Chapter Seven
"Power plays"
Commander Sisko walked back and forth in the main shuttle bay watching nervous EAS prisoners as they prepared to leave. Fifteen guards armed with phaser rifles pointed at the four hundred or so prisoners, made those elements of the Earth Marine Corps and Space Naval prisoners very contrite. And to make sure that they remained contrite and docile in the first place, he demonstrated the weapons effectiveness by disintegrating a large portion of the breeching pod stationed next to and partially docked inside the shuttle bay area. The process drained that particular phaser's energy pack, but the point had been eloquently made.
Then there were the force shields surrounding them-
Many of the prisoners had been injured, especially on the Lenmark in one way, or another but were all, without exception healed by their captors. Like soldiers from every war ever fought, most were simply grunts doing what they were told to do. They had no idea what they were getting into and most had no true understanding why they were fighting in the first place, especially under the current regime. But that didn't matter right now. If given a chance they could do damage, so therefore they had been put under a strict lease.
They hadn't been told that they were being released, so many were a bit apprehensive because for all they knew, these people might have decided to space them. And indeed there was a small panic when the massive shuttle bay doors opened without the standard protection and de-pressurization they were used to. For the prisoners, that came as the biggest surprise as the first of three EAS shuttles entered the landing bay. They were shocked as the shuttles passed thru the energy shield that kept outer space out and atmosphere in. It was a demonstration of power. Most of them jumped into the shuttle and never looked back, happy to be leaving and happy to be alive.
From General Brindley's viewpoint as he looked out the port window at the two small ships that had so easily beaten twice the number of EAS Destroyers, they didn't look as formidable as he had expected them to be. But he also understood that looks were deceiving. He and his staff had reviewed visuals of the ships in action, but looking at them from up close didn't seem to give the presence of something could be considered that great a threat. Indeed as some had said, they were too 'white', too pretty. Actually they were more a light gray than white but it still gave that impression.
However, the more he looked at the larger ship the more serpentine it appeared to him, especially the cobra 'hood -like neck'. There were no visible gun ports and both ships had far too many windows to considered true warships, as he understood the term. The embarrassing defeat by B5 was bad enough, but these ships represented an unknown threat. Earth Gov had demanded information on them and he had been the lucky one chosen one to carry out those orders. Somewhere out there was a Human based government independent of the people of Earth. It was a prescient that would not be tolerated by the present regime. That poor long lost colony and its people needed to be secured and protected by the people of Earth and away from whatever alien influence that so obviously had contaminated their minds. Family needed to come together again and share in the fruits of that reunion.
There had been several intense arguments as to how to approach these people. The first argument was to initiate direct contact, avoiding Sheridan altogether, but that would prove impossible as long as the ships were in B5 space. However, the President's suggestion held sway. Sheridan's morals would keep him from firing on the shuttle as it traveled to the Enterprise. If this Picard chose to meet in full view of B5's officers and crew, and the alien races then it was likely that support would dwindle and eventually Earth-Force could retake the station with minimum difficulty. Persuasion would be difficult but not impossible. After all, they wouldn't be given a choice. The vessels were powerful but if Picard and his people did not agree to the terms, then they would be hunted down. This new technology couldn't be placed in alien hands.
The General and his two aides, which included a covert Psi-Corps level nine telepath, stepped out of the shuttle and were met by an officer who called himself Commander Riker. Brindley and his people walked towards him and waited expectantly for a moment.
"Aren't you going to screen us for weapons?" Christov, the tallest of the three men asked. He was an older man in his late fifties and hawk-like features and a cold smile that never seemed to leave his face. "After all, we don't want to be accused of attempted terrorism onboard your ship."
"No," the man called Riker almost hissed. "It's not necessary."
"So, this is a matter of trust?" That classic look of contempt was clearly visible on Christov's face Brindley noticed. Good.
"Not in the least," came the answer. "We've already scanned you and your ship. Now, if you will come with me." He bowed slightly and pointed towards a set of double doors.
