Star Trek: Anachronisms, Chapter Six

STAR TREK: ANACRONISMS

By T'Layna MacMathain,

Tigris Euphrates,

and CMage

This is a crossover story is based on the Star Trek universe created by Gene Roddenberry and the Gargoyles universe created by Greg Wiseman and Michael Reeves. All vessels and characters that have appeared in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Voyager and related movies are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures. Gargoyles and related characters are registered trademarks of Buena Vista Pictures and Walt Disney Studios. The stories and characters not described above are original creations of T'Layna MacMathain, Tigris Euphrates, CMage, and Poison Thorns Productions. Copyright (c) 2000 All rights reserved.

Chapter Six

Legacies

Admiral Falcone woke up in an anesthetic fog. It wasn't long before he began to feel the extent of the injuries he sustained on The Rock. He then focused on the nurse that was bringing him his meal. He soon noticed the unfamiliar sick bay he was in.

"I see you are finally awake," Nurse Petersen said with a smile.

"Oww!" The Admiral grunted as he tried to sit upright. "Where am I?"

"Take it easy, sir. Those ribs will be sore for a week." the nurse reprimanded, "As for your location, you are on Rockingham's Planet. If I were you, I would avoid further tangles with the gorilla that mauled you."

"Advice noted," he dryly remarked. Admiral Falcone looked across the sick bay and saw six other people with various injuries he recognized as his escort team for the Gargoyles. He also saw a young cadet in there as well. He was sporting several injuries and three scratches on his cheek. Those scratches look like Gargoyle claw marks. Had this kid tangled with Jana and Company? The young cadet was beginning to regain consciousness. He immediately noticed the Admiral.

"Cadet, what is your name? What are you in here for, kid?" the Admiral asked.

"Canmore sir, Jack Canmore." Canmore stuttered, "I got into a fight, sir." Why lie to an Admiral about the obvious? Any idiot can he that he gotten the living Hell beaten out of him.

"What happened?

"I was trying to help my girlfriend talk to her family when this monster attacked her father for no reason. It then attacked me when I came to Mr. Maza's rescue."

"Maza? Charlie Maza?" the Admiral asked, his curiosity deepening.

"You know him?"

"Yes. I know his daughter Aria.

"Aria is my girlfriend...or was," the anger building in Jack's voice, "First, she is turned into a monster, then the Borg tried to assimilate her and now I hear her baby is really a monster egg! We were only trying to help her get returned to normal, but these two things named Adam and Jana had brainwashed her into thinking she cannot be returned to normal. Next thing I know, I got here somehow with a dislocated shoulder, two cracked ribs and one hell of a knot on my head, sir!"

"Jana Deenax," the admiral snorted. "She's the reason I wound up in here. I was only trying to help their species, and they turned on me. I tried to have her and her Gargoyle friends moved to a safe place until they could survive on their own. Instead, they attacked the escort and injured them, and then she turned on me. She left me with five broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken jaw and a skull fracture."

"Yikes! Those monsters!" Canmore hissed.

At that moment, a dark-skinned man with close-cropped hair and mustache walked into the sickbay dressed in a civilian suit made of black shimmering material. Admiral Ross of Starfleet and Xerset Lexor, the diplomatic attaché of the Trill Federation flanked him. There were also two Trill security officers.

"Pardon me, which one of you is Admiral Morris Falcone?" he asked.

"I am," the admiral replied warily.

"My name is Muhammad Al-Fayeed, and I am the Undersecretary of Interworld Relations of the United Federation of Planets. It is my sad duty to advise you that you are to be relieved of command and placed under arrest. You are then to be extradition to Trill to face charges for the attempted murder of a Trill citizen and for the unlawful detention of a Trill citizen in accordance to the terms of the Trill-Federation Treaty of 27906." Admiral Falcone's jaw dropped in disbelief.

, , ,

Quark was unhappy. Business was slow. What's with these hew-mans? They win a massive war against the Dominion and the business climate has never been better! Now the whole Federation is taking sides on the Deenax issue. At least four planets have seceded and now his investments in these other worlds would be at risk. There's even talk about Kira mining the wormhole again! That alone will cost me 20% of my income! About ten seconds later, Ezri Dax walked in.

"Give me a double Scotch...no synthahol, either!" she snapped.

"Okay, Lieutenant." Quark replied. "What's gotten you so upset?

"Starfleet, the Deenax situation, the increasing hostility and rhetoric. Hell, we just finished a war!"

"You are so right. The Dominion War alone cost me enough latinum to buy this station." Quark droned on, "Do you know what really galls me? Grand Nagus Rom's new "compassionate capitalism." Equal rights for women, free schooling for all, insurance benefits, worker's rights and the list are growing. Only last week Liquidator Brunt said that the sacred text of the Ferengi, The Rules of Acquisition was being rewritten in Grand Nagus Rom's revisionist spirit of the new compassionate capitalism. Whatever happened to survival of the fittest? Now my brother is severing ties with the Federation and siding with only one side? Since when did a Ferengi ever let ethics stand in the way of profit? A real Ferengi would be working both sides! Whatever happened to the profit motive? I tell you Counselor, it is enough to make you cry."

About that moment, Colonel Kira walked into the bar. Quark looked at her disgustedly. It could be worse. He hadn't forgotten when DS-9 was crawling with Dominion forces. At least Kira isn't quite as sneaky as Captain Sisko was. Still, Quark had to admit to himself that he missed Benjamin Sisko. Sisko was the one hew-man that Quark actually respected. Despite the fact Sisko was born without a four-lobed brain and possessed a disturbing code of ethics, he had the cunning instincts of any Ferengi and more lobes than most. Quark and Sisko had been involved in a kind of a political chess game since Sisko first took command of DS-9. He also played a mean game of Tongo. Of all the hew-mans Quark ever came in contact with, he was the most Ferengi of them all.

"Quark, give me a shot of kanar." Quark looked back at the Bajoran colonel with amazement.

"Whatever you say, Colonel." Quark replied with a smile that was a little too fake. He then reached under the counter and poured the colonel a shot.

"Since when did you drink Cardassian liquor, Colonel?" Ezri inquired.

"Today! I am so outraged. Your darling Federation is sending a fleet this way...right through Bajoran space without proper clearance! This is still Bajoran space! Something is going on."

"A fleet?" Ezri inquired, "Why is Starfleet sending a fleet here?"

"Actually, he said they were headed to Rockingham's Planet to deal with an Orion problem." Quark volunteered, "They have had some Orion pirate activity there. According to him, it is not a fleet, just three runabouts." Quark shifted nervously. Kira sensed it immediately.

"What is going on Quark?" she hissed, " So help me, if you are hiding something, I will send you to the Romulans as a target drone!"

"Take it easy Colonel." Quark smoothly reassured her, "Just some scuttlebutt I heard last night from a Pakled freighter captain. He says that the Civil War problem is almost over."

"Almost over? Its only beginning, Quark." Ezri replied.

"According to the Pakled, two of the runabouts were to deal with an Orion pirate base on The Rock. The third one was on a peace mission to meet Lieutenant Deenax and see if the civil war could be averted."

