Chapter Three
Blood Feud

Personal log: Captain Roberta Ikata recording. We are one
point three days out, heading for the Romulan neutral zone to
take over patrol tour from the USS Khe Sahn. I must say I am
excited because we have very unusual guests on board: a family
of horta. We are transporting our 'guests' to The Khe Sahn who
will take them to the new colony they are developing at Hiopa
IV, a mineral rich world very similar to their home planet.
In addition they will participate in a conference with two
other silicon species, which are considering joining the
Federation. This is a great opportunity and I only wish
that I could be there. So far they haven't eaten my ship
yet and one of the little ones even wants to join Starfleet.
That would make two members, if he applies and completes the training.

Captain Ikata, relaxing in her command chair continued sipping
her tea. She possessed the classic features of her Japanese
heritage, with long black hair that reached to her waist if
she allowed it to hang loose. She was short but she had that
command presence that made one stand up and take notice.

Around her everyone was busy but relaxed which was exactly the
way she liked it. Her ship, the USS Okada, was a 'New Orleans'
class frigate with a current compliment of four hundred and two.
Although its size was just slightly smaller than the original
Constitution class starship, both ship and crew had seen their
share of battle during the Dominion war conflict and had
survived relatively intact.

Ikata enjoyed her tours of the neutral zone these days. The
Romulans weren't as hostile these days, but one had to still
be careful.

The communications officer, of course had to pull her out of
her good mood. "Sir, the USS Khe Sahn is hailing us, your eyes only."

"I'll take it in the ready room."

"Roberta, we got problems here," Captain Patricia Duvalier said
without preamble. The captain was a breath-taking woman, about
forty-one years of age, dark skin and intense eyes. "Something's
happening in Romulan space. Our scans are detecting massive
explosions and energy release consistent with weapons fire.
It's not near our side of the zone but it's still too close
for comfort. And on top of that, a Klingon taskforce just
de-cloaked in front of me and they're itching to sneak in and
find out what's going on in there. I'm trying to dissuade
them but you know how they are. I think two of them sneaked
off anyway. If they get caught, Romulan long-range detectors
are going to see the Khe Sahn and these ships, put two and two
together and assume the Federation has something to do to with
it."

"Then, there's this fleet of unidentified bogies at the very
edge of the neutral zone coming in at one thirty six mark
thirteen. Remember that old Terran saying 'when it rains, it
pours'? Well it's true," she growled. "I want you to check
out those ships out now because I can't go with these no-good
Klingons watching everything I do."

Robert gave the orders and her ships scans picked them up. They
were the strangest ship signatures she'd ever seen. Just about
every configuration she could think of and none of them quite
matched known Federation related analogs. However they did
possessed a type of familiarity to them that she couldn't place.
And there were no matter-antimatter power sources detected.

"We have them. Any identification?"

"Negative. They're traveling at barely warp one point six, but
it's a hodgepodge of configurations and some of these ships are
really BIG," she said. "And their power source is strange.
This may well be a first contact situation."

"I'll check 'em out and get back to you. Have fun."

"Thanks Roberta. Pat out." She really looked irritable as she
closed the connection. She had a problem with Klingons but...what
could one say? Pat hated Klingons and made few qualms about it.
And they loved her for her honesty. The more she showed her
contempt, the more they wanted to be around her. But she never

seemed to notice that little connection.

Maybe she would tell her, one day. And then laugh as she went
ballistic.

"Well, so much for a relaxing six weeks, " Roberta murmured to
herself. She stood up, looking her view-screen and the stars
painted on them. "Helm, plot a course to the targets."

"Course plotted," the helmsmen, a young Vulcan female stated
without emotion.

"Well then, warp factor two," she ordered. "Go."

They would intercept the strange fleet in two days.
The Okada swerved gracefully and a moment later, it was gone.



From the observation chair, Imperious Leader looked at the
devastation with what could only be described as disgust. In the
last three days, two Cylon Basestars had been destroyed, and two
more damaged by those infuriating Romulan warships. However,
twelve of their ships- of- the- line would never again fly against
the Cylon Empire. Twenty-four more had been damaged, but that
still wasn't a fair exchange. And now they were getting serious.
A major fleet would be arrayed against them within the centar.
It would be the first of many that would occur in the next few
sectons.

From all of the free flowing data that permeated this quadrant,
it was discovered that Romulans didn't care for humans. They
hated and in truth, feared them in fact. The plan should have
worked. Foolishly, the Cylons had assumed that they could cross
Romulan territory, intercept and destroy Galactica without
interference, since it was a human fleet they were after.

Plus the fact that they had informed the Romulan government that
its government would irradiate their second largest off-world
colony if hindered should have been the defining deterrent. The
plan was a simple one and should have worked with minimum difficulty.