Christov was taken back momentarily, that false smile wavering just a touch. Riker had to be lying. Their shuttle detected no scans waves. No scans were that detailed and undetectable the General thought. But then he couldn't be absolutely sure of anything yet.
Commander Riker, two security escorts and the three visitors entered the small room that was assumed to be an elevator of some kind.
"Deck sixteen," Riker said. Immediately the chamber started moving horizontally, then vertically, much to the surprise to the three men. Their understanding of gravitic engineering was indeed impressive. Brindley barely felt the movement and he suspected that it was because they wanted him to.
"It's a interestingly designed ship," General Brindley said, stating the obvious. "I assume that it has its own jump engines. It must use at least four fusion engines to move the way it does. Do you use a cold-fusion, plasma based energy generators in parallel or are they serial?"
"Something like that," came Riker's non-committal reply.
Inwardly, the general frowned. There was going to be no information forthcoming from this insolent Commander. The telepath smiled indifferently.
The party walked through the corridors to Conference Room Five. The General found himself smiling in approval of the overall layout of the room, which sported its own window, the other ship and B5 being plainly visible. His appreciation suddenly souredas soon as he saw Sheridan and his first officer Susan Ivanova already seated in two of the plush brown-colored chairs. They had different colored uniforms now, not Earth Force regular, in fact not Earth force at all. However what really irked him was that they were present in the first place. That was unexpected.
And the man standing next to them both had to be Picard. A closer look confirmed his identity from the vid reports. The General sized him up carefully. The man clearly was an experienced military commander; of that there was no doubt. And to his left was the woman Captain, Rachel Garrett. From a different branch of their service he surmised as her ship was different and the uniform as well. No less dangerous either.
Christov took his seat immediately eager to begin, while his aide Truman waited for the General to sit before he did likewise.
A few moments later everyone was seated. Picard and Garrett sat next to one another, across from them. In addition the First officers Riker and Castillo of the Ambassador sat to their left.
After a short introduction, Brindley watched as bulldog Christov as he was commonly known, proceeded.
"Captains, by your actions against the authorized Military forces of the Earth Government, you have in effect declared war against us, your own people. Your illegal actions crippled the Rochester, Evanston and the Lenmark. You destroyed the Pournelle, causing the death of over eight hundred fifty officers and crew, in addition to that four thousand troops being transported by said ship. You call yourselves defenders," he accused, "but what were you defending? A group of men and women who consciously and willfully hijacked the legitimate property of the Earth Government in order to hand it over to aliens, that's who!"
"And you sit next to them," he continued, "as though you agree to every thing that those traitors represent. Sheridan and his staff have violated every oath and promise they made, harboring other traitors and chaos-bringers like themselves. And you bind yourselves to them proving that you all are Human traitors also."
"Mr. Christov," Picard started. "Your Government fired on the Mars civilian colony. How many innocent lives were killed by that action of you own military bombing those domes?"
"That's a lie!" he snapped, dismissing the entire statement as though it never happened. That was confirmed a second later. "The military would never have done that. Martian insurrectionists, the same ones who faked those broadcasts, not EarthGov, perpetrated it. The only true damage done was done by you and that traitor Sheridan."
That was his gift, to lie with a straight face no matter the opposition or circumstances. Everyone looked at the man, who returned the stare with equal distain.
"Computer," Garrett said. "Play back military recording Sevana-two, combat date: three-six-four-zero point three." Picard preferred the military-combat log type recording while she stuck to the star date, however when in Rome-
A three-dimensional holographic image of Mars appeared. In the center of the table was the recording of a probe that had been sent to Mars after the initial attack. The first attack had not been recorded. But the second attack clearly showed advanced Star Furies destroying a domed city. The recording was irrefutable proof of Earth's involvement.
Susan seethed at what she saw on screen. These were her people-Humans! -being slaughtered by her government who now insisted that they had nothing to do with it. Had they lost it that much, or was so much fear that entire armies simply followed orders without thinking? It didn't matter. They were guilty whether they were following orders or not. And as for herself she would never abide simply following orders without conviction, without taking the morality of it all into consideration. She had something to say. She took a breath and plunged in as she suddenly realized that Picard and his people didn't understand that that Psi-Corps was mixed up in this.
