Hey Everybody! Thank you! Bless you for commenting on TWS-the more confusing of the two stories! I even give out a half-felt 'hello' to Duquesnewho is a dedicated fan. Even though he hates the story he never misses a chapter! Good for you.Meanwhile here are some quick answers to some of the questions and commenst asked in the review section.

LcNessie: No. TWS and ATV are completely seperate realities however, they do share some of the same characters developed from TWS and later from ATV. I am only comparing them with the same personality, in different situations.

Now: there is no energy barrier at the Rim. Lorien you might say is the barrier. He has told the Shadows and Vorlons not to continue what they have been doing or he would personally make sure that they never be allowed to enter the Rim. By his wish, the other First Ones would not allow them to enter. So they have to play nice...yeah right. See story below.

EarthForce are highly xenophobic-politically that is. The fact is that most of Humanity is not. CLARK IS NOT! But his rise to power hinged on the prejudice and fears rooted deep within Humanity. He simply exploited those fears for his own rise to power. The people who followed Clark believed in him and his policies. A lot of the EF were not prejudice. Of course the Minbari war didnt help, but the Dilgar conflict didnt either. Humans got a bit to arrogant and holier-than-thou, and THEN ran into the Minbari. But again, as you saw in B5:OTL many Humans got along with aliens quite well. It was Humans with Humans you had to worry about.

RTMiller: The stargate portion of this story will start next year. No goa'uld as in the TV series here. Using the Movie not the series, things will be radically different. I think I sent you the upcoming poster on 'Of Gods and Emissaries' . Also you're right, the Sinhindrea were located in a 'satillite' galaxy which is why they are seperated from the 'Milkyway' proper. I mentioned about the antimatter situation in the e-mail. However, the have sources even from the Narn. The Vree have been very happy with the deals made. More on this later. Ah, Anne Sheridan. She is around and will make her presence known but more in the upcoming 'OGAE' story. Legally dead or not, she is still breathing and John and Deleen will have to deal with it (heh).

Draal and the great machine will be featured a lot more in th upcoming chapters.

Now, on with the Story.

Chapter 44

"Which is worse? My so-called friends or my dedicated enemies?"

USS Enterprise-D

"Number One, what is it?" Picard demanded.

Something had just registered on the Enterprise's shield strong enough to trigger red alert on both the Enterprise and Ambassador as it was intended to do.

"It's a transmission," Commander Riker said. It's definitely Federation, designed to get our attention by interfering with our navigational shields. It's an older technique but it still works very effectively."

"I'm aware of that, Number One," Picard responded impatiently. "What does it say?"

"Sir," Data said, "although the transmission is designed to get our attention, its encryption is extremely sophisticated. I would postulate that the signal was meant for Voyager and not us."

"We can't translate it," he finished irritably.

"Sir, Captains Garret and Sisko are signaling us as well as Lieutenant Commander Riker onboard the Rantoul."

"Put everyone on conference," Picard ordered. A few seconds later: "Riker, I assume your ship can identify the signal we've just received?"

"Yes, Sir," Commander Riker's twin said. "The signal was from the vessel Battlestar Galactica on the other side of the gate. They were supposed to leave us and continue on their mission but there has been a change of plans. I've sent an acknowledgement of receipt so that they know that we're still alive. I am transmitting the updated encryption codes to you now used by the Federation as of now."

"Understood. What is the status on the other side of the gate?"

"Not good, Sir. The Sinhindrea are trying to storm the doorway. The Galactica dissuaded them from getting through and the changed the codes to the mines guarding the gate."

"Captain," Data said once more. "We have the updated encryption codes."

"We should watch this together," Picard said. "I want you all over here so we can discuss this in my Ready room."

Garrett and Sisko nodded and cut the comms. Thomas Riker added a crisp, 'yes Sir' and did the same.

Ten minutes later, the group of Officers were cloistered inside the Ready room listened to the message transmitted by the Galactica. Picard wanted Admiral here as well but she was still in talks with Captain Sheridan and EarthForce General Brindley and couldn't be disturbed.