Who said organics were logical?

The Praetor, who appeared incensed that their colony's defenses
had been so easily breached, ranted and raved about an act of
war being perpetrated upon his people and that it would never
be tolerated as long as he ruled and Romulan people lived. It
was assumed that he was posturing but would soon submit in
order to save his people. The Romulan Empire was recovering
from a devastating war with a group of entities called the
Dominion. Therefore another conflict would not be in its best
interest.

Cylon intelligence had assumed incorrectly. The moment the
two Basestars assigned to intercept the Galactica fleet entered
Romulan space they were attacked. So the Cylons retaliated as
was expected. Using thermo-solium weapons, a Cylon Basestar
irradiated one third of the planet and one billion organics
ceased to function. Again it was assumed that the Praetor would
allow them access, least the remainder of the population be
eliminated however, the entire counsel rejected that generous
offer. So the order was given and the Basestar activated its
neutron disruptors and methodically burned the colony world
for seventeen hours. When it was finished there was nothing,
not even bacteria, left alive.

The Empire rose up as one body and the Romulans screamed blood
feud. So be it, Imperious Leader thought. Organics bled,
Cylons didn't. But the intercept force had been unprepared for
the ferocious onslaught of Romulan resistance. They had been
unable to present a decent defense as their H-T and fighters
were prevented from exiting the launching bays.

This time would be different. Their highly maneuverable, warp
capable H-T's and fighters would play havoc upon the Romulan
birds of prey, cloaking capability or not. The Supreme Imperium
and Imperious Leader were of one accord. The Romulans had
defied the Cylon edict as the humans had over a thousand yaherns
past. But with their newly integrated T'kon technology, they
would burn the organics fleets and their twin worlds in that
order. A new edict had been issued. Destroy the life form
known as Romulan. This included Vulcan's.

The timetable for the Galactica and the Federation would have
to be changed. It was time for the alternative plan.



Personal log: Captain Jean Luc Picard reporting: The first
diplomatic meeting between Federation and Kronjye representatives
here onboard the Enterprise-E has gone remarkably well. I'm
particularly pleased that I invited Guinan onboard for this
exciting and unique time to serve in Ten-Forward as our
'unofficial' liaison. It was her pleasant demeanor and subtle
guidance that helped us to win them over. This ant-like species
with their extraordinary technology and culture may one day be
a wonderful addition to the Federation. I can only hope that
we can continue our relationship on a cordial basis, as
sometimes humanoid and insectoid species have difficulties in
being sympathetic towards one another.

On a much more serious note, there have been increasing rumors
about a possible Romulan conflict occurring in their territories.
It could be the beginnings of a civil war, but the Romulan
ambassador is typically not forthcoming. The Federation will
not interfere with the internal affairs of another government
however there is a danger that it could spill over into neutral
space. The relations between our two governments have been
more cordial since the recent joining of our forces against
the Dominion, however we could lose all this if their conflict
creates an 'incident' which could cause renew hostilities between
us and them. I only hope that the rumors are just that, a rumor.

Captain Picard relaxed for the first time in long time. His
'Number One', Commander William T. Riker had returned from his
vacation with the ships counselor Lieutenant Commander Deanna
Troy from the latest trip to Earth. Everyone on the bridge,
including Picard, were enraptured by the reports of their
ex-shipmate, Lieutenant Reginald Barclay's contact with the
USS Voyager.

"To be that far in a science vessel for almost seven years,"
Deanna said, "alone and surrounded by hostile forces. I can't
imagine being constantly worried about keeping one step ahead
of hostile forces, especially the Borg. The strain must be
almost unbearable. But they seem to doing well despite the
obvious isolation and pressures involved."

"And this woman Seven of Nine has become a real asset for them.
And she was Borg from at least age what nine...twelve?"

'Obviously Captain Janeway is one brave woman," Riker said.
"I told you I met her once, didn't I?"

"Yes," Picard said softly. "Q."

"My memory returned soon after first contact with Voyager by Reg.
I guess it wasn't necessary to keep it secret anymore."

"Yes," he murmured again. He was proud of his first officer
but his mind was somewhere elsewhere. I wonder how I would
have done in Janeway's position, he thought? Would I have made
a deal with the Borg in order to save my ship? Would I have let
my prejudices cause Species 8472 to overrun our galaxy? He was
glad he would never have to answer those questions.

"Oh, Will?" he said changing the subject in his mind.
"Congratulations again on finally accepting the
Captaincy."

"I'm not 'Captain' yet. Not until the Melborne is ready in a
couple of months," he said smiling with that wicked gleam in
his eyes. "I hear it's the same as the Enterprise...just my
luck!" he moaned. "Another oversized Sovereign-class vessel.
I hear they changed the corridors a little. I hope I don't get
lost," he said laughing.