"Everything you've done up to now," she began, "is a smoke screen for what's really happening. President Clarke is a murderer and Earth is being turned into a totalitarian state. Our own people are afraid of you, the aliens want nothing to do with you and Nightwatch is nothing better than Gestapo wanna-be's. As military officers sworn to uphold the constitution we will not stand idly by as you and your people destroy everything that uncounted generations have worked for."
In an almost frenzy she got up and walked out into the hallway. Castillo got up quickly and followed.
"Excuse me, Commander Ivanova," he said quickly as she caught up to her halfway down the hallway. "We can't have you walking unescorted on this ship."
"I understand that," she said, quickly stopping to face him. "Sorry about the hysterics but you have a telepath in the room with you. "He's reading everything you say. You have to get him out."
"A telepath?" he repeated, letting it sink in. The next instant: "Castillo to the Bridge."
"Bridge here."
"Captain Picard must exit the meeting now. Can you summon him as an emergency?"
"This is Lieutenant Yar. Castillo what's wrong?"
"Picard must leave the conference now."
Tasha trusted him and his instincts completely. He was also her commanding officer. "Acknowledged."
A moment later yellow alert sounded and the words calling 'Captain Picard to the bridge' filled the air.
A moment later a concerned Picard exited the conference running headlong into Castillo and Ivanova. Before he could even say anything Susan was speaking.
"You're being monitored by a telepath."
"Are you sure," asked a surprised Picard.
He didn't seem as upset as he should be. In fact he seemed far angrier at her storming out of the room than anything else. It was then that Susan realized that he didn't fully understand the implications. What was wrong with them? Didn't they have telepaths? The moment she thought about his reaction, she realized the truth of it. If they were from so far away, then maybe telepaths didn't developed as they had on Earth. It was clear however, that he noticed the concern on her face.
"Commander, I understand the distress that this may cause you," he said, trying to tone down his anger at this breech of protocol. "But it isn't cause for worry. Just because the individual can read your mind doesn't shift the 'balance of power' in any appreciable way."
Was he crazy? "Captain Picard, Psi-Corps by any measure, is a dangerous organization that as long as you are here will have to deal with. I don't know about you or how you deal with telepaths if you have any, but they will try to strip you of anything of value on this ship."
"You make it sound as if you are at odds with your telepaths," he answered her. "We have quite a few Betazoids, Vulcans and even one or two Humans who have those abilities," he answered. "Although it can be difficult sometimes, we get along quite well. And I have found that being able to read one's mind is not as simple as it may first appear to be. But for your sake of mind and Captain Sheridan's, we will provide a suitable counterweight." Turning to Tasha Yar: "Have the Ship's Counselor meet us in the conference room."
Babylon Five's population was a source of amazement and pleasure to a far-traveling being such as Guinan. There were so many different aliens species here and she wanted to meet all of them. And most of them wanted to meet her and of course find out a little more about the ships she was associated with. In fact, she was scheduled to meet with a member of a species called Narn-a first citizen G'Kar to be exact. Her doorbell rang. He was prompt.
"First citizen, G'Kar," she said as she opened the door. "It is so nice to meet you."
"No, the pleasure is mine," he said bowing eloquently. She offered him tea and he drank deeply, surprised at the smoothness of the drink going down his throat. "You've caused quite a stir around here. The Earth Government wishes to examine your ship, in detail." He stared at her intently. "Between you and me," he said. "I would not recommend that."
"Oh, I agree," she said smiling. "We have began explaining that to them, but I don't believe that they quite understand yet."
"People understand only what they wish to understand. My people haven't quite grasped this concept."
Guinan watched him carefully as G'Kar thoughts drifted. "You're suffering greatly for your people and they barely recognize it. And there is something else..."
"You're very perceptive for a Human," he mentioned off-handedly. "Is there a possibility that I could persuade you to do something for my people?"
She knew about the war between the Narn and Centauri and what had happen to the Narn planet and she grimaced slightly. "Citizen G'Kar, The Federation starships will not enter into a conflict with the Centauri. This station has enough trouble of its own without us adding any more to it."
