Jim Kirk stood in the holodeck on the Enterprise. He was on a diplomatic mission to the planet Nimbus III with Captain Spock and his crew. Klingon Space had become more peaceful in the last few years…and Jim was glad of that. The rogue Klingons had become fewer in number, and the Romulans had also become quieter, and he had been to the neutral planet to talk with some from both sides.

At the moment, Jim was getting ready to activate a program which was one of Ajah's holo-novels. He was expecting Leonard "Bones" McCoy to join him soon as they intended to play the novel together. He hardly ever got Bones to play a novel with him as he was always doing something else. Jim inserted the holo-novel stick and waited until the computer loaded it. "Computer, activate the program," he said.

Just as the program was about to activate, everything went dark. Jim frowned. "Oh, great," he murmured. But then, the lights came back on, but he was not standing in his program, but still in the empty holodeck with its silvery look. "Computer, activate the program I just inserted," he said, but he did not get an answer. He took his communicator out. "Mister Scott." He waited a moment and did not get an answer then either. "Mister Scott."

"Mister Scott will not be answering," an electronic sounding voice said.

Jim whirled around looking to see who said that, but he saw no one. "Who said that?"

Suddenly, an electrical swirl appeared right in front of him, and he backed up looking up at what looked like the image of a person composed of electronic signals. It reminded him of how Ajah's and Helek's eyes looked when they were powering up. The being was at least 8 feet tall, and Jim wondered if he had created that height to be intimidating.

"Who are you?" Jim asked.

"I am Cabal," the being replied. "I will take your ship for my mission."

"Your what?"

"Admiral James Tiberius Kirk. I know everything about you, as well as everyone else on this ship. This ship is now under my command."

Suddenly, the ship shuddered, and Jim almost fell down. "What are you doing?" Jim asked. "What are you? And what mission are you talking about?"

"Just relax, Admiral, you can do nothing to stop me. As I said, I will be taking your ship for my mission. My mission is of the utmost importance."

"You're not taking over this ship," Jim declared.

"Do not attempt to stop me, Admiral, or I will be forced to annihilate you."

Jim could not believe what he was seeing and hearing, but as he looked at the being, he was almost certain he could not stop him. "You're into the system of this ship," he said.

"You catch on fast, Admiral Kirk. Your reputation precedes you. I suggest you notify your crew that your mission has changed…unless you want to see them hurt or worse."

"You cut off communications."

Cabal paused a moment. "They are now restored."

Jim had thought Helek and Ajah looked intimidating when they were powered up but now, he thought they looked tame. He stared at Cabal as he opened his communicator. "Spock," he said.

"Admiral," Spock answered promptly. "We have a problem."

"I know. I'm staring at it. Don't try anything, Spock. He has control of the system."

"Who?"

"He's a…well, I don't know what he is, but he has control."

"There is also a being on the Bridge who seems to be in charge. He appears to be a cyborg."

Jim frowned as he looked up at his captor. "He has to be in league with this being in this holodeck."

"Explain."

"It looks like a swirl of energy, and it's taken on human form in this holodeck."

"Then it and this cyborg are connected in some way."

"I'm assuming so. Just don't try anything, Spock. If they're in control of the system, you know what they could do."

Spock listened to that and wondered if Jim was trying to give some sort of hint. "I do, Admiral."

Jim supposed they had no choice but to see where they were going whenever they got there. They would find a way to escape from these beings once they got out of space. "You will return to the Bridge," Cabal said. "You will remain there until you are permitted to leave."

Jim just stared at him a moment, not liking being told what to do on his own ship, but he could do nothing against something like this, so he stood up. He went to the Bridge although the being in the holodeck could not follow him. He knew they could hurt or kill his crew if he did not cooperate. They certainly did not need them to get where they wanted to go. When he got to the Bridge, he saw the other being who was clearly a cyborg. "Have a seat, Admiral," he said gesturing to the captain's chair.

Jim glanced at Spock and then sat down. "Now, you will broadcast a message to the rest of your crew as a warning," the cyborg said. "By the way, my name is Legion, and I am in control of this ship."

Jim just stared at him a moment, but he opened a ship-wide channel. "Crew of the Enterprise," he began. "This is Admiral James T. Kirk. Our ship has been taken over for the time being. I want all of you to cooperate and don't cause any problems. We're dealing with two very dangerous foes, so just relax and enjoy the ride. Kirk out."

Solan was in engineering with Scotty. "Does he really mean that?" Solan asked.

"I never knew him to say anything he didn't mean, Laddy," Scotty replied.

"He's just going to let them do what they want? Who has taken over the ship?"