"I'm sure you won't," Picard said, dryly. He stopped when that
white, bright flash filled the bridge. Everyone familiar with
what the flash signified simply groaned.

"Did someone mention my name?" Q, dressed in an admiral's
uniform arrived in his usual flash along with his son, dressed
merely in a commander's uniform.

"No Q. We said the word queue, not Q. So go away."

"Too late, mon capitain," Q said brightly, ignoring the insult.
He looked around at the Enterprise -E. "You're kind of hard on
ships aren't you? But...I digress. "I brought someone I want
you to meet. His name is Q and he's my son," he said stunning
everyone. "It's his coming out party. I though you'd like to
meet him." Q almost didn't realize how proudly he's said that
to the bridge crew. Then he added. "Hey, Picard ...jealous?"

"What do you want Q"?

"Oh nothing, really. I'm just here to celebrate my son's party.
I've told him so much about you that he just had to meet you."

Picard got up, walked over to young Q, grabbed his hand, and
shook it warmly. "It's nice to meet you," he said quietly.
Watching his father's stunned expression, he added, "what's
the matter Q? Jealous?"

For once Q was quiet, while his son actually blushed. Riker
and even Data were smiling brightly. Well, he'd get them back
in the future.

"Hello Data," the young Q said, examining him carefully.

"Hello Q," Data returned.

"You're right, father," Q said. "He's much better than those
others. Much better."

"Quiet son," he retorted. "We don't want it to go to his head,
so to speak. And stop looking at Deanna. She's way, way too
old for you."

"Oh, thank you, Q." She snarled.

"You're welcome," he responded pleasantly, flashing his best
smile. "Anyway Picard," Q continued, transporting the entire
bridge crew into the ready room complete with hats, "I wanted
to give you all a gift."

Two bottles pop into Picard and Riker's hands.

"To Commander Riker, future Captain of the USS Melborne. This
is a bottle of Romulan Ale. Not the cheap stuff, mind you, " he
added quickly. "This is the two-hundred old aged vintage." His
eyes got very cold. "Enjoy it, "he said, eyes flashing a cold
fire. "It may be the last ale you ever receive from the Empire."

Then he turned to Picard quickly. "And to you, a bottle of
Romulan berry wine. Oh sure, I know," he said seriously, "that
it isn't as good as your own winery. But I want you to enjoy
this as it may never pass your non-humorous lips again."

The room was totally silent.

Finally Picard spoke. "We got the message, Q."

"You do?" he asked. "That was way too easy," he said sounding
vaguely disappointed. "Makes you wish for the good old days
doesn't it?"

"Never," Picard answered immediately. "Is it really that bad?"
His tone was deadly serious.

"Well, as I always say, 'there are terrors to freeze the soul
out here Captain and it's not for the timid.' Too bad Micro-brain
isn't here," he said referring to Commander Worf, now a Klingon
ambassador. "He would just love this. Bye everybody," he said
joyfully. "Hey Riker! Try not to blow up your ship this time!"

He smiled and both Q's disappeared.

The red alert sounded as Picard and crew prepared for warp seven,
headed towards the neutral zone.

"Inform Starfleet," Picard ordered. "Priority one. Tell them we
have a problem."



"Confirmed, sir. It's a Cylon Basestar. And it's running us
down," the scanner tech announced. "They're using some type
of matter-antimatter reaction as a power source. I've never
seen anything like this."

"By the lords of Kobol!" Starbuck couldn't believe the speed
in which the Cylon mother ship was approaching. That can't be
right! Double check the instrumentation!"

"It's confirmed, sir." The scanning tech had checked and
double-checked a few moments earlier even before the order was
given. "The speed is three hundred ninety two times the speed
of light. That gives us zero point five centars before it's
all over us!"

"We would have never known if not for new scanners," he
muttered. "Battle-stations! Inform the Rising Star and the
rest of the fleet to close up ranks. The Pegasus and the Galactica will drop back and engage the enemy. Prepare the Vipers to launch."

"The Pegasus is contacting us, sir," the communications tech
said. "President Adama is also on the line sir."

"Make it a three way conference call, "Apollo said. "We'll have
to make this fast."

Sheba, sitting in the command chair onboard the Battlestar
Pegasus appeared onscreen her face lit up the screen. Her
hair was graying and still carried that haunted look in her
eyes as a memento of her father's coma-like state, but she
also burned with that same fire that almost got Apollo killed
when he and Starbuck first contacted the Pegasus and the famous
Commander Cain a little over twenty yaherns past.