The Narn understood her meaning. "You've talked to Londo haven't you? And he threatened you if you would dare to help us." He became quiet. "I won't disturb you any longer." He got up to leave.
"Wait G'Kar," she said grabbing his shoulder. "We can't supply weapons, but we will supply medical and humanitarian aid. As an authorized representative of an independent government I can offer this, despite what other governments 'suggest' that we to do."
"They threatened you. I imagine they want your technology." His look of concern for her well-being was not missed by her. "They must not have it."
"Absolutely," she confirmed. "Some of their representatives have 'suggested' that we share. But, it doesn't matter. We will do what is in our best interest and what we believe is right."
He wasn't sure what answer he expected but it wasn't that. "You are a most interesting person, Ambassador,'" he admitted. "You're nothing like what I expected you to be. May I ask a question of a personal nature?"
"Feel free," she said as she sat down.
"What is your colony world like? Is it much like Earth? I have been there you know, several times."
She tensed slightly before she decided to tell him. "My world no longer exists. We were invaded by...a swarm that destroyed our system."
"How terrible. The Federation could do nothing?"
"They weren't aware of my people at that time. We arrived as refugees to the Federation homeworld. It was a good thing that they were unaware of our plight. They would have been destroyed also."
The Narn was disturbed by the information. "Perhaps if we had known we could have helped."
"No. You couldn't have. The good thing is that this part of the universe doesn't have to worry about the Collective," she answered, altering the truth slightly. "It has enough problems of its own."
"Very true. And I have come to realize a strange truth since coming here to Babylon Five. Sometimes some must be sacrificed so that the rest can be saved."
"That sounds like a saying that someone who has never had to sacrifice something of true value to them would say. Sacrifice is given freely, not assumed upon someone, no matter the price."
"But sacrifice is necessary," he countered. "You understand this."
"True sacrifice has awareness connected to it," Guinan told him. "It is not placed upon someone without permission. That is called murder, no matter how glorious the cause."
He sat back down, prepared to talk. This was going to be a long and very interesting conversation he surmised.
Lieutenant Deanna Troi entered the conference room and all the three men froze momentarily at the stunningly beautiful woman with the large eyes. She sat next to Picard and he introduced her. "This is our ship's Doctor and counselor, Lieutenant Troi, from the planet Betazed." He looked off for a moment and then focused directly at Truman. "She is here because, you are Mister Truman."
The man blanched slightly. Was the woman telepathic? He sensed nothing and relaxed slightly and then tensed again as discovered that he couldn't scan her at all. How was she doing that? He was being blocked, but oh, so subtly in a way he'd never experienced before. It was almost familiar but at the same time totally alien. Then he smiled at Picard, understanding that there was a balance that had just been struck here. More importantly there were telepaths here on this ship, Humans that should be of part of the Corps. After all, how could they really be comfortable living and working with the mind blinded mundanes?
He had surface-scanned several members of this crew especially Picard and Garret. Both of them were extremely focused and with this came problems. Instead of them thinking about their ideas and plans beforehand, they simply knew at a sub-conscious level. And unless he performed more than a surface scan, the most he could 'see' would be partial images and half formed patterns. What he had seen was that these people were completely different than most Humans. Their belief systems and view of the universe did not conform to those thoughts he had always experienced as a telepath. But this woman?
What are you? he sent towards her.
A Betazoid she beamed back.
"How dare you bring a telepath into our proceedings without our permission?" Christov had snapped, completely unconcerned that they had done the exact same thing.
"She's empathic, Mr. Christov," Picard said, "We let you here onboard this ship in good faith and you brought Mr. Truman onboard without informing us that he had telepathic abilities. Therefore at this time, I now I simply wish to maintain a balance between us."
General Brindley flushed a little when he realized that there were telepaths onboard. Earth's telepaths had barely came into existence two hundred years ago and it was generally believed that these people may not have had many, if at all and certainly not onboard their ship. These people were an unknown quantity and the number of aliens with them made him quiver with suspicion. So he tried another tact.