"In three runabouts? " Dax asked with suspicion.

"Three runabouts for a couple of Orions is overkill. I smell a Cardassian dung slug." Colonel Kira thought aloud.

"Yes, and I smell a rat." Ezri replied. "I heard that Trill issued an arrest warrant for an Admiral Morris Falcone for trying to kill Deenax, but he escaped custody and is missing."

"The Defiant-A is still here, Ezri. Meet me at the docking ring, section gamma at 1800 hours. Bring Dr. Bashir with you."

"What have you got in mind, Colonel?"

"I'll explain later."

, , ,

Lieutenant Nog was on bridge watch. Ever since the end of the Dominion War, the USS Defiant-A lay docked at DS-9's docking ring in a near-mothballed state. At the end of the war, Starfleet Command felt there was no need to keep the Defiant on active status, so Starfleet Command placed the Defiant into training reserve status. The Dominion was no longer a threat. Neither were the Cardassians. The Dominion saw to that at the end of the war. Unlike during the war, the Defiant's systems were mostly offline and her crew reassigned to other posts. Despite the nearly deactivated state of the Defiant, regulations required a small crew for maintenance and security. Most of the crew was gray suits fresh out of the Academy. As a training reserve ship, cadet crews were often trained on reserve ships like the Defiant. The command crews were different, too. Normally, Lieutenant Nog would not be in command of such a vessel. Normally, he would have to be a Commander or better.

It had been an uneventful night thus far. His mind often drifted back to the war. He never forgot the night his leg had been shot off by the Jem'Hadar on a desolate communications array. His whole outlook on life changed that night. He no longer lived for the sake of acquisition and commerce, as did most Ferengi. He was also a respected Ferengi hero, and his family connections were in no way a part of it. He also had a great admiration for his father, the Grand Nagus and his Uncle Quark.

He also remembered that last, do-or-die confrontation near Cardassia Prime. Twelve years earlier, Captain Sisko locked him up and threatened to send him to a penal colony for twenty years. He would have never imagined he would turn out to become a Starfleet officer in command of the mighty Defiant-A. Granted it is a deactivated ship on training reserve, it was still Nog's ship. My first command and I m the first and only Ferengi to command a Federation warship! The beeping of the communications console interrupted his reverie.

"Incoming transmission, Lieutenant Nog." Replied a young Capellan woman in cadet grays.

"On screen!" Nog crisply ordered. Nog was surprised to see the face of his old friend Dr. Bashir.

"Defiant, this is a Priority One Medical Emergency! We need to transport some emergency medical supplies and vaccines to Rockingham's Planet. They've had an outbreak of Saurian encephalitis. We are the only medical facility with the vaccine close enough to do any good! The Defiant is the only ship with sufficient range and speed. I need to depart here in an hour."

"I haven't received any orders from Starfleet. What about Colonel Kira and the Bajorans? She's threatened to impound us over the mess with the secession." Colonel Kira stepped into view.

"Starfleet, Bajorans do not take their displeasure or disputes with your government out on the sick." the Colonel declared, "You are free to depart under the following conditions. There will be two independent observers posted aboard your ship. This is non-negotiable." Nog's mouth started to open.

"Colonel Kira is coming with us along with Counselor Dax." Dr. Bashir sighed, "We have no choice. Time is of the essence, Lieutenant. We have to do it her way and do this now or a lot of sick people are going to die!"

"The Colonel insists on being aboard to make sure we are not violating Bajoran law. You know how she is about that sort of thing. Ezri demanded that she come along as an independent observer. Considering recent events, she insisted her government would insist on it. Face it, Nog, we're outnumbered."

"That's highly irregular, Doctor." Nog replied hesitatingly. "I have to touch base on this one."

"Lieutenant, we don't have the time to play subspace tag with Starfleet Command. People are dying!" He then noticed the personnel of the bridge, such as it was, looking at him for a decision. Well Nog, you're the Ferengi in the center seat and now you have a decision to make. Lieutenant Nog frowned. This can screw up my career if I do this, but if I don't, people die. Lieutenant Nog then wondered what Captain Sisko would have done. He smiled widely. Time to act like a captain!

"Doctor Bashir," Nog reassured, "We can be ready for departure in thirty minutes."

"Excellent, Lieutenant Nog. I knew we could count on you." Dr. Bashir's smiling face was then instantly replaced with the Federation seal. Lieutenant Nog faced his communications officer.

"Contact Ensign Mogus and get him back here!" He sat in the command chair and tapped the comm button.

"All hands, this is the Captain, Green Alert! Prepare for departure in thirty minutes. Captain out."

, , ,

Admiral Falcone was not a very happy man. First was the humiliation of being relieved of duty, then the added insult of being arrested like a common criminal by a couple of Trill security officers! He also remembered the shocked outrage on that young cadet in sickbay that Deenax injured. What was his name? Canmore, that was his name. He might be able to help me in this mess. He certainly has no love lost for Deenax. Perhaps he can be of use to Section 31.

Admiral Falcone looked around his cell. Bare metal walls, the front face of the cell a hard line of bars. 'Bars... how degrading...' he thought. Falcone sighed as he mused over the events his life, wondering how a man of his patriotism and his strong character could've ever fallen to such a low series of circumstances. First in his classes in the Academy, a command of his own shortly afterwards - decorations for valor beyond the call of duty. Then the fateful day when he witnessed the destruction of Cirres-12, where the Federation had discovered a secret world full of the entities he came to know as Gargoyles. He had ordered his crew to assist the destroyers, and thanks to his leadership talents, several ships that might have escaped were completely destroyed, leaving only four unaccounted for... and he caught up with the ships later, destroying them as they slept. Section 31 had approached him then, making him one of their own. Promotions came quickly after that, and his control over the press covered up many incidents caused by Section 31 that otherwise would've seen the light of day.

Then along came Aria Maza and Adam, and his routine shifted into warp.

He frowned. 'That should have been the end of it, but it got out of control far too rapidly. Then the incidents concerning Jana Deenax and her wretched Star Clan... those Gargoyles will destroy the Federation and everything they touch until they are brought under control.' He sighed. It was a moot point, now. The diplomats would be brought to bear, the truth would come out. 'And those weak-minded, spineless fools will ignore the threat until it is far too late... and I'll be the official scapegoat. Section 31 will disappear like mist in a high wind. Really can't blame them, after all... it's what I'd do.'

Admiral Falcone contacted a special commlink within Section 31 for such emergencies. He knew the wheels would be set in motion to extricate him from this embarrassing mess. One thing was certain; Jana Deenax was going to pay dearly for this! He stood up and looked around, noting the smooth ceiling. 'Not even a decent rail to hang myself with...' His thoughts trailed off as he heard a strange hissing sound coming from the rear of the cell. He thought for a moment to call the guard, and then decided not to. If it were some sort of gas leak or other mechanical failure, he wouldn't have to take care of his own life after all. He sat and waited.