An older man, white-haired and carrying the weight of the world in his eyes was the first to speak. Thomas Riker identified him as Ex-President Adama of the Colonial Republic.

"Admiral Janeway," he began. "Our returning to the location where the Children are will be of no use unless you accompany us therefore I have requested that Commander Apollo remain in the general area. The situation near the gate is grave. The aliens are trying to get through the mines by acts of brute force. We estimate that at least two hundred of their vessels, many of them warships have made it through before we stopped them. We have reconfigured the mines. However it will only be a matter of time before they punch their way through. If they succeed then we will be forced to destroy the gate using the mines and you will be trapped there.

We are heading away from the gate and we're cloaked however they are still able to track us. The Betazoids onboard have sensed their probing and believe that they are tracking us by way of telepathy. The Betazoids and other telepaths onboard the Galactica are fighting it as if it were a virus trying to infect them. It also appears that the gate acts like an amplifier for the Sinhindrea's telepathy. The moment they detected us, several of our crewmembers appeared to be stricken with some form of dementia. The energy emissions in the gate – we are sending the data to you now – changed. The Vulcans seemed particularly vulnerable their influence. Apparently the suppression of their emotions is a detriment. Once we went to warp, the effect dissipated quickly. With the exception of the Vulcans, the other telepaths were able to not only resist but create a sort of interference that somewhat negated the Sinhindrea influence. We are therefore telepathically cloaked and their hunters have been so far unable to track us. If you have any telepaths or telepathic races, then it will be possible that they can help non-telepaths to resist being compromised. Good luck, Kathryn.

Next appeared another Human, the Commander of the vessel. He was a man who appeared in his early fifties and bore a remarkable resemblance to the President. "We are transmitting information on the update of the war. The Cylon Empire is being pushed back from Bajor and the wormhole. Captain Sisko has returned to Bajor and he, and the Alpha quadrant forces are in a temporary standoff. However a Basestar fleet is approaching and will be there in approximately ninety six hours. The Dominion fleet has traversed the wormhole. Six thousand warships will engage the Cylon taskforce far enough away from Bajor to keep the world from being damaged. The Pegasus Wildfire squadron and the second and third fleets of the Klingon Imperial defense forces will be engaging of second of two main Cylon production facilities at…"

-+-

Captain Picard, Garrett and Sisko were utterly silent as they digested the information. Of all of the marooned, Benjamin seemed the most affected as another Sisko had appeared from seemingly nowhere to retake his place as the Emissary. For him it was confirmation; for the others it was a final nail in a coffin that they'd been making since they'd appeared in this universe. This information gave him the last push to allow him to move on and his directions were about to take a radical turn. Picard and Garrett having become settled with who and what they were listened, enraptured by a war they never imagined. Six thousand ships to protect one star system and again it was Bajor at the center of it all.

How he knew, Sisko couldn't be sure, but the war there had something to do with his mother and the other wormhole aliens. They were a threat somehow and the enemy wanted to eliminate them. There was something, almost an ethereal connection between him and his other, and he could almost feel the intensity emanating from that other universe. Tentatively, he stretched out with his mind but something gently pushed him away, telling him now was not the time. The connection was not broken, simply lessened. However one word came through clearly; a warning that could not be ignored. He quickly decided to honor the unspoken request. He only hoped the others would survive against their Cylon adversaries.

When this meeting was over he would ask Thomas Riker what if anything, did the word 'Borg' mean in relation to their universe.

-+-

Babylon Five:

This time, the meeting held in the conference room was a private affair. Captain Sheridan, Delenn of the Minbari, Kosh of the Vorlons, General Brindley and Ambassador at large Christov of Earth Alliance, and a Shadow lord, sat observing one another carefully. Guinan was also present as well as one other, a guest participant whose name was Galen.