"Captain Garret, Captain Picard, assuming that you are from some forgotten Earth colony, and not some, some ruse by Sheridan, surely you understand that we, the legitimate earth Government cannot have alien influence dictating policy. Babylon Five is ours to do with as we see fit-for the benefit of all."
"And your point is?"
"You should be helping us," he said. "Not fighting against us in a battle you cannot win. The Earth Alliance has controlling interest on Proxima Centauri, Wolf 359, the Luyten stars, Cygni Alpha and the Ross stars. Every star within 20 light years is under our domain. We have holding out to two thousand light years distant. Your so-called Federation, if it exists, would have problems fighting a new, determined, united Earth government and the forces we can bring to bare. Your previous enemies would be a minor in-convenience compared to what we could do."
He watched the Federation crew carefully as he spoke. They seemed concerned but not as much as he had hoped. That, he didn't like. "You are simply minor representatives involving yourselves in a private dispute. How can we communicate with your superiors? And what would they say when we told them that you involved yourselves with rebels against a legitimate government? For all we know you two may be deserters or even renegades."
The female Captain answered. "Sad to say, we are too far to communicate directly with Starfleet, that much is true. However Starship Captains are given autonomy in situations like these. I know you don't believe we are renegades," she answered distastefully. "And I find it interesting that one moment, you're threatening war with an organization you know nothing about and the next you're trying to be our friends."
"We aren't as bad as you believe despite some of the press you've heard from, let us say, dubious sources," he announced looking directly at Sheridan and Ivanova. "There are alien predators out there whose purpose is to undermine the direct authority of Earth's territories. We are defending ourselves with everything we can, Captain Garrett."
"And that means," Christov added sarcastically, "If it is in our interest to sacrifice some people, if we have to run over you to do it, we will. No aliens will be allowed to run our lives, our destiny, if we can help it. Mankind is for Humanity. President Clarke understands that." The man was practically shrieking as he spoke.
"However," the General said. "We can take this up with President Clarke. If you and your vessels submit to an inspection, it is possible that we can legitimize your claims." Picard's stare was icy and Brindley couldn't read what was behind the man's eyes.
"So," Picard started. "Instead of shooting at us at the first given opportunity, we supply you with the history of the Federation and maybe you will acknowledge our existence?"
Inwardly Brindley was overjoyed. This was what he wanted, information on these people-because that was power.
"Yes, complete information," Christov added. "Along with that information should be a exchange of technology and acknowledgement of our right of ownership of ownership of the Babylon Five station."
Both Captains looked at the Earth representatives thoughtfully.
Everyone, especially, Captain Sheridan and Commander Ivanova tensed, as the implications were understood. If these Federation people decided to agree to terms then both he and Ivanova would be confined, effectively jailed on this ship and they wouldn't even be able to do anything about it. He cursed himself for being so naïve. He trusted these people! How could he have been so wrong?
To the side Brindley was trying hard not to smile, while Christov seemed to be actively gloating. Truman was totally pre-occupied with the dark-haired woman who held his attention as completely as any spider would a fly. She had effectively destroyed his concentration. Picard then got up from his seat, and Sheridan was prepared for everything. Instead of coming towards him he walked over to a computer console.
"Well, Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me," he said. "But I need something to drink. You've given me a lot to think about."
The man needed a drink? He couldn't believe it. Judging by how wide her mouth was opened neither could Susan. He walked over to a computer panel.
"Computer," he announced. "Tea, Earl Grey. Hot."
The food replicator complied. Sheridan and Susan remained impassive but they were completely stunned by what happened next. From nothing a shining light appeared, then a saucer and cup filled with steaming hot liquid. Picard then asked he and Susan if they wanted anything.
"Coffee. Kona, black, no sugar," Susan said, recovering quickly.
"Same please," he managed to say.
Two more cups appeared from nowhere and their aroma smelled fabulous. This was no hologram of some type, but the real thing. It was unbelievable. Sheridan noticed the three Earth Gov reps looking completely flabbergasted as Picard ordered a pitcher of ice water and several glasses, which also appeared as if by magic. Christov was gaping like a fish and Brindley seemed like he was shivering. Picard brought the pitcher and placed it on the table in front of everyone.