Just as the Admiral was ready to lay back down, he saw a young blond male in cadet grays entering the detention unit. He smiled as he recognized the young man. He was pushing a small antigrav stacked with dinner trays for those unfortunates in the brig. The bored guard at the security console watched with disinterest as Jack Canmore made his deliveries to each of the security cells. Canmore came up to the guard at the security console and engaged in some small talk.

"How many Admirals do you get in a dump like this?" Canmore inquired as he jerked a thumb in the direction of Falcone.

"First time. Guess we'll have to designate his cell as the VIP suite," the guard replied with a chuckle. The guard suddenly felt the presence of cold steel against his neck followed by a hiss. The guard felt the effects of the drug almost immediately as his arms and legs seemed to be mired in some kind of viscous fluid. It felt much like trying to swim in jelly. Canmore shoved the guard away from the console as he made a desperate lunge toward the alarm button. The guard landed roughly on his side and he feebly attempted to slap his commbadge on line, but the narcotic was already sapping the last amount of consciousness. When the guard finally slumped over, Canmore relieved the guard of his phaser. Canmore went to the security console, laid the phaser on the console and tapped a few buttons. The force field of Falcone's cell died in a shower of sparkles and a soft hiss.

Jack smiled. "No time for re-acquainting now, Sir. We have to get you out of here before the guards are relieved."

"Why, son? You know you just trashed your Starfleet career?" the former admiral declared.

"I know, sir. However, I am not going to allow them to put you in a penal colony over that Deenax creature," Canmore acidly replied, as he tossed Falcone the phaser. "I was contacted by a man named Stuart Valdez." Falcone needed no further urging. Valdez was Falcone's liaison with Section 31.

'Maybe my career isn't in the disposal tanks after all.' Admiral Falcone ran through the opening and disappeared with the others. "What's going on, son?"

"Many of those who oppose us in Starfleet are being kept busy with other business. We are now in the middle of a coup by the members of Section 31, who are replacing those in power with sleeper agents, 'up-standing' officers who believe in our cause. The Federation President is currently keeping our opponents busy with spurious data and manipulation of the media."

Falcone breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally. Stronger minds prevail."

"Exactly. But to complete their plans, Section 31 wants us to find the Star Clan, Deenax and Maza and destroy those monsters once and for all! We can't have people misled by their words and manipulated by their magic."

Admiral Falcone smiled. "Sounds to me like you're on board with us, son. I'm surprised at the sincerity of your dedication. How long have you felt this way?"

"Ever since those creatures killed my fiancée. They took away the woman I loved more than life itself...and they'll pay for it. They'll pay for it ALL."

Falcone smiled as he heard Canmore's vow. 'Reminds me of myself when I was younger...'

Less than twenty four hours later, Canmore and Falcone were holed up in a safe house about five kilometers from Dengali City awaiting Section 31's rescue. Two days later, a long-range shuttle bound for a secret Section 31 outpost in the Crescent Nebula picked up Canmore and Falcone.

, , ,

The Defiant-A departed DS-9 without incident. As promised, Lieutenant Nog had indeed had his vessel ready for departure in only a half-hour. Not more than ten minutes after the Dr. Bashir had talked with him, his medical team had already appeared at the Docking Ring with the freshly replicated vaccines and other supplies in black and gray cargo modules. In just ten minutes, the cargo was beamed aboard and secured. Colonel Kira and Lieutenant Dax arrived five minutes before departure carrying only standard-issue small travel cases designed for overnight away missions such as conferences.

Lieutenant Nog was in the center seat when the Defiant-A arrived in the Rock's star system. He was discussing the logistics of the transfer of supplies and personnel with Colonel Kira. Dr. Bashir himself was down in Sickbay supervising the medical people under his command. Dax herself felt a deep sense of deja vu when she entered the bridge of the Defiant. Lieutenant Nog saw the look in Dax's eyes. He certainly understood as well. The Defiant had been a significant part of their lives during the war. He watched as she discussed the details of the deployment of Bashir's medics and nurses with his Bolian tactical officer named Ensign Dagalsh.

"Take us into orbit, Ensign," Nog ordered just as the bridge filled with the shrill tone of the proximity alarm.

"Captain, I am showing three Federation runabouts near Dengali City, and they are powering weapons!" the tactical officer reported.

"Go to yellow alert, Ensign Dagalsh."

"Captain, There's trouble down in sickbay!" the communications officer excitedly said. Nog punched a button on his command chair console.

"What's going on?" Nog demanded.

"We've had an accident here, Lieutenant," replied Dr. Bashir, the irritation very evident in his voice, "One of the sterisol canisters started leaking. I barely got my mask on in time. I can't say the same for your crew. The gas will not harm them per se, but they will be very sick for a day or so. I need to send a couple of nurses to the bridge to get these masks to your bridge crew. The gas may already be in the ventilation system." Nog was so involved with the unfolding drama in sickbay; he was completely unaware of Colonel Kira's presence.

"Sorry, Nog," Kira apologized as she pressed the nozzle of a hypospray to the young Ferengi's neck and injecting him with a sedative. "I have no time to explain." She heard the hiss of another hypospray and saw the Bolian tactical officer slumping to the floor, also injected by Lieutenant Dax. The Colonel took the command chair and Dax now occupied the tactical console. The communications officer stood by in absolute terror as she realized her commanding officer and his next in command had suddenly taken ill.

"Dr. Bashir, Nog has taken ill. I think the gas is in the ventilation system here!" the communications officer shouted. A minute later, two of Bashir's Bajoran "nurses" came to the bridge with filter masks. As the navigator and the communications officers were handed masks, the Bajoran nurses each pulled a hypospray and injected both. Seconds later, all four of the Defiant's command crew was unconscious. The "nurses" then assumed command of the communications and navigation consoles.

"Commander Hanor, come about 177 mark 11, red alert!" Colonel Kira ordered.

"Charging weapons and shields are on line, Colonel." Dax replied, the Defiant suddenly coming alive with the blaring note of the klaxons.

, , ,

Phaser fire echoed in the corridor as five sets of hands and feet hurried down the halls. Running on all fours, five Gargoyles were being chased down on the upper floor of Dengali City, plowing past the citizens and aliens with the Federation men in hot pursuit.

Jana beat her arm against the door of some poor fellow's apartment, breaking the door in. Finding no one home, she instructed the Scottish warriors to take the phasers and protect the door. "We've got a new problem! Luckily we saw them before dawn, but Aria won't be with us very much longer!"

"We can't leave her here!" Titan put in.

"Can't you keep her from turning to stone?" Selena suggested.

"Can ye stop the sun from rising?" Greystone observed.

Aria pulled out her tricorder. "I can set up a dampening field on a specific frequency to block out the theta band radiation, but there's two problems. One, it'll only last for about thirty minutes. Two, when I do, and sunrise comes, my implant will kick in and make me sleep."

"Can you shut it down?" Jana inquired.

Aria keyed the tricorder as fast as she could. "It's been locked out! The access code is complex - it'll take me at least ten minutes to crack it."

"We don't HAVE ten minutes!" Jana retorted.

"I know! Adam would never be stupid enough to lock me out of the device, which only means..."