General Brindley swallowed nervously as he prepared to begin. The Shadow and the Vorlon's presence kept him at the edge of panic. But he was surprised that he was this uncomfortable sitting in front of this Starfleet Admiral. "Admiral Janeway," he started. "Despite the obvious differences between our respective governments, I have been authorized to extend our most heartfelt thanks for providing a cure for our people. We don't know how long it would have taken find the cause, let alone a cure."

By his side, he could feel the Shadow alien bristle. He knew that if he had his weapon he would have started firing at the thing and never stop. Sheridan and Delenn were just as uncomfortable in the alien's presence. The Vorlon had strategically placed himself on the opposite side of the room from the Shadow. The Technomage – he knew what he was – seemed outwardly undisturbed. The ambassador Guinan and the Admiral seemed completely at ease in its presence and for the life of him, he couldn't understand why.

"Congratulate us if the cure works, General," the Admiral said with a touch of actual warmth... "This is what Starfleet does. Despite your beliefs we are not an aggressive organization. We're here to provide defense for our worlds and those under our charge. We're explorers, not conquerors."

Both eyebrows rose at that comment. "Yes," he said slowly. "Your weapons speak very eloquently for your actions. We have thousands of dead soldiers as a testament of your ideals."

"I am truly sorry at the loss of your people," she answered. "Just as I am sorry that your government gave orders fired on your own people, innocents that had no chance to defend themselves. I've read the incidents General. The attack on the Ambassador, the attack at Babylon Five, the attempted hijacking of Voyager," she added letting it sink in. There have been hostilities on both sides, however I admit. But now it is time to begin the healing between us. If we can't get past this then your people, cured or not, will be swarmed by the Sinhindrea."

I recommend you listen to her," Sheridan said. "As it is right now, our planet is in dire straights. Once the cure is administered, it is going to take a long time for Earth to recover both militarily and economically. Our trust factor among the other races is at its lowest point. But here, at B5," he smiled almost laughing. "The trust factor is through the roof. We're even making another habitat on the opposite side of the planet to accommodate all of the refugees coming to us. General Brindley, it's only a matter of time that the Sinhindrea will come for us. We have a big bulls-eye pointed on this station, a station that screams 'Human'. They went after the other races to establish their threat. They came after Earth, because we're considered a threat."

"Because of the Federation," Christov snorted. He sighed. "There have been mistakes on all sides, mostly our own," the man admitted. "We should not have attacked your ship. It was wrong."

Brindley was shocked at that admission. 'Bulldog' Christov never admitted weakness to anyone.

"We need help," the Ambassador said. "President Susanna Luchenko has authorized us to come to terms with the Federation."

"How is she?" the Admiral interrupted.

"She is not doing as well. The plague has had a more deleterious effect on her than many of the others. But she is still in charge and wants a change. Earth Alliance will bow to the authority of Captain Sheridan here at Babylon Five."

"What!" Sheridan almost fainted. "I don't want this. This was never my intent!"

"Earth barely has a functional government," Christov said. "People and governments everywhere trust you. You're leadership will help us through these rough times. You've done more to advance Earth Alliance than anyone else, even if you had to start a revolution to do it."

'No," Sheridan insisted. "My intent was to make sure that Clark and his cronies stepped down and the constitution reestablished. I will not take over, whether it is given to me or not. That is final."

Galen's lips moved a bit in approval.

Kosh nodded. "Good."

Christov was somewhat at a loss. "We always assumed that you want this authority and the power that goes with it. Clark's whole agenda changed just to keep you from achieving this, and you don't want it?"

"Earth doesn't need another Clark, benevolent or not."

Well," Christov shrugged. "Then Earth Alliance would like to petition to become a part of this new alliance that is being formed." The man looked at them all. "Despite what you may believe, not everyone is a rabid racist. Most of the people on Earth have no problems with aliens. The last régime however felt it prudent to be aware of the possible threats other governments could pose. Evidently, President Clark went a little overboard with that mandate."