To Sheridan it seemed almost like a dream. The technology of these people astounded him every time he saw experienced it. Picard sat down and sipped his tea, and then placed the porcelain cup down gently. The Earth Gov trio stared at the pitcher of water as if it were the vilest poison imagined. By the same token they were transfixed by this exhibition of raw power.
"The tea is quite good," Picard said savoring its flavor. Sheridan now understood that this little demonstration served as a form of intimidation. It had worked beautifully because he noticed that everyone, including himself, was intimidated.
"Gentlemen, your proposal is unacceptable," Picard said to them with finality. "We will not subject ourselves to a government that has no respect for the lives of its own people. Our technology is not for sale." Then Picard smiled. "Only two thousand light years?"
John had never felt as relieved as he did right now. He was about to speak when Christov cut him off.
"You think this is over?" the man snarled. "You will never get home wherever that is. You have defied the government of a United Earth and have allied yourselves in with traitors and aliens."
"Get off my ship, Mr. Christov, before I have you thrown off."
Picard didn't even wait for a reply as he pressed his com-badge ordering security to escort the trio to their shuttle. It appeared as though Christov and Brindley wanted to say something more but a quick look at Picard and Garret caused them to change their minds. The instant they left Picard turned to him and Susan. His whole demeanor seemed to have changed once more into the diplomat he was earlier. "Well. That didn't go as well as I'd hope."
"No, it did not," Sheridan acknowledged. "But it wasn't a surprise. They want your ships, the information on the Federation probably as a way to determine the threat potential, and your technology, literally everything of value that you possess. Very likely they even want your telepaths as well."
"The Betazoids onboard as with any members on these crews will not submit to any form of intimidation."
"But these Betazoids," he continued looking at Deanna who returned his stare. He personality and demeanor was very disarming. "How many of them are there? And just out of curiosity how do the normals get along with them? That's something we haven't been able to do on Earth quite yet."
"Captain," Picard told him. "The Federation encountered the planet Betazed in the first thirty years of its foundation. It took sometime getting used to their uniqueness, but we never really had a problem with them." Deanna's mother was another story but that didn't count.
"As for myself," Deanna began, "I am only half Betazoid. My senses are more empathic in nature rather than telepathic. But I can communicate with true telepaths easily and with certain people with whom I become close to."
"Then how many of the Betazoids were telepathic?" Susan asked. Again, he noticed a slight edge to her voice. Her suspicion of telepaths was legendary and her hatred of Psi-Corps even more so.
"All of them," came the reply. "Except for those with brain damage,r nervous system disorders or disease. But as a whole all six billion were natural telepaths."
"Six billion!" Six billion telepaths? Sheridan couldn't believe his ears. A whole planet of Human telepaths? And poor Susan looked even worse than he imagined he did as the implications sank in.
It was clear that Deanna found the look on his face amusing. "Betazoids look like Humans and in many ways we're almost identical to you, minus a couple of internal organs native to our species. But don't misunderstand me. We're not Human, even though we are genetically close enough to produce viable offspring."
"Unfortunately," Picard added. "Most of her people were killed in the war when the enemy exploded a strategic weapon in the planet's atmosphere. Ninety percent of the population planet-side was killed and unless we can rebuild our environmentals, the planet will be poisoned for tens of generations."
"There has been entirely too much death and killing in a war that should have never happened in the first place," he heard Deanna murmur.
Empath she may be, but she radiated her emotions like a physical force. She was the preverbal open book. The pain and hurt was there for all to see. Even Susan had softened, just a bit. If what they had just told him was true, then it was simply another example of the difference between the two of them. Earth and this Federation had completely different values and even though they were Human, he would have to deal with them in a slightly different level than the people he was used to.
"I understand," Sheridan said. And he did. He was a warrior but he was also a builder now. Babylon Five was his to protect and now his own people were bigger enemies than the Minbari and a dozen other enemies known and unknown. But the new addition these people might make the scales a little more even.