"Falcone." Greystone snarled in frustration, concluding her statement.

Jana began to reprogram her phaser, and pointed it at Aria.

"LASS!" Greystone exclaimed in alarm. "WHAT ARE YE DOIN'?"

"Trust me. Grit your teeth, Aria." Jana instructed.

The Scottish warriors watched with horror as Jana opened fire on Aria!

"AAAAAAAAAUGH!" Aria screamed in pain.

Jana softly rubbed Aria's arm where she had shot Aria, tore a strip of cloth from her shorts, and tied it around Aria's arm. Away came the small device, about the size of a walnut. "The cut is already cauterized, so it should heal perfectly the next time you regenerate. Set up the dampening field - you don't have much time."

Aria growled a little from the pain, her eyes glowing a little, and she rubbed at her arm a little. However, Aria reprogrammed her tricorder anyway and left it running after she closed it.

Phaser fire erupted in the hallway again. "We're pinned down!" Greystone exclaimed.

Aria turned, grabbed Jana's phaser, changed the setting and blasted a hole in the poor fellow's outside windows. A steady morning breeze filled the room. "Let's see if they can fly."

"Just a second." Jana said, running her own tricorder for a moment, holding it by the device she had extracted from Aria's body. "I want to leave them a surprise."

One by one, the Gargoyles leapt out of the window, flared their wings and flew away from the center of Dengali City.

"TURN AROUND AND COME QUIETLY, OR WE WILL OPEN FIRE!" came the PA from three runabouts, tailing them fast through the air.

"DIVE!" Aria shouted to the others, and they all plunged towards the ground with their wings tightly held against their bodies at a high rate of speed. The ships followed them, accelerating and firing phaser blasts.

Aria in the lead now, and the others not far behind her, she wove her way in and out of the spires and buildings near the ground. They were slower but far more maneuverable than the runabouts, as the ships had to slow down to make the corners. Feeling them near a particularly strong warm thermal updraft, Aria headed straight for a large tower. Using a sharp angle of attack, she swooped straight up the side of the building, the others followed suit.

The runabouts paused in the air to avoid hitting the tower, waited a moment, and then began to circle around and rise up after them. Aria and the others then leveled off, taking advantage of the time they had gained to put some distance between them. However, the phaser fire began again and they were now outside the city and there was little defense. Greystone fired his phaser back at the shuttle, but the small hand weapon hardly made a dent in its shields, and made him the next target. Greystone was nearly hit, and began to plummet, Jana and Selena catching him neatly, but very slow now as they carried him.

"Now what?" Aria asked Jana.

Another phaser blast filled the air, a heavy repeater - very powerful, firing many quick bursts right past the Gargoyles, and impacting one of the runabouts. The other Gargoyles looked to see the enormous shape of a starship descending in the atmosphere above them.

"DAX!" Jana exclaimed.

The ship, a medium sized warship with heavy weapons, dived beneath the Gargoyles, and came up underneath the runabouts, firing on them. The first runabout was heavily damaged and departed the scene trailing smoke from its port engine. The other two came after the unexpected attacker. As it flew by, Aria had a quick glance at its markings. The Gargoyles gathered around each other, escaping the scene to one side - the ship had a huge, hot wake in the atmosphere as it flew by.

The runabouts tried to take on the warship, but even in the atmosphere the warships was too much for the smaller ships, and were disabled one by one. Then, the ship flew upwards towards the upper atmosphere. The Gargoyles could feel the heat coming off the ship as the atmospheric friction collided with its shields as it went by, and Aria again read it's markings - "USS DEFIANT-A". Once it was out of the atmosphere, its shields were lowered and the Gargoyles each disappeared in the blue swirl of the transporter beam.

, , ,

The Gargoyles just left the infirmary. Aria was resting peacefully and recovering from the recent battle and was currently in stone sleep. Titan insisted that someone stand watch over Aria while she was asleep, and he insisted on first watch. Nobody was willing to challenge that idea, much less try to talk Titan out of it. She would have busy day very soon. Whatever magic Selena and Dr. Bashir will perform will go a long way into helping the Gargoyles survive. Selena decided to lour DS-9 and headed toward the Promenade. Jana was quite tired from the recent battle on The Rock. She just needed to think through the sudden turn of events in her life and went wandering the station alone, her wings folded about her as a cloak.

She had thought about going to browse the shops in the Promenade, but decided she needed to just take a long walk through some of the lesser traveled part of the station. Although there was temporary refuge here on DS-9, she didn't want to stay here. She wasn't sure what she wanted, but all she knew was that she and the other Gargoyles were in great danger. Jana was torn about her loyalties. On one hand, she loved the Federation and its founding principles, and believed in the Articles of Federation and its protection for all sentients. Yet this same Federation was trying to enslave her and the other Gargoyles. The thing that really gnawed at her was the fact that she also was human once, and didn't hate her people. Instead, she still felt very protective of humans, yet she was also a Gargoyle, and Gargoyles always protect their own.

She spotted a small juice bar and coffee shop run by a young Bajoran woman. Feeling hunger pangs and thirsty, she decided to go in.

"Can I help you Commander?" the barista inquired.

"Yeah...sure." Jana replied. "Raktajino and a hasperat, please, and none of that mild stuff, either. I want it traditional and hot like they do it in Narbin Valley." At least I can get real Bajoran hasperat here.

"Just have a seat, Commander. uh?", the Bajoran inquired.

"Deenax, Jana Deenax."

"I will have you a fresh hasperat ready in about ten minutes. I apologize for the delay, but I cook them the traditional way. I don't believe in replicators." Jana smiled and nodded in agreement at the woman's remark then sat herself in a secluded corner. A few minutes later a young Bajoran male delivered her order. She handed him two slips of latinum and told him to keep the change.

Jana took a sip of her raktajino and bit off the corner of the hasperat. Mmmm. This is good stuff. This sure as Hell tastes better than usual replicated crap. A few seconds lather, her eyes began to water. Jana then exhaled sharply and took a sip of raktajino. Jalapenya! This stuff's hot enough to burn holes in duranium, but that's way I like it. As she continued eating, her mind drifted into the recent turmoil of her life. Jana felt so trapped and confused. It was though she was not allowed any choices in this whole thing. Do I really have a choice in this? Jana also felt herself changing mentally as well as physically.

Although Jana had a quick temper and would throw an occasional punch, she was not one would describe as the warrior type when she was human. Now she was responsible for putting at least twenty people in the hospital. She will probably wind up killing someone soon, assuming she hasn't killed anyone already. She hadn't noticed Greystone approaching. The grizzled old warrior knew something was bothering her.

"Lassie, ye look like ye had a castle dropped on ye."

"Aye! That and a couple of planets," Jana lamented as she motioned Greystone into the empty chair across from her. "I am going through so much. So much has changed for me. I'm not even sure I am myself anymore. How much of me is Jana, the Deenax symbiont or Gargoyle?