"I don't know. Let's see if we can find out."

They went over to the security monitoring and could see a display of the Bridge. "Looks like some sort of cyborg," Solan said as they could see Legion standing on the Bridge. "Jim said there were two."

"I don't see another," Scotty said.

Suddenly, the monitor glitched and then there was what appeared to be a face on the screen which looked like it was made of electrical energy. "That would be me," Cabal said.

Scotty and Solan were startled as they stepped back. "Who are you?" Solan asked.

"I am Cabal, you are Solan. Do not attempt to sabotage or you will face lethal consequences."

The face disappeared. Solan just stood there a moment. "How does he know my name?" he asked.

"Looked like some sort of energy being," Scotty said. "Must be into the system. I don't know. Never saw anything like it."

Just then, Ajah and Helek came into engineering. "What's going on?" Ajah asked.

"We don't know," Solan replied. "Someone's taken over the ship is all we know."

"What are we gonna do about it?"

Solan looked around them as though he thought they were being watched. "Nothing," he said. "We can't do anything. Whoever it is has control of the system from the inside. We have to just ride."

They were all puzzled by that, but they had heard Jim's announcement, and they knew he would not give them that warning without reason. "This is eerie," Solan said. "Don't you think this is eerie?"

"Of course, it is," Ajah replied as he was looking around them. "Do we know where they're taking us?"

"Not that I've heard."

"We could be going anywhere. And how long will it take?"

"Don't ask questions none of us can answer," Helek said. "I hope the admiral has a plan."

"Me too," Ajah agreed.

Helek reached into a power conduit and absorbed some electricity as did Ajah. "Jim didn't tell you two to create interference," Solan declared.

"Who said anything about that?" Helek asked with his eyes glowing.

Solan could see that the security monitors were flickering already. "You might irritate that guy and he could do something drastic," he said. "Stop."

"Fine. Solan, I think you're losing all your fun side."

"Maybe I have."

Solan thought he lost his fun, adventurous side when Priscilla died. Helek was silent a moment. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," Solan said. "I just think we should follow Jim's orders and not do anything drastic."

"I agree," Scotty said. "Until he tells us to interfere, we best just stay quiet."

"No reason we can't create a plan."

"Not here."

They all followed Scotty to the shuttle bay, and they climbed aboard Solan's ship. "He can't hear what we're saying in here," Scotty declared.

"How do you defeat a computer whatever that is, and a cyborg?" Solan asked.

"I know how we could defeat the computer," Helek said. "We could short it out."

"But that would damage the ship. We'd be stranded."

"So, we'd repair it and there are other ships on here."

Scotty paced back and forth in the narrow hallway of Solan's ship. "Trouble is, I don't know what the Admiral wants us to do," he said.

"He can't want us to let that maniac keep control of the ship if we can stop him," Ajah declared.

"We'd have to get into the perfect spot for it to work. Then we'd run the risk that they'd catch us before we were successful."

"I sure wish Artie was here. He could cause a distraction of some sort."

"Yes. I think we should wait until we're close to the destination before we decide to move because if something happens, maybe we'll have a place to go," Scotty said.

"Who knows where we're going or how long it's going to take?" Ajah asked.

"From what I saw, it looks like we're heading for Earth. If that's so, we should be there in about three or four days. If we plan something to do when we get there, we might be able to get off the ship, or they would leave it."

"We could overload the circuits so they can't use it," Ajah said.

"That may be the only option," Scotty replied. "This ship won't go anywhere with that."

"But how can they do it without them knowing it before they get it done?" Solan asked.

"Once we get started, we can do it pretty fast," Helek said. "They won't be able to stop it."

"I'll calculate the best places for the two of you to be to get the best results," Scotty said. "We have to have some way of communicating so you can do it simultaneously."

"Well, that's gonna have to be done by synchronization," Solan declared.

"Synchronizing what?"

"I'll show you."

They followed Solan to another part of his ship. He opened the door of what looked like a closet once they saw inside. He took out a box. "Doctor McCoy isn't the only one who likes to find old things and keep them," he said as he opened the box revealing "watches".

Scotty picked up one of the watches. "Where did you find something like this, Laddy?" he asked.

"Oh, you can find things if you just keep your eyes open. Anyway, we can synchronize them to know what time we want to begin, and these cannot be detected because they're not electronic."

"Excellent. Too bad we can't have a way to communicate that can't be detected by our enemies."

"We have to wear those electro-suits when we're inside the ship, so they don't know where we are."

Scotty nodded. "I think we have a plan," he said as he put the watch on his wrist.