"A little?" asked the Captain. "You were his lapdog." Sheridan's response was harsh and Christov's head snapped back as if he had been slapped. "You followed orders that you knew were illegal. You threatened the lives of the men and women of this station as well as all of the others from dozens of different worlds. And you were worried about me wanting to be some petty dictator?"

"I was charged by my President to perform a duty which I did to the best of my ability," Christov retorted. "Whether you agreed with my orders is not my problem. I am proud to have served my country in the best way I know how. That's why I am here now and that's why Levy's hasn't yet accepted my resignation, Captain. We're going to have a lot of accusations and recriminations coming up in the new future."

"That's an understatement if I've ever heard one."

"It's going to be an embarrassing time," Christov continued as if he hadn't heard that last comment. "And believe me a lot of this is going to be buried and forgotten as quickly as possible. Yes, people are going to be judged, and that includes myself, and my actions. But it will include your activities as well. There are a lot of EarthForce Officers that want you court-martialed eight ways from Sunday for starting an armed rebellion against your own government! But we all will survive this mess and that is why I am here. We want an official cessation of hostilities and we want EarthForce personnel from all sides of this conflict to return. We also request that our Earth Alliance scientists and IPX be allowed to take the advanced classes in physics, biology, chemistry, and all of the sciences that the other races have participated in here at Babylon Five."

Sheridan smile widely at Christov and the General. This was one of the major reasons why they were here. All of the other races were taking advanced classes supplied by Starfleet; everyone except Earth Alliance and they were screaming mad. IPX, the somewhat independent science branch of the Earth Alliance, was especially unhappy and the rumors had flown fast and furious that the organization was behind the aborted attempt to steal Robby the United Planets robot. There was no definitive proof of course, and personally Sheridan didn't believe that IPX would attempt such a foolish action. Their reputation – from an official standpoint – was sterling and in all of the years he had been in EarthForce he had not heard of any untoward actions done by IPX. Of course there had been a few rumors but none of those had been proven, therefore he would give them the benefit of the doubt. "That's something that you will have to discuss with the Federation. You'll have to get their permission to take the classes."

"The classes are being given on Babylon Five," Brindley said. "Babylon Five is Earth Alliance property. You are EarthForce and are therefore still part of Earth Alliance. Earth is being left behind technologically because of the actions being taken here. Humans are being discriminated against on their own station by other Humans – wherever they are from. And lastly in case you haven't noticed, we're not demanding anything, but we're asking nicely and hoping for the best."

"I see you're having some difficulty trying to back-engineer that stolen fighter," announced a laughing Sheridan. A moment later, Brindley allowed a small smile to erupt on his face. Christov merely shook his head.

"We've had some difficulty with the reactor, scanners and the weapons. We've made crude approximations but we're still years away from fully understanding the principles behind them. The polarized plating was a godsend and it makes me wonder why we hadn't developed it ourselves," he said, lost in thought. "But the metal itself, we couldn't reproduce. We've never seen anything like it and although it's made of elements we know of, we're still trying to accurately reproduce the alloy."

"You'll have to discuss that with the Admiral, Sir. However as for this station and myself being a part of EarthForce, that is not exactly true. Babylon Five 'was' a part of Earth Alliance but it is becoming something more. It's becoming a rally point for the races. Everyone is coming here. We're going to war and this is HQ command central. No Sir. Earth does not own this station anymore. The station owns us now. We are a part of it. Think about it General," he continued. "A Human built space station is going to be the focal point for a new alliance between Humans and aliens on a scale never before dreamed of – in this universe."

"I don't think our people will appreciate our station being hijacked," Brindley said. "This is a point of contention, a matter of honor. I can see us giving it away, but not having it taken away. The political ramifications would be felt for decades."

Then it will be given back to Earth, when this war is over," Sheridan said with finality. "We'll build another one, Minbari and Federation based with input from the Narn and the Klingons."

Both Earth Alliance representatives were quiet, shocked at what was just said. Sheridan had indicated that he no longer considered himself part of EarthForce anymore.