"Honestly Greystone, I could use some fatherly advice about now. Just a few days ago, I was a bored computer specialist working in a nowhere post wishing for a little more excitement. Who was it that said be careful what you ask for? First I join with a Trill who was injured to save his life, and then I get mutated into a Gargoyle. Now I am on the verge of causing a civil war. Admittedly, I had a violent past, but I oppose violence, and yet when confronted, I attacked with little thought. It was though my whole instincts have changed. It bothers me." Greystone took her hand.

"Lass, ye truly have become a Gargoyle, for the Gargoyle Heart beats within ye." he beamed with a father's pride.

"The Gargoyle Heart?" Jana replied with puzzlement evident on her face.

"A Gargoyle lives to protect," Greystone explained with the patience of an old master teacher, "It is as much a part of a Gargoyle's being as blood, bone, wing and claw."

"That seems to be an awfully violent way to live." Jana commented.

"Sometimes it is, lassie." Greystone sighed, "But always remember that the Gargoyle Heart never forgets those whom they have been forced to hurt to defend their protectorate. A Gargoyle that deliberately hurts for no cause is corrupt and evil."

"Have there ever been such Gargoyles?" Jana asked as she unfolded her wings.

"Aye, there has. I remember a dark and corrupt Gargoyle named Demona. She spent most of her days despising humans claiming humans were a threat to Gargoyles. Sadly, she has killed more of our kind than any human I can remember has. True Gargoyles are not violent by choice lass, but only by our protective instinct. Above all lass, a Gargoyle will defend its clan to its dying breath."

"I think I am beginning to understand now." Jana replied, thoughtfully, "Back on the Rock, I had known Titan and the others only a short time, and Aria even less. Yet I pounced on Admiral Falcone to defend a Gargoyle I had just met only minutes before not out of principle or beliefs in sentient rights, which is core to my beliefs and way of life. but by familial protectiveness. I felt compelled to defend her even though she was a total stranger. I would not have done so in the past except to defend one of my blood relatives."

"Aye! Forming clans is also instinctive to Gargoyles, lass. Every Gargoyle I ever knew would defend other Gargoyles against threats even though they were of different clans. Be forewarned though that these instincts must be tempered with calm, reasoned thought. It is easy for a Gargoyle to become enraged, and though dangerous, an enraged Gargoyle can also be vulnerable and susceptible to errant action. Never lose your patience and always think things through. Never react blindly or follow your rage, for it is the way to yer demise." Jana nodded in solemn agreement. She was certainly willing to fight every human and non-human alike to protect the fledgling Star Clan.

Just as Jana was finishing her hasperat, the last morsel of it tried to go down her throat sideways. A man dressed in a civilian freighter uniform walked into the coffee shop. He was 180cm tall with dirty blond hair and a paunch that plagues some ship captains. She also noticed the man bore the rank of Captain. Now here's where things get interesting. Greystone noticed her expression.

"Do ye have a problem lass?'

"Problem maybe, but no threat. I know the man quite well. He is my brother Scott."

Scott Matheson gave a quick glance over to the two Gargoyles, but paid them little mind. Like most spacefarers, he had long since become accustomed to all kinds of alien species. To him, the Gargoyles were probably some newly discovered alien race that just came through the wormhole. He then ordered some coffee and engaged in some chitchat with the barista. Jana began to wonder if Scott would even recognize her.

While Scott was talking to the barista he glanced over at the two Gargoyles. He shuddered as Greystone shot him a wary glance. Damn! I'd hate to meet that joker in a dark alley. He then studied the female and smiled. The girl's another story...she's hot! She may not be human, but she looks human enough in all the right places. The wings are kinda sexy too. Jana smiled at her daydreaming brother. She had seen that look all too many times when he spotted an attractive woman. Jana decided to have a little fun. Jana went over to her brother's table and smiled at him.

"I noticed you looking at me. Do you find me attractive?" she inquired with a seductively sultry voice. Scott's coffee almost went down the wrong way. He looked up the see the red-haired beauty only a meter away from him. Scott's eyes greedily took in the visage of the winged diva standing there, wings folded about her as a cape. His hungry eyes also dined on a shapely leg coyly peeking out from between the folded wings. Scott's eyes lazily followed her tail weaving a seductive rhythm and pattern.

"Wow! You can say that again! You're gorgeous! It's kinda funny you know? You bear a remarkable resemblance to my sister Jana, but you are a lot prettier. My name is Scott, by the way. What is your name?"

"What a remarkable coincidence, my name is Jana."

Scott's coffee again tried to go down the wrong pipe, this time succeeding and choking him. Scott then glared at the Gargoyle. He then noticed that aside from the skin color and the wicked-looking ridge over her eyes, the face definitely looked like Jana's. She certainly had his sister's fiery red hair. He also noticed the Trill spots. He had been away for too long. His eyes bulged and jaw opened.

"What in the Hell? Oh my God! Is that really you Jana?" Scott sputtered.

"I never thought I would live to see the day you would finally admit your sister was a hottie." Jana sweetly remarked, "As you can see, I have changed a wee bit. It's a long story."

"I'll bet. I assume those spots mean you're a joined Trill now?"

"Yes, that and a Gargoyle. That's what we call ourselves. My friend over here is Greystone. There are three others here as well. There is something I need to tell you about."

"Jana, do you know what this is going to do to Mom and Dad? They'll die when they find out. Is there any way to change back to at least something resembling a human?"

"Hardly. Get used to this, Scott. There's no going back for me," Jana retorted, "This change is a result of an unfortunate accident." Her gaze turned serious. "You are a spacefarer yourself, Scott, we both know that weird things sometimes do happen out here in deep space. It comes with the territory, especially if you are in Starfleet." Jana smiled, "Besides, I love the wings. They add a nice touch, don't you think?" Jana said as she unfolded her wings for effect.

"You can fly with them?"

"Sort of. Actually we don't fly, but glide. Beats the crap out of walking," she replied sweetly.

"This is too freaky for words." Scott muttered as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Scott, there's a lot more," Jana looked in her brother's eyes as she grasped his hand gently, "How long you've been away?"

"Four years mainly in the Beta Quadrant transporting stuff around the Klingon Empire," Scott replied as he felt the claws on her sister's hand or is it paw? "Just got booted out of there. Some kind of political shit's going on between them and the Federation again. They kicked out just about all Federation citizens. I don't speak much Klingon, but when I heard the words 'Rura Penthe', I took the hint. The Alien's Graveyard is not my idea of a retirement home. Some kind of shit involving some Maquis terrorist named Deenax."

"Terrorist?" Jana replied, her eyes taking on an ominous red glow. Scott also noticed the glowing eyes of Greystone. A low growling was heard from Greystone. Jana waved him off.

"What's with the light show? I mean, that is scary. Did I say something wrong?" Scott stammered as he wished he could have brought his phaser.

"That 'light show' as you call it is the Gargoyle answer to a rattlesnake's rattling." Jana explained, "Scott, Deenax is not a terrorist, but a freedom fighter as are all Maquis! Be careful what you say, especially around Gargoyles." Scott looked with dismay at the snarling, fang-laden expression on Greystone's face. Jana continued, "Greystone, like all Gargoyles, is very protective of their clan. It's instinct for the most part, and that includes me, too. He considers Deenax to be a member of the clan, as much as I do you, Mother or the other family members to be mine. Greystone also considers me to be clan. In an odd sort of way, I see him as a father, no disrespect to Dad."