Picard sensed a bit more trust emanating from the Captain of Babylon Five also. He sighed and his decision was made. "Captain, Commander. Let me introduce you to the United Federation of Planet's Enterprise-D," he said smiling at the relief that his decision had given him.
"First, I want to know about the coffee maker," Susan said still watching Deanna carefully. That woman seemed to open to be true, she thought. "Exactly how did you-?"
Commander Riker walked over to the so-called 'coffee-maker'. "Like I said earlier, prepare yourselves. This," he said pointing to the walled device, "is a food replicator. It's a device that breaks down a quantity of matter and rearranges into any form we wish, in this case food. It copies the molecular structure of any original sample and reproduces it perfectly, even though there are some people who claim to be able to distinguish the taste from the real thing."
"Anything?" Susan Ivanova was looking at him with that 'tell me another one' kind of stare she reserved for outrageous liars. "Can I test it?"
She fully expected Riker to say no. In fact, Picard noticed that she was daring him to say yes.
Both of his eyebrows went up indicating that he had accepted her dare. "Absolutely," he countered, smiling, which was clearly irritating the Commander. "Just tell it what you want. Be creative."
"Never, " she murmured. "I like the basics when it comes to eating." Boldly, she waked to the replicator and spoke. "Okay computer, I want sandwich. A turkey on rye, lightly toasted on one side with Dijon mustard, lettuce, tomato and a Russian dill pickle. It does know what Dijon is?" she added sarcastically.
Then her mouth dropped about a foot as the sandwich began materializing from nothingness. Gingerly she took the plate with the food on it and took a tentative bite. It was good, very good. Riker was trying not to smirk and failing all the while looking at her.
"Oh joy. I should have ordered potato chips," she growled, and then looked away in embarrassment as the replicator processed her last request.. Silently she grabbed them and walked out the room with the rest of the now silent guests. Darn it she thought. I've forgotten about the Coke-
More than an hour later, they ended in holodeck three. As the group entered into the large room, both guests seemed confused. So far they had seen so much that they were in a slight daze. The engine room was a revelation. Matter-antimatter power systems, warp capability instead of hyperspace travel, subspace communications, and the industrial strength replicators convinced them once and for all that this was not some type of elaborate trick. Now they were in a green-cubed room that seemed somehow anti-climatic.
"Computer, run program Picard alpha seven."
The entire room darkened and the group was surrounded by a star-system with a large yellow star in the center, which appeared to be giving off actual heat. It looked and felt so completely real, that for a moment Susan, John and even Rachel were taken back. Even gravity seemed to have vanished. It took them only a second to realize that this was the Sol system along with all the planets from mercury to Pluto and even that small tenth planetoid floating past Pluto.
The third planet became larger and larger, finally giving the impression that they flying free-form pass the moon to an incredible space station orbiting what had to be Earth. Several Federation starships-many were variations of the Enterprise and Ambassador configurations -were observed entering and leaving the structure, which looked as large, or larger than the Babylon Five station.
"My God," Sheridan whispered. "You're not from some distant colony. You're from our future!"
"No," Garret answered. "We're not. We're from an alternate Earth." The view of Earth had enraptured her as well.
"An alternate Earth?" Susan whispered. It came out as a question, but for some reason she knew that it was an answer to all of it.
"As a matter of extending trust between you as us, you needed to know the whole truth. We wanted to explain who and what we are."
"This is so much to digest." Sheridan was gazing thoughtfully at the station and the multitude of starships floating past an Earth he never imagined. "I've always understood the possibility of alternate realities. Each time we travel in hyperspace, we're, in essence in another kind of space. But to see such a difference shows me how much I don't know."
"That goes for both of us," Picard agreed. "It makes me humble to see the differences accorded to each place we have traveled. Even during the war, a small amount of time was given to exploration, which was our main charter."
"There's so much I'd like to know about you and your people and your technology."
"That can be arranged, within limits, of course."
"Of course," Sheridan replied. He understood that everyone needed to maintain their own secrets.
And at Babylon-Five that truism was standard issue.