"It's got to be some new type of prototype," she said without
preamble, eyes flicker between looking at them and her scanners.
"Obviously they have new technology, but then so do we. We're
dropping back to engage. The new shielding is online and the
Cobras and Adders are awaiting the word."

"We're going to back you up," Starbuck added. "Between the two
of us, that ship shouldn't be too much of a problem."

The president frowned. "Don't assume anything," he stated
flatly. "It moves quickly but their short range mobility is for
now, suspect. But we don't know the capabilities of this new
ship and if we move to far from the fleet, it might simply bypass
us and hit it."

"But we really we don't have a choice do we?" Apollo's voice
was cold. He'd dreaded this moment. "Slow the fleet to normal
space and launch all Vipers and Cobras. We'll make our stand here."

"The Cylon slowing down also and will intercept in fifteen centons."

"All ships launched. Four of our Adder-class gun-ships are
moving in to support the Pegasus."

The Adder-class ships were in effect mini-destroyers similarly
designed like their much larger Battlestar cousins but without
the launching bays. They were heavily armored and shielded and
carried the latest in offensive laser weaponry. The captains,
mostly former Viper pilots were arrogant and confident of their
ships' abilities and were eager for this upcoming fight.

"I don't believe this!" The canning tech said gritting her
teeth. "Sir, we have another ship approaching at almost the
same speed. Configuration unknown, but definitely not Cylon.
But the power source is very similar. It's generating some
kind of major distortion field. Very sophisticated. It's small,
but with those power levels we wouldn't want to mess with it."

Adama broke in. "These beings might be an ally to the Cylons,
but I would recommend that we take no hostile action against it
unless it does first."

"It could be some of the locals checking things out," Starbuck
chimed in. "I'll bet a secton's pay that when the action starts
it'll run so fast we wont even see it leave." At least that's
what I'm hoping for if they are Cylon allies, he prayed.

"If it's smart, it will." Apollo turned to the scanning tech
speaking harshly. "Keep an eye on it. If its actions appear
hostile have a few Vipers escort it from this area."


The Captain of the USS Okada ordered a reduction to warp one
as they approached the unknown fleet. She wanted to make sure
she didn't cause a problem with an initial first contact
situation, especially since they were unable to communicate with them.

"Have we established communications with them yet?"

"No Captain," Patterson replied. "They may be on some unusual
frequency but I'm scanning. A moment later, "I'm not sure
they're receiving us. I'm attempting to re-calibrate and I
should be ready to try again in a couple of minutes."

"Good. Meanwhile, lets see if we can stay out of the line of
fire." To her science officer she pointed and said, "Give me
a detailed scan of those two warships. They're preparing for
some type of action and I want to make sure it's not us they're
concerned with."

"We have been scanned, however they seem to be concentrating
on that big space station-sized ship vectoring on them."

She was astonished when her science officer told her that the
occupants of those derelict ships were definitely human. Not
only was the technology strangely different than Federation
standard, but also why would a human fleet be skirting the
edge of Romulan space? "Are you sure they're human?" She
asked again.

"Absolutely no doubt."

Her first officer, Commander Esdo, a Naseah, Stood up from his
chair and moved closer to the view screen as though to get a
better look. Ikata was amazed that his species weren't related
to Klingons. He had no head ridges but his pure white hair and
long moustache gave the appearance of some wild, savage warrior.
But he was one of the controlled individuals Ikata had ever met,
like a wild-type samurai of the old times.

"Maybe, they're some colony that the Federation lost track of,"
he said, questioningly.

"Maybe," Roberta stated. "But the technology is so unusual that
it's like they went off into another direction entirely. From an
engineering point, I mean. Their ships are ion-powered. Very
efficient. We could learn a few things from them."

"Sir, the other ship just warped into normal space. Its shields
are up. I can't tell what type of lifeforms are onboard."

"Captain." The science officer said sharply, "that incoming ship has considerably more firepower than those two fleet battleships.
It's going to be a one sided affair."

"Sir, everybody's powering up and the double saucer ship just
released its own fighters into the area."

Roberta placed her hands on her hips. "Let's see if we can nip
this in the bud. Patterson, contact the Khe Sahn and keep the
channel open. Let the know that if we lose contact for more
than two minutes, I want 'em to come running ASAP loaded for bear."

"T'Proa, lay in a course parallel to the fighting...warp two...
and be ready to pull us out if necessary. Don't wait for my
order. And Patterson, keep trying."

"Yes, Sir."

"Yes, captain," the Vulcan woman said.

"Red alert. T'Proa, go."

"Engaged."

"Sir," Patterson said. "Khe Sahn acknowledges and states that
all we need do is say 'eeek' and they'll be there before the echo
dies."

"Good."

The Federation starship flew towards the massive conflict some
fifteen minutes away.

Next: The Pegasus and the Okada