They all synchronized their watches and got into their electro-suits. They would stay in the access tubes until it was time for their plan to go into action since there were no cameras in the access tubes so even their electronic enemy would not be able to see them there.

Once they were all wearing their electro-suits, they got into the access tubes. Scotty moved over to one of the consoles where he could take control of the ship if need be, and it was also where they could disrupt function. "We don't want to disrupt the transporters," he said. "We may have to make a hasty retreat and take all the others with us."

"You can do that from here?" Ajah asked.

"I can do just about anything from here. The admiral had this fixed when he was captain for emergencies, and I think this is an emergency."

"Looks like he's always ready for anything."

"That's his plan, but I don't think he's always ready. He just improvises."

Jim sat in the chair on the bridge wondering what his crew was up to. He knew Scotty and Solan would be up to something. He did not have to say it or see it…he just knew. He supposed he and the others would have to be ready to act in a second, like always. He looked at Spock, who instinctively glanced at him as well. Spock knew as well as Jim that the crew they had spent five years in space with would not take this lying down.

Their captor stepped closer to Jim. "You would be wise not to try anything, nor should your crew members try anything," he said. "They would be unsuccessful, and it would have dire consequences."

"Do I look like I could try anything?" Jim asked as he looked at the pilot who was listening to him. "I'm sitting right here in front of you."

"It would not be logical for him to endanger himself and the crew to try and sabotage the ship since it is clear that you are superior," Spock said.

The android seemed to take time to register that as he stared at Spock. Jim tried not to smile at the fact that Spock could even confound an android. "So, where did you come from?" Jim asked.

"That is not your concern," the android replied.

Jim thought that was very much a concern. He wanted to know why they were in this situation and how these beings got aboard the Enterprise. If he made it to Earth and got off this ship, someone was going to have some explaining to do.

As the Enterprise neared Earth, Jim glanced at Spock knowing that he would be ready at a moment's notice. Jim had his communicator beside him and as they dropped out of warp, he saw a light flashing on the communicator which would work whether communications in the ship worked or not. He looked toward Spock who nodded slightly. Jim knew Scotty and Solan were up to something.

Suddenly, the ship went completely dark. Jim grabbed his communicator and jumped out of the captain's chair. The others on the Bridge moved just as fast and they soon all had weapons. Just as Jim aimed at the android, Ajah came onto the Bridge in his brightest light display. He aimed at the android, who was quick enough to dodge. He glared at them and them pressed a button on his suit and he was transported.

"Where did he go?" Jim asked.

Spock was checking the coordinates. "Unknown," he said.

"What about that…thing that was with him?"

"Admiral, I suggest that we vacate the ship."

"I'm gonna vacate it alright. Someone has to have some answers about this. Get in touch with Admiral Winston and let him know that android has gone down to the planet and most likely took that energy being with him. I want everyone off this ship until it can be repaired and make sure there are no other stowaways."

"Yes, Admiral."

Jim left the Bridge followed by Ajah and met Solan in the corridor. "Solan, good job," Jim said as Solan fell in beside him.

"What was that?" Solan asked.

"I don't know but we're going to find out. Get your ship ready for me."

"Yes, Sir."

Solan hurried for the shuttle bay where his ship sat. "What will we do about this situation, Admiral?" Ajah asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Jim replied. "Just stay with me."

"I will be by your side."

"That thing in the holodeck said his name was Cabal."

Spock caught up with Jim just then. "The one on the Bridge called himself Legion," he said.

Jim scowled at that. "Legion?"

"Peculiar name."

"Let's all get off this ship and regroup on the planet."

Just then, the communications officer came hurrying to catch up with them. "Admiral, I just heard from Admiral Winston," she said. "Headquarters has been taken over. Admiral Winston is getting out through the escape route as well as everyone else. He gave us coordinates to meet him."

"What?" Jim asked a little surprised.

"He wants us to meet him."

Jim thought that sounded like something that was expected. "Alright then," he said. "We're going in Solan's ship as soon as everyone else is off the ship."

They all went to the shuttle bay where Solan was standing at the boarding ramp of his ship. "Admiral, the ship is ready when you are," he said. "But you have a message from Carol."

"Is she waiting for me?"

"No. She sent a message."

"Oh. I'll see it when I get in there then."

Jim was studying a display to determine when everyone was off the ship. Scotty came into the shuttle bay. "Admiral, I hope we did the right thing," he said.

"You did, Mister Scott," Jim replied. "I want you to oversee the repairs of this ship. If anything weird happens, contact me."

"Yes, sir. What happened anyway? Who was that?"

"I don't know, but I have a feeling we're going to find out soon."

"Well, I'd like to know too."