"Lad," Greystone interrupted, "Her human father can teach her what a human must know, but she is Gargoyle now, and he canna teach her what a Gargoyle must know. In a Gargoyle clan, all adults assume responsibility for all the hatchlings. Harm ye but one hatchling, and ye face the wrath of the entire clan. Your sister was in need when we awoke. We helped her, and she in turn has defended us against an Admiral who killed one of our kin."

"You know about this Deenax person?" he asked with surprise. He then noticed the Starfleet halter-top. The insignia on her collar and commbadge were gone. He then noted she had a Bajoran commbadge on and an unusual insignia on her collar where normal Starfleet rank would be. It was a banded gold-colored oval with three angled bands on it. Two silver and one black. "Wait a minute! That's rank insignia, but not Starfleet and none of the merchant fleets I know of either. What's with the Bajoran commpin? Are you out of Starfleet?" His eyes bulged out and his jaw opened as he suddenly realized what was going on. "You're in the Maquis, aren't you? Girl, you are asking for about a twenty-year tour in New Zealand if Starfleet catches you. I'm honestly surprised you are not already in the brig here."

"Haven't you heard? DS-9 is Bajoran territory, and Colonel Kira is solidly on the side of the Maquis. Scott, things are getting wild here. Bajor has threatened to secede from the Federation. She has helped many a Maquis escape the Cardassians. Starfleet's walking on eggshells in this part of space. The Kai of Bajor has cut off access for the Federation to the wormhole. The economic effects are already wreaking havoc within the Federation. As for the Maquis and I? Yep. I'm a Lieutenant Commander in the Maquis."

"Oh God. Sis, you've gone insane!" Scott exclaimed. He then tried a different tack. "This, uh, mutation must be affecting your mind. That's certainly understandable in light of what happened to you. Look, you know Mom and Dad can get this fixed. They got enough latinum to buy this dump and three more like it. Maybe if they can make you human again you can resume your career in Starfleet after some counseling. I'm sure Mom and Dad would be happy to....."

"Scott, I already spent two years at Karpov. As for me becoming Trill, I did it to save the symbiont's life. I was the only medically suitable host available, Scott. What could I do? I admit I was scared and shocked when I was asked to join with Deenax, but I don't have it in me to deliberately let someone die when I have the ability to save that life, especially with no danger to my own. I sure as Hell can't back out of that kind of commitment now.

"This joining has actually been very beneficial for both myself and the symbiont within me. When I was joined, the symbiont made a better officer and me calmer. I thought that was a great trade. He's almost like having a built-in counselor. He lives on and I live better. It's a simple matter of survival. I am proud to be a joined Trill, and I feel good about my decision to join. I also happen to like being a Gargoyle."

"Aye!" Greystone agreed as he glared at the man, "Lad, yer sister's a fine lass. A brave and worthy warrior with honor and just beliefs. Thanks to yer sister, we were freed from a spell that imprisoned us for thirteen centuries. We owe her our lives and our freedom."

"Look, Sis, I am not wigging over the Trill bit. To be honest, I have often wondered what it would be like to join with a symbiont. The Gargoyle thing may take some getting used to." His expression turned hard. "As for the Maquis, they are traitors and violent criminals, and from what I heard, this Deenax guy is about the worst of the lot. They are even talking reinstatement of the death penalty for Maquis terrorists. The Cardassians certainly do. Sis, why are you hanging with these people?"

"I believe in freedom for all sentients, Scott! This includes Gargoyles." At that moment, Ezri Dax entered the coffee shop and spotted the two Gargoyles. Jana also spotted her and motioned her to join them.

"Ezri, this is my brother Scott Matheson, and I believe you already know Greystone. Scott, this is Ezri Dax, she is the counselor for this station."

"A counselor, eh? Cool. Maybe you can help get my sister straightened out. She's gotten involved with the Maquis. Do you think her, um, condition might have anything to do with her wanting to get involved with the Maquis?"

"Mr. Matheson, I am a counselor, not a medical doctor. From what I see so far, your sister seems to be perfectly lucid, stable and sane. Admittedly, the issue of the physiological effect of the changes on your sister would be better discussed with Dr. Bashir." Ezri replied. "From what little I have heard, your problem with your sister seems to be rooted a difference of opinion regarding political matters, not any medical or psychological problem in the clinical sense. When it comes to politics, please remember I am just a counselor. I don't counsel on political matters."

"Point taken, Counselor Dax," Scott politely replied. He then turned to Jana. "Look Sis, I know it is pointless to argue politics with you. You're too damned much of a firebrand and always have been. Look, if you got to hang with those Maquis traitors just avoid terrorists like that Deenax creep. Guys like Deenax will get you killed." Scott looked nervously in Greystone's direction and noticed with dismay that his eyes were aglow along with an expression that displayed his four sharp fangs. A low growl began to fill the air.

"It's OK Greystone. Calm down." Jana calmly said as she turned to face Scott again and whispered, "Damn it, Scott! Be careful! My last CO pissed off Greystone and company. He wound up in the hospital along with five armed security goons. Just be thankful Titan and the others aren't here."

"Deenax is no traitor or a terrorist!" Ezri shot back, "I happen to think she is a very admirable person for her commitment to her cause. Her cause is just and several worlds are already backing Deenax up, including my own homeworld." Scott was taken aback by the fiery reply of Counselor Dax.

"Counselor, do you actually know this Deenax person?"

"I sure do, Mr. Matheson. She is sitting about one meter in front of you." Ezri replied with a knowing smile, "Permit me to introduce you to Lieutenant Commander Jana Deenax of the New Maquis and citizen of Trill." Scott's jaw dropped open in total shock and disbelief.

, , ,

Titan watched with trepidation as Dr. Bashir and Selena prepared the operating theatre to perform what was hoped would free Aria from her stone sleep. Dr. Bashir and Selena had spent the last two days rehearsing the ritual in one of Quark's holosuites. Titan was curious about the procedure and ritual, but he also felt an intense obligation to protect his new clan sister, just as a Gargoyle should, but he never quite got over the idea of her once being a human. The more Titan thought about it, the more he questioned his own trust of humans. Titan hadn't forgotten that horrible day in Scotland thirteen centuries ago when Prince Malcolm and his palace Mage turned on the Gargoyles that had protected the castle and those within for centuries.

That day began typically enough. On the night following the Battle of Falkirk, a clan elder, a female named Morgana had sent Greystone, Titan and Selena on patrol to find out what happened. They found a wounded forest-green Gargoyle with black wings on the battlefield near Falkirk with an arrow that pinned one of his wing struts to his ribs, and rendering the Gargoyle unable to fly. Lying next to injured Gargoyle was the unfortunate archer responsible for the arrow; very much dead by virtue of the broken neck he received from the Gargoyle. The three Gargoyles landed to help.

"Elder!" Selena cried.

"Leave me!" the elder commanded in a weary voice, "I am finished. What clan be ye?"