"At this very moment," Delenn told them, "The Minbari, the Federation representatives of the Federation, the Centauri and the Humans of Babylon Five are meeting to formalize an agreement to form a new interstellar government. There is even an association with the Soul Hunters. Your people are invited as well provided that you survive this current crisis. Captain Sheridan's name has been submitted to be the leader of this new organization."

"But," Christov stammered. "We want to be a part of this as well. However we want some say so concerning who shall become the head of this new government."

"Again, provided that you survive," Delenn said. "We believe that the cure will be successful but we, as you Humans would say, are still crossing our fingers and hoping for the best."

Brindley nodded vigorously. "A little luck can't hurt."

"And we will all need as much as we can accumulate," said Galen.

Christov was unaware of him and who he was. That was fine with him. The less one knew about the technomages the better the illusion. Galen's report had sent shockwaves throughout the tight-nit and secretive group called the technomages. Most of them had left the civilized worlds to escape the coming darkness. The Shadows had been moving in their secret places and infiltrating governments. And they knew of the Vorlon circle, their obsessions with order and the closing of their circle. This had been predicted by the greatest of them and they were all in agreement.

They left to escape the coming storm.

But Galen was told to watch and see and that is what he did. And what happened as he watched turned the universe on its collective head. That which should have been didn't happen as predicted. The circle had been once more completed but something new entered the universe and the rest would never be the same again.

He had been stunned by the presence of the Federation and their allies the Klingons. He had been amused, shocked and frightened by the woman called Guinan who was far more than she appeared to be. He had been surprised by the actions of Kosh and the subsequent actions by the Shadows. The Great War hadn't occurred as it should have. He had given his initial reports and his fellow technomages believed him to be mad. Each report seemed more absurd and more disturbing. Finally another one of their order was dispatched to confirm the information. And he was the one who witnessed the Soul Hunters joining the talks and making agreements with the other races including the Federationists.

Galen dared not listen in as he promised Guinan. In truth, she intimidated him a bit. She always knew what he had planned. His most sophisticated scans had always been detected or frustrated and now he did it simply to determine how fast, she could detect his little stunts. However he kept his word and did not try to interfere with Federation technology. Their firewalls were impressive and Voyager's even more so. It would have taken too much time to crack them and his attempts would certainly be noticed. So, he left it alone no matter how great the temptation was.

However he was here now, officially representing the Technomages. The short and extraordinary intense conversations between his Order had demanded his presence at this meeting. With the Soul Hunters actively entering the war, the order's consensus was absolute. There was no way they could continue to isolate themselves while others took up the battle against this new and terrible darkness preparing to spread across the known galaxy. Once the others joined, their Order had to as well, or they would have become ostracized, known as cowards and eventually shunned when they were ready to come out from hiding. There was also the little fact that with the rapid influx of technology being developed so quickly, theirs would slowly become antiquated and that fact was extremely unappealing to them. Holography was just one example. Shadow technology was impressive but there were other sciences coming to the fore, and the Technomages intended to be a part of the new age.

"Who are you?" Brindley recognized him for what he was but the true significance escaped him.

"That 'is' the question, isn't it," Galen mused. "My Order wishes to help in the defense of coming storm. We have been hidden in the shadows long enough."

"And exactly what are you bringing to the table?" asked the General. Brindley, like so many others had briefed about the Technomages and there were a few in the government that wanted to do more than just talk to them. They had apparently developed sciences that had the science departments and the military willing to give legs and feet for. "You're hardly a power. You serve no government. You're a bunch of glorified magicians." He realized that he was baiting the man, but essential what he was saying was true.

"What we are," said Galen slowly, "is a power you don't understand and can't comprehend."

"Just what we need," Christov murmured, "another clandestine organization coming out of the woodwork." Louder: "We know almost nothing about you."

"And if God is with you, Ambassador, you never will."

That was a clear threat, one not lost on the Ambassador or the General. Wisely, they chose not to say anything more. However Kosh had turned in