Act Four: "Peace of Mind"

It has been three days since the message transmitted and calamity reigns in the galaxy. In that time, so many changes have taken place.

At first, no one seemed to respond to the message broadcasted from Deep Space Nine. Then, like a trickle of water, ships began to flock to Deep Space Nine from all four powers. And then - colonies began to break from their corrupt empires. And the ships that broke free PROTECTED the liberated colonies.

Admiral Janeway breathed in deeply. There were rumors of battles taking place, but none so much larger then a few ships firing on one another. She realized now that a much larger battle was on the horizon. She feared what it would be . . .

Kathryn turned around and towards her desk. She was staying in the Habitat Ring at Deep Space Nine so she would remain out of Picard's hair . . . or whatever.

She pressed a key on her computer, revealing the vital information that would help them with Phase Two of the liberation of the Galaxy.

This phase was a little trickier than the first phase. This one would involve going to the Kelvan Homeworld and attempt to halt the invasion by finding peaceful means to do so. She was already in contact with Neelix and his compatriots. A Borg resistance ship would be bringing him so he could represent the Delta Quadrant.

Getting there was only half the problem. There was only one ship capable of handling the installation of a Kelvan Subspace Drive and that was HER ship. Voyager.

Much of her former crew was flocking to Deep Space Nine to help her. On top of all this, the commanding officer of the research center that was studying Voyager was on his way with the ship himself. Since her return, Voyager had been studied a lot for it's incredible adaptation to Borg, Hirogen, and future technologies.

Because of this, it was the only ship that could possibly handle the Kelvan's powerful propulsion system.

It would be at Deep Space Nine in a few hours. Janeway had to admit – it would be good to see the old girl again.

***

Spock sat next to T'Pol in the Ward Room as the two poured over the Peace Accords they were proposing for the Kelvans.

"This will hopefully enable us to reach a peaceful end to this situation," said T'Pol.

Spock nodded. "Indeed. I must say, Ambassador, it is an honor working with someone of your stature. Without you, we would most likely not even be here."

T'Pol sighed. "My many years of experience have brought me much success. It was difficult in those early years. There was much bitterness between the humans and the Vulcans."

"If you do not mind me asking, what was it like, Ambassador? In those early days of Starfleet?"

"Intriguing. The nature of humans urge to discover was quite difficult for me, Ambassador. But I grew to understand and accept it. I believe it was a learning experience for all Vulcans. It helped us understand the universe and the very life of the cosmos."

"Fascinating," Spock replied, raising an eyebrow. "I suppose I never quite looked at that way."

The aged Vulcan nodded at him. "You yourself have helped that understanding Ambassador. Your work with the Romulans has done much good."

"Thank you. I only hope for what you do – peace."

"Peace," T'Pol mused. "Peace is more of a state of mind then a state of affair. But if we can bring that state of mind to those that make the state of affairs – then pace can be the state of all things."

Spock nodded quietly and pondered what the elder had told him.

***

Captain Picard tensed as he saw the swirl of energy before him. He and everyone else had been expecting it, of course. But still – it was hard not to grow weary when you see a Borg Ship heading your way.

Picard stood in Ops on Deep Space Nine. By his side was Kira and Janeway.

"Admiral, we're being hailed," said Nog.

"On screen."

The monitor clicked on, revealing Hugh. "Greetings. We have Ambassador Neelix. Prepare for transport."

A fizzle of green energy marked the arrival of the famed Talaxian. "Admiral!" he shouted, his arms raised.

"Neelix!" Janeway returned, finding herself in a brief hug with him.

Picard ignored them both and concentrated on the screen.

"We must return to the Delta Quadrant," said Hugh. "Good luck."

The screen clicked off and the Borg ship went back into Transwarp.

Picard sighed a breath of relief, then turned to Kira, then to Ross who was coming down the stairs.

"Everything is set," he said to Kira. "You leave in one hour."

"Alright," said the Colonel. "We'll be back as soon as we can."

***

Colonel Kira Neryes walked through the docking port towards the Defiant. The ship would be heading into the Gamma Quadrant in the hopes of assessing the status of the Dominion and perhaps getting their help in defeating the enemy.

Things were so different now. Oh, how she longed for the days where she could hide in the arms of Odo. Or when she could have rested her nerves in the confidence of Captain Sisko.

Now things would no longer be like that. Nothing could ever change that. NOTHING.

Then, suddenly, as she stepped onto the bridge, she had a feeling of familiarity. O'Brien was at Engineering. Dr. Bashier was at Life Sciences. Worf at Tactical. Dax at Communications. Nog at Navigation.

She smiled to herself for the briefest of moments before having a seat.

"It's good to have you back, Chief," she told O'Brien.

"Thanks!" he said with a smile

"The same with you, Ambassador."

"It feels . . . good to be here," Worf replied.

Kira leaned back in her seat. "Nog. Take us out and lay in a course for the wormhole. Full impulse."

"Aye sir. Full impulse."

Dax looked towards the swirling portal. She couldn't help but remember something an old friend had told her. A line from an old Klingon Opera.

'Into the mouth of mystery . . .'