"We are of the Castle Rayburn," Greystone replied. The wounded Gargoyle forced himself up to a semi-sitting position, the arrow's movements causing excruciating pain. After a brief coughing spell, the wounded Gargoyle spoke each word more strenuous to utter than the last.

"I am Angus of Clan Martin," the elder gasped, "Your Prince Malcolm beds with Devil's own treachery, for he has sold himself to Longshanks to betray Scotland. England wants to use Castle Rayburn as a staging point to garrison its soldiers for Scotland's conquest. The Prince promised to rid his castle of our kind before Longshanks sends his soldiers and heavy horse." With those final words uttered, Angus suddenly stiffened, then turned to stone.

"Angus!" Selena screamed.

"He has left this world, lass. Back to the castle!" Greystone commanded. The three Gargoyles climbed a nearby tree and took to the air, praying that they would not be too late. When they arrived back at Castle Rayburn, it was already in flames. The stone rubble of shattered Gargoyles littering the castle grounds where they had been pushed off their parapets and cornices.

"No!" Greystone screamed. Titan simply roared, his mind swearing vengeance for this outrage.

"The rookery!" Selena wailed, "We must save our hatchlings and eggs!" The males needed no further urging. They crashed into the rookery only to find the Mage and the Prince smashing the stone forms of their clan with morningstars and mace. Silently they retreated, knowing well that the Mage was responsible, and they stood no chance of defeating his magic. Titan could still hear their insane laughter and the unmistakable sound of steel striking stone. When they arrived at the rookery, their hearts rose as they saw the eggs were still there, but there was something was wrong.

"The hatchlings!" Selena yelped, "Where are our hatchlings?"

"Probably dead, lass," Greystone lamented, "Quickly, the secret chamber! We need to hide the eggs! It's their only chance for survival." The three surviving Gargoyles managed to get all but two of the eggs hidden before the Mage and Prince appeared, the Mage with his book of spells open, reciting a spell in Latin. Selena and the others had turned to stone, his last vision of the Prince himself raising a morningstar to smash a defenseless egg. Even as he remembered, the eyes of the winged colossus began to take on an ominous glow, and yet shed a tear for those rookery brothers, sisters and the elders that died all those centuries ago.

Titan was also confused about humans for one other reason: the actions of Jana and Aria. Jana and Aria were not born Gargoyles, yet they behaved in Gargoyle fashion when the Admiral threatened Adam. He had not forgotten how Aria has crouched, ready to pounce. He also saw with slow-motion clarity Jana's pounce on Falcone with no thought of her own safety. She reacted as though she had been hatched and raised among his rookery brothers and sisters. Titan glanced once more at Aria's stone form. Soon, my new sister, you will no longer be vulnerable.

Jana also puzzled Titan. Though she had been a Gargoyle only a few days, she had proven herself to be a natural leader, and even Greystone acquiesced on occasion. If anything, Jana had become a clan leader in her own right. Titan knew Greystone had far more life experience than Jana, but this was Jana's world, not Scotland of the early fourteenth century. Still, he also remembered a time when human and Gargoyle did coexist peacefully. He silently prayed that one day those days would return. It must be strange to be in Jana's body, he thought. One body, three minds. He wasn't so sure he could accept that kind of life.

He also wondered if those eggs were still in the hidden cache in the rookery back on the planet Jana called the Rock. Are they still alive after all these centuries? Perhaps Selena could revive them. That can wait until later, Titan reflected, Aria is more important. He returned his gaze to watch over his new sister.

, , ,

"This is an outrage!" roared the President of the Federation Council to the assembled Ambassadors; "A Bajoran special operations unit hijacked a Federation vessel and used it to attack three Federation vessels! That attack put eleven people in the hospital, three of them seriously. Does Bajor want war with the Federation?" Ambassador Lavek simply smiled back.

"Mr. President, we became aware of a plot against the Gargoyles that were on Rockingham's Planet," Ambassador Lavek protested. "As you may recall, the Kai recently declared that any Gargoyle is welcome on Bajor, with full rights as a free people. Furthermore, the Kai himself has declared that all Gargoyles are entitled to refuge from oppression on Bajor. As for war, no, we do not wish for war, but we will fight to uphold our beliefs that all peoples are entitled to freedom. If you do not believe us, just check with the Cardassian Union about our ability to fight."

"Wait just a minute!" the President argued, "This is strictly an internal Federation matter and of no concern to Bajor. Rockingham's is not even Bajoran territory."

"I must disagree, Mr. President," Ambassador Lavek replied acidly. He reached into his pocket and produced a PADD. "If you check this treaty document, you will notice that Bajor claimed rights to develop Rockingham's Planet before the Occupation, and the Federation government of that era did not protest the claim. We still claim rights to Rockingham's as in the past, and therefore the Gargoyles are on Bajoran lands, and thus are entitled to the protection of the Bajoran civil law on this issue." The President's jaw dropped open in disbelief and snatched the PADD from Ambassador Lavek.

"This changes nothing!" The President declared flatly.

"The Kai and the Vedek Assembly strongly disagree, as do I, Mr. President," Ambassador Lavek replied sarcastically. "It is my sad duty to inform you that the Kai of Bajor has ordered full severance of all ties with the United Federation of Planets until such time as the Gargoyles are granted full civil rights as sentients. Furthermore, all Federation vessels are to withdraw from Bajoran space in a week. Any Federation vessels remaining will be impounded, and should they resist, they will be blown out of space."

"Bajor cannot stop our Starfleet, Mr. Ambassador!" The President threatened loudly.

"However, ours forces can, and will." Ambassador Worf replied with authority. "Chancellor Martok has promised military aid to any system who wishes to secede from the Federation. If you send any ships to Bajor, I can assure you that you will find a fleet of our best warriors at the ready."

"I must agree with my colleague from Qo'nos," Ambassador Bordex flatly replied, "One of the Gargoyles in question in the incident was a Trill, and by both Trill and Federation law, she is entitled to full civil liberties. We also protest the escape of Morris Falcone. Even you knew that we had a legally executed extradition order. Our own intelligence service just learned that a Federation Starfleet officer was involved in the breakout and escape of Falcone. Furthermore, I also have also been instructed to deliver the following message on behalf of my world. The Trill Federation hereby secedes from the United Federation of Planets. Get your ships and people out of our space. You have one week, after that, we shoot. We furthermore offer our protection to the freedom fighters known as the Maquis."

Within two weeks, Bajor, Trill, Betazed and Vulcan all seceded from the Federation in angry protest over the Deenax issue. With the Klingons willing to back them up with their fleets of warships, there was little the Federation could do. Even pro-Federation media was beginning to seriously question the leadership of the Federation's government.

, , ,

Aria was resting comfortably in sickbay. She awoke to the worried look in the eyes of Jana, her eyes looking dreary and exhausted from a long vigil of watching over Aria. She also noticed Jana was holding her right paw. Somehow, Aria felt the word hands didn't really reflect the truth.