"Don't worry. Anything I find out will be relayed to you. Is the ship mostly okay?"

"Yes, sir. I had to short circuit some systems but other than that, she's fine."

"Great. I want to know how those beings got on the ship."

"I'll do my best."

"I think everything is safe now because I believe the android took his partner with him and they've taken over headquarters."

Scotty's mouth dropped open. "Why?"

"Don't know that either. I don't even know what this is all about, but like I said, I think we will soon."

Just then, Bones walked in. "Jim, I stayed in the medical bay until I was sure there were no injuries. What's going on?"

Jim felt like he was repeating himself. "We're going to find out. Looks like everyone is off the ship except the repair crews," he said. "Scotty, let me know your progress. Everyone else, let's go."

They boarded Solan's ship and were soon on their way down to Earth: Jim, Spock, Dr. McCoy, Solan, Ajah, and Helek. Jim sent a message to Carol answering her message from before. He got an immediate reply that she would be meeting him at the same coordinates and that his mother and the two children were with her. He was glad of that. He had no idea where they were going but he had a feeling that somehow this situation had been expected.

As Solan's ship came down to the coordinates, they realized it was in the high mountains of the Wyoming wilderness. Solan talked with someone to confirm they could land, but one of what looked like a mountain opened at the top and they were looking down on a landing pad. "I don't believe this," Solan said.

"How do we know this is Starfleet?" Bones asked.

"Because it's a Starfleet signal."

Solan landed his ship, and they were lowered into the mountain and then moved out into an underground hangar. "What is all this?" Solan asked feeling like he was completely in the dark. "Did you know this existed?" He looked at Jim and could tell by the look on his face that he was just as surprised as he was.

The ship was finally sitting on the deck, and they just sat there. "Admiral, do you get the feeling that we are about to enter a new type of war?" Spock asked.

"Of course, he does," Bones said. "What are we getting into now?" He looked at Jim. "Will you please say something?"

"I don't know what to say," Jim replied. "We might as well get out of here and see what's going on."

Solan lowered the boarding ramp. They all followed Jim to the back of the ship. He looked out into the hangar they were in just as they heard a loud buzzer. Light streamed in as the top opened again to allow another ship in. Jim walked on down the boarding ramp and was met by none other than John McCoy. "Admiral, Sir!" he said and saluted.

"At ease," Jim replied as he returned the salute.

"John, what are you doing here?" Bones asked.

"I've been here for quite a while."

Bones folded his arms. "What is this all about?"

Jim cleared his throat. "Uh, Bones, I think I'd like to ask that question," he said.

"Well, you're too slow. I wanta know now."

"Just relax, will you?" Jim looked at John. "What is all this?"

"Sir, if you'll come with me, you're scheduled for a meeting with Admiral Winston."

Jim frowned. "Fine."

They followed John, and Jim suddenly heard someone say, "Jim!"

He looked around and saw Carol coming that way carrying Joy and practically dragging Alex along as she was in a hurry to get to him. Jim took Joy as she reached him. "Jim, what is going on here?" Carol asked.

"I have no idea," Jim replied. "I'm assuming this meeting I have with Admiral Winston will tell me all that."

"I came over here on a ship with him."

"I'm glad he didn't leave you to fend for yourself. Has anything else happened?"

"I'm not sure. Admiral Winston has been on video meetings the whole time we were coming here."

Jim nodded. "I'll bet."

They all followed Jim over to the other ship as he saw Admiral Winston coming down the boarding ramp along with his wife. "Admiral Kirk," he said.

Jim stood at attention as best he could with Joy in his arm. "Admiral."

"At ease. We have a meeting along with the other admirals here."

"Yes, sir."

Jim gave Joy to Carol, and then he saw Anakin coming from the same ship. "Hi," Anakin said. "I see the gang's all here."

"Like always," Jim replied. "I have to get to a meeting. I'll see all of you soon."

Bones folded his arms as Jim walked away from them all. "Why can't we all be in this meeting?" he asked.

"We are fortunate to have Jim as an admiral so that he may know firsthand what is happening," Spock replied.

"Well, if you wanta be so cooperative about it."

"We have no choice but to cooperate since we know nothing of what is happening here." Spock looked around the hangar. "I believe this is something none of us have ever seen or experienced."

"I have to agree with that," Carol agreed.

John McCoy still stood there with them. "I have a place where the children can play," he said. "They have a nursery."

"Great."

Carol and Amidala followed him to the nursery. Carol sighed with relief as she finally set Joy down. She looked back toward the office where Jim had gone for his meeting. She wished she was in there listening, but she knew she would know what went on in there when Jim came out.