant nothing... there has been no harm done." he said.
"Go to your quarters. You are confined there for the duration of this expedition." Macet said grimly.
A charged hesitation, and then Telle inclined his head.
"As you wish, sir." he said.
"Mister Worf, please accompany him." Picard said.
"Gladly." Worf said and lead the Cardassian into the Turbolift.
Macet turned to Picard.
"Captain... may we speak in private?" he asked and Picard nodded toward his Ready Room.
"You have the Bridge, Number One." he said.
Then they entered the Ready room.
"Captain, I deeply regret what my aide has done. You have my word that he will be disciplined upon my return." Macet began.
"You may take whatever action against him you feel is appropriate. I consider the matter closed." Picard said conciliatory.
Macet studied him closely.
"I'm not sure I would be so generous in your place, Captain. Thank you." he said.
"If there is to be a lasting peace, Gul Macet, neither you nor I must allow any one man to undermine our efforts..."
Macet nodded, understanding...
"There have always been those who crave war. Who need it." he said. "I am not one of them, Captain. I am beginning to see neither are you. We have had our full measure. The lasting peace begins here... with the two of us."
"Bridge to Captain." Data said before Picard could respond.
"Picard here." Picard said.
"We have located the Phoenix, Sir. We will intercept in twenty-two minutes."
Picard and Macet exchanged looks. What the future brings will surely depend on the unknown factor of Captain Benjamin Maxwell.
The Enterprise was with a slightly smaller, Nebula-class ship.
"Captain's log, Stardate 44431.7. We have established communication with Captain Maxwell, and he has agreed to come on board." Picard said.
At the transportation room Riker and O'Brien waited as a figure materialized on the pad. Seconds later, captain Benjamin Maxwell stepped off.
He was genuinely at ease with himself, and consequently put others at ease. Riker stepped forward.
"Welcome aboard, sir. I'm Commander Riker, First Officer." he said.
"I know all about you, Commander. Fine work you did with the Borg. We all owe you on that one." Maxwell said.
"Thank you, sir."
Maxwell's eye fell on O'Brien, who stood to the side.
"O'Brien? Miles O'Brien?" Maxwell said.
"Hello, Captain. Good to see you again." O'Brien said.
Maxwell strode toward him, arm extended, shook O'Brien's hand, clapped him on the shoulder. Maxwell's smile was so ingenuous that he seemed like a neighbor hanging over the back fence.
"How are you? I had no idea you were on the Enterprise." Maxwell said and turned to Riker. "This was my Tactical Officer on the Rutledge. Best I ever had."
"Thank you, sir." O'Brien said.
"O'Brien has the ability to size up a situation instantly, then come up with options to fit all contingencies. Remarkable."
The specificity of the compliment gave it impact.
"If that's true, I learned it from you, sir."
Maxwell grinned.
"But you got that silver tongue by kissing the stone, right?" he said. "Well, Commander. Best I see your Captain straight away. We have a lot to talk about." he said to Riker.
"Yes, sir." Riker said and lead him out.
O'Brien looked after them, a play of emotions on his face.
As the Bridge Turbolift opened and Maxwell walked out, followed by Riker.
"What a sweet ship this is... I'll admit, I've always wanted a Galaxy class vessel..." Maxwell said.
He came face to face with Gul Macet, standing straight, steely, looking him in the eye.
"Captain... Gul Macet. He and his aides are guests on the ship." Riker said.
"I see." Maxwell said.
Neither man offered his hand. The warmth was gone from Maxwell's eyes. There was a silence before Riker stepped in again.
"Captain Picard is waiting in his Ready Room. This way." he said then gestured and lead toward the Ready Room.
Maxwell turned, and Macet followed him with his eyes until he was gone.
A few seconds later they were in the ready Room.
"Captain Picard... Captain Benjamin Maxwell." Riker said and rose then extended his hand.
Each man was appraising the other, swiftly and carefully.
"Captain..." Picard said.
"A pleasure. I've heard about you." Maxwell said.
Picard made no effort to return Maxwell's bonhomie.
"Sit down, please." he said. "That will be all, Commander." he said to Riker who left.
Maxwell looked up at Picard, smiling easily.
"You must think I've gone mad." he said.
"The thought has occurred." Picard said.
"Picard, I have to tell you... I was grateful when I realized it was you Starfleet sent after me. Somebody who knows what it's really like out here."
"I know of nothing out here that could justify what you've done."
Maxwell pressed his fingers together.
"Then listen to this - the Cardassians are arming again. That so-called science station? A military supply port." he said.
"How do you know this?"
"Information comes my way."
"From whom? Where is your documentation?"
Maxwell flashed him a look; not liking to be challenged.
"You know how these things work... you see things, you hear things... you add them up and you know damn well what's going on." he said.
"In other words, you have no documentation..."
"I know what they're doing. I can smell it. There's no good reason for a science station in the Cuellar System... but it's a hell of a strategic site for a military transport station... a jumping off point into three Federation sectors. They're running supply ships back and forth... and nobody's gonna tell me it's for scientific research..."
"Whatever circumstances you believed you encountered, why didn't you notify Starfleet?"
"And wait six months while the bureaucrats sit around reading reports, trying to figure out what to do? They don't know what's going on out here... but you should, Picard, you know what it's like to be under fire..."
"You weren't under fire."
"Lives were at stake..."
"Whose lives?"
"We had to act now..."
"Why?"
There was a minute as Maxwell stared at him, the good-buddy, out here in trenched together bull-stuff is gone.
"It smells musty in here... like a bureaucrat's office." Maxwell said.
"You have killed nearly seven hundred people... taken us to the brink of war..." Picard said.
"I have prevented war... or at the very least delayed it a good long time. The peace treaty was a ruse, to give them breathing room, time to regroup..."
"And so you alone simply decided to dispose of the treaty..."
"I took the initiative... I did what had to be done..."
"'What had to be done'? For whom, Maxwell?" Picard asked. "Why does a man with your long, brilliant service suddenly abandon the fundamental principles that he has believed in, even fought for, all his life... ? I'll tell you what I believe... it was because of what they did to your wife... and your children..."
"... Not true. Not true..."
"... to avenge their deaths."
Maxwell was wounded, frustrated, realizing he cannot win this confrontation...
"You're a fool, Picard. History will look at you and say 'this man was a fool'." he said.
"I'll accept the judgment of history."
"When it becomes clear what the Cardassians have done, I will be vindicated."
"What the Cardassians have or haven't done is irrelevant..."
"Irrelevant... come with me and find one of their supply ships and we'll see how irrelevant it is..."
"We are not going after any more Cardassian ships, Captain Maxwell... you are going to return to your bridge and set a course for Starbase Two-one-one... the Phoenix and the Enterprise will return to Federation space together. I will permit you the dignity of retaining your command during our voyage. My only alternative would be to put you in our brig, while we tow your ship back to starbase in disgrace."
There's not much choice and Maxwell knew that. When he spoke, he was broken, lost.
"I will return to my ship." he said.
"You understand your orders?"
"Yes, Captain."
Picard touched his insignia.
"Mister Worf, report to my Ready Room. Our guest is departing." he said.
Maxwell stared straight ahead; Picard didn't try to meet his eyes. It was a difficult moment for both.
The Enterprise and Phoenix were travelling through space.
"Captain's log, supplemental: With the Phoenix in close formation, we are proceeding directly to Starbase Two-one-one." Picard said.
Picard, Riker, Macet, Data, Worf and the crew were on the bridge.
"Mister Data, how long before we clear Cardassian space?" Picard asked.
"At our present speed, three hours and twenty minutes." Data said.
"Mister Worf, send a message to Admiral Haden at Starfleet. Inform him of our projected time of arrival."
"Yes, sir." Worf said.
"Captain... the Phoenix is changing course." Data said.
Concerned, Picard stepped back toward the viewscreen showing the Phoenix veering away from the Enterprise.
"What is he doing?!" Macet asked.
"Ensign, change course to pursue. Mister Worf, hail Captain Maxwell." Picard said to Conn.
Worf tried.
"No response, sir." he said.
"Data, project his new course." Riker said.
"Sir, the Phoenix is heading directly for a Cardassian vessel... point-one-two light years from our location." Data said.
"He'll attack that ship - just as he did the others." Macet said.
"Continue your hail, Lieutenant, Priority One message." Picard said. "Do you know what that vessel might be?" he said to Macet.
"I imagine it's a supply ship, headed for the research station in the Kelrabi system. The destruction of our primary science outpost has put an added burden on the others."
"The Phoenix still does not respond." Worf said.
"Ensign, warp eight. Overtake him." Picard said.
"Sir, the Phoenix has accelerated to warp nine. We will not be able to reach him before he intercepts the Cardassian ship." Data said.
"Warp nine, Ensign. Mister Worf, arm phasers... continue hails..."
"Aye, sir." Worf said.
"Captain, Chief O'Brien was Maxwell's Tactical officer..." Riker said.
"Get him up here." Picard said.
O'Brien emerged the bridge from the Turbolift.
"Sir, the Phoenix has dropped out of warp. They have reached the Cardassian vessel." Data said.
"Slow to impulse." Riker said.
"Vessels are in visual range." Worf said.
"On screen." Picard said and the viewscreen showed the Phoenix moving next to a huge Cardassian freighter.
"Has the Phoenix activated its weapon systems?" Riker asked Data.
"Negative, sir. Phaser banks are not armed..." Data said.
"What about the Cardassians?"
"Our sensors are unable to determine status of the Cardassian defensive systems... Their ship is running with a high-powered subspace field." Data said checking.
Picard raised only the slightest eyebrow to this exchange, filed it away for later as O'Brien reports to him.
"Mister O'Brien... your former Commander is about to place me in the unenviable position of having to fire upon another Federation ship. I will need to draw upon your knowledge of the man... how he thinks... what he is capable of doing..." he said.
"Aye, sir." O'Brien said.
"Sir, Captain Maxwell is hailing us." Worf said.
"On screen." Picard said Maxwell's image appeared in his darkened Ready Room.
"All right, Picard, you need proof... you've got it now..." Maxwell said.
"Captain Maxwell, you have disobeyed a direct order..."
"Board the ship, you'll see that everything I've been saying is true -"
"The Cardassian ship will not be boarded. You will transport yourself aboard the Enterprise..."
"Picard, if you don't board that ship, I'll destroy it."
"And I will use whatever force is necessary to prevent you from taking that action, Captain."
\Maxwell studied Picard incredulously for a minute, then hit a panel and ended the transmission. The screen went back to the Phoenix and the Cardassian ship.
"Sir, Captain Maxwell... if he feels his back is to the wall, he'll strike..." O'Brien said.
"Captain, the Phoenix is transferring power to its shields..." Data said.
"They're arming phasers... loading forward torpedo bays..." Worf said.
"Red alert. It appears you are correct, Mister O'Brien." Picard said and the lights begin to flash. "Ready phasers... load torpedoes..."
"Phasers ready... loading forward and aft torpedo bays..."
Then there was a minute as Picard took a step toward the viewscreen... waiting to see what Maxwell did now...
"Sir? Let me beam over... try to talk to him." O'Brien said and they turned to him.
"We served together a long time... after you've been through what we have... you kind of get inside a person. He might listen."
Picard hesitated, considering it.
"He'll never drop his shields to let you transport on board." Riker said.
"The Phoenix is using a high-energy sensor sweep. It cycles every five-point-five minutes. Between those cycles there's a window of a fiftieth of a second." O'Brien said. "Trust me. I can get through."
"Make it so." Picard said.
Then O'Brien headed for the Turbolift.
A few minutes later O'Brien and Wesley were in the Transporter room at the console.
Wesley had been in the Engineering all day and Geordi had asked him to help O'Brien.
"It's good we're trying this with another Federation ship. It would never work with an alien vessel." O'Brien said.
"I'm not so sure it's going to work this time. Can you get an accurate enough fix on his shield modulation to get through?" Wesley said.
"I think so. The Phoenix should be following standard Starfleet protocols. They have to align their shields at the start of every sweep."
"So you'll sync up the beam..."
"And slip right through..." O'Brien said and held up both hands... slipped the fingers of his left hand through the separated fingers of his right.
"But if there's any phase error... you could materialize outside the ship... we'd never have a chance to correct."
"I've been monitoring his sweep patterns... I'm telling you, I can compensate..."
"And I guess we could increase the pattern buffer cycle to give us a little more margin for error..."
"The current cycle is almost finished, sir... they'll be phase aligning in twenty seconds..."
"Okay, Chief - let's do it."
O'Brien went to the Transporter pad and Wesley kept his eye on the console.
"Stand by... five seconds... here we go... two... one..." he said and hit the controls, and O'Brien dematerialized from the pad. "Good luck, Chief."
A few minutes later O'Brien materialized in the corridor. There was no one around. He glanced up and down the corridor, turned a corner.
The Ready room was darkly lit... a subdued, murky mood. Maxwell sat at his desk, hands carefully folded, staring at nothing. Then the bell chimed.
"Not now!" Maxwell said and the doors opened and O'Brien entered.
Maxwell reacted, leapt to his feet, reached for a phaser.
"I'm not armed." O'Brien said.
"How the devil did you get over here?" Maxwell asked.
"I had the thought that if I talked to you... we could figure a way out of this mess." he said and Maxwell replaced the phaser.
"The way out of this is clear, O'Brien. Talk to Picard... get him to board that damned ship..."
"He won't do that, sir..."
"But he'd turn his weapons on a Federation Starship to protect the enemy? I don't believe it..."
"He will, you can count on it."
"What the hell has happened to this war..." Maxwell said frustrated.
"Sir, there is no war... the war is over."
Maxwell stared at him.
"You're wrong. The Cardassians live to make war." he said.
"That's what everybody thinks about the enemy. That's probably what they think about us."
"We're not the same at all. We do not start wars. We do not make surprise attacks on manned outposts. We do not butcher women and children in their homes... children who never got the chance to grow up..." Maxwell said and his eyes glistened seeing the family that he lost.
O'Brien studied him. Maxwell was drifting back in time... a time when camaraderie, and glory, stood for something...
"You were on Setlick with me... you saw what they did..." he said.
"Yes, sir."
"What was the name of the fellow who hung on to you like a puppy?"
"Will Kayden..." O'Brien said but Maxwell didn't recognize it. "Stompie."
"Stompie. As cool under fire as a mountain lake..."
"Yessir."
"He died at Setlick, didn't he..."
"Yessir."
"What was that song of his... the one he always sang... the one I liked..."
"The minstrel boy to the war is gone... In the ranks of death you'll find him... "
And Maxwell joined in.
"His father's sword he hath girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him... Land of song, said the warrior bard, Though all the world betrays thee, One sword at least thy rights shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee." they sang together.
"I'm not gonna win this one, am I Chief?" Maxwell asked soft.
"Nossir." O'Brien said.
Maxwell nodded, keys insignia.
"Maxwell to Bridge. Stand down all weapons."
"Aye, sir." the com voice said.
O'Brien and Maxwell looked at each other... Maxwell almost grinned in defeat.
In space the two ships in tandem, proceeding toward home.
"Captain's log, supplemental: Captain Maxwell has turned his ship over to his First Officer and transported aboard the Enterprise. I have confined him to quarters for the return voyage." Picard said.
Later Picard, Macet, and O'Brien were on the Enterprise at the Observation Lounge..
"I'd just like to say... he's a good man, sir... What he did was terribly wrong, I know that now... but I'm still proud to have served with him." O'Brien said.
Picard acknowledged.
"Thank you, Mister O'Brien. Well done. That'll be all." he said and O'Brien turned and left.
"His loyalty is admirable... even if it is misplaced." Macet said and Picard turned toward him.
"The loyalty you would so quickly dismiss does not come easily to my people, Gul Macet. You have much to learn about us. Benjamin Maxwell earned the loyalty of those who served with him. In war, he was twice honored with the Federation's highest citation for his courage and valor. And if he could not find a role for himself in peace, we can pity him, but we shall not dismiss him." he said quietly but his words were steel.
Macet shrugged and stood to exit.
"You are welcome to your opinion, Captain. I for one am grateful he is under lock and key." he said and moved to the doors.
"Oh, one more thing, Macet. Maxwell was right. Those ships weren't carrying scientific equipment, were they?" Picard said and Macet stopped at the door, but didn't turn.
"A 'research' station within arm's reach of three Federation sectors... ? Cargo ships running with high energy subspace fields that jam sensors?"
Macet studied him curiously.
"If you believed the transport ship carried weapons, why didn't you board it as Maxwell requested?" he asked.
"I was here to protect the peace, a peace I firmly believe is in the interests of both our peoples. But if I had attempted to board that ship... I am quite certain that you and I would not be sitting here now. And that ships on both sides would be arming for war."
"Captain, I assure you..."
"Take a message to your leaders, Gul Macet. We know. We'll be watching. We'll be ready." Picard said interrupting him.
Macet blinked, nodded and left.