"Ugh...Let me tell you how much I hate waking up from surgery" Aria joked with a weak voice. The procedure had been a success, as well as incredible experience for all involved. Dr. Bashir and Selena began the procedure and it lasted for more than two hours, punctuated by wild energy discharges and sounds that had a lot of people in the area of the infirmary deeply worried. Station security almost intervened, but orders from Colonel Kira made it clear that anyone who interfered would wind up with their head on a platter.

As Aria was recuperating, she had kept up on the news of the Federation civil war situation. So many people are going to die over just six individuals. She was in turmoil inside. If there was only a peaceful solution to this crisis. Although some reports said there had been some secession, the diplomats and the Federation Council were working feverishly to find a solution.

She also wondered about Jana as well. She knew that had it not been for Jana, she and her unborn child (or is it hatchling?) would not be here in safety. Though she loved Adam, there was also something about the red-haired Gargoyle from San Francisco that she found appealing. At that moment, Greystone walked in to check on her. Dr. Bashir, Titan and a very weary looking Selena also entered the room a few moments later.

"How are ye doin' lass?" Greystone inquired.

"It still hurts a bit, but otherwise I feel fine."

"Doc, do you have any idea why Aria and Adam turned to stone and we don't? Jana inquired.

"You are the reason, Commander Deenax," Dr. Bashir remarked with a smile, "I was doing some of my own research and discovered why your friends don't turn to stone. I did find something unusual in Jana's genetic make-up. It is an extremely rare sequence that somehow changes all of you from your original forms, but at a very subtle level. There is also the unusual energy matrix unique to Gargoyles. Although I don't have any medical records on the three of you, I do have Jana and Aria's records since they entered Starfleet. Until today, Aria was the only one without the unusual gene sequence. Jana was born with the unusual gene, and somehow passed it on to the other Gargoyles on the Rock. The Gargoyle known as Adam did not possess the gene." Jana stared at the doctor in disbelief.

"Our sister has a gift far beyond price." Selena reverently remarked. About that moment, Dr. Bashir's commbadge beeped and he tapped it online.

"Doctor, this is Colonel Kira, Commander Deenax has a priority communication from a Captain Narz." Jana grabbed the LCARS from Aria's bed and tapped it online and spoke her authorization code. The computer quickly decoded the transmission and displayed the message.

"Deenax here," she replied almost mechanically. She saw the scarred face and the rich ebony skin and smooth scalp of Captain Narz and a human aide she didn't recognize.

"We got problems. I have a shuttle, the Joker's Luck II, on the way to pick you and the rest Gargoyles up. It will be there in two days. You need to get out of there.

"What's going on?" Jana asked uneasily.

"The gagh's in the fan, Commander, that's what! Five planets have seceded from the Federation over the Gargoyles and Qo'nos is sending a war fleet to protect the breakaway worlds. The situation's getting uglier by the minute."

"What about the Maquis?"

"As far as the Maquis is concerned, the Gargoyles are our own. The Federation certainly considers you and Lt. Maza to be Maquis. They have issued warrants for your arrest. We also heard that Falcone and some punk named Canmore somehow got a hold of a Meridian-class ship and is now out hunting you. The Joker's Luck will be there, get on it and get the hell out of there."

As promised, the Joker's Luck II arrived at DS-9, the Bajoran Maquis officer immediately asking for a runabout to Bajor after delivering the vessel. Five hours later, the Joker's Luck II departed DS-9.

, , ,

"Everybody hold on! This ride's fixing to get rough." Jana exclaimed. The ship rocked to one aside with another blast. "Aria! I need you!"

Aria slipped into the other pilot's seat, as the other three Gargoyles strapped themselves in behind them, looking out the window. A voice sounded on the intercom.

"This is Admiral Falcone! I suggest you come peacefully, or Gargoyles will die forever - here and now!"

Aria punched a key on the console and spoke only three words in reply. "Gargoyles always survive." ...and closed the channel.

"New weapons systems only." Jana stated as she brought the ships defenses online.

"You fly, I'll take care of them." Aria stated flatly. Jana nodded.

"Meridian class medium frigate. It's the USS Nimbus." Jana reported as she flew evasive maneuvers to protect their shields. As the Nimbus closed on them, the Joker's Luck II began to return a spray of green fire. "Firing tetrion pulse array!" Aria reported, typing commands into the system as fast as she could.

Another blast, the ship began to spin wildly and out of control. "I've lost the automatic maneuvering sequencer! I can compensate...switching to evasive pattern beta four." Jana finally regained control of the ship, and came back around to face their attacker.

"They've taken a direct hit to their long range sensors and warp drive, and their shields are severely compromised!" Aria reported. "They damaged our pulse array though - switching to the phase compression emitter!"

"DAMN! Coming around!" Jana cursed.

The Nimbus opened fire once more, as did the Joker's Luck II - this time from their deflector array in a blue beam.

"Ineffective! Only minor shield damage aft! Firing again." Aria reported. This time she was met with more success. "Damaged their phaser array!"

The Nimbus retaliated with a single blast, which snaked out from its hull, lancing a hole in the fabric of space itself.

"What the...?" Jana exclaimed, "Damn! Isolytic torpedo!"

"Subspace tear!" Aria answered. "They're equipped with Isolytic subspace weapons!"

"Bastards! Those weapons were outlawed!" Jana roared.

"Yeah, apparently Falcone thinks he's above the law." Aria snorted.

"It's acting like a magnet to the core! We're being pulled into the tear!" Jana exclaimed.

"I read at the Academy that detonating the warp core in the tear has a chance of closing it." Aria suggested.

"If we don't, we're dead anyway!"

"Computer! Eject the warp core, authorization Maza two-omega-seven!" Aria commanded. "The core's gone!"

"Detonating!" Jana announced. A white flash filled the windows, throwing Jana off her chair.

"The rift is sealed, but now we've got two new problems! First, this isn't a starship - we needed the core to power our weapons! Two, if they do that again, we're screwed!"

Jana climbed back up into her chair. "That's it! Now I'm pissed!" she snarled eyes aglow. "Do we have any torpedoes?"

"Yes, three tricobalt devices, but we can't power up the magnetic accelerators!"

"Divert life support power."

Aria looked up, giving Jana a long look.

"YOU HEARD ME!" Jana exclaimed.

Aria did as she was told. "Firing torpedoes. I would guess we have forty minutes of air left." Aria said in a low voice.

Jana said nothing.

"The first blast disabled most of their shields - with those torpedoes, they're on fire now." Aria reported.

"They're firing again!" Jana warned. "Hang on!"

"Another subspace tear - directly astern!" Aria shouted.

"Now what, lasses?" Greystone exclaimed.

"The cascade effect is acting like a singularity, I don't have enough power to get out!" Jana reported.

The ship tilted wildly, throwing the occupants around the cabin. "We've lost inertial dampeners!" Aria shouted.

"Someone think of something!" Jana pleaded. "We'll be torn apart if we fall in the tear!"

"Too late! We're going in!" Aria shouted, as the screaming abyss began to envelop them. In one last, desperate attempt, Selena's voice was heard, casting a spell.

"Deflagrate muri intervalia!!!"

Then, the Joker's Luck II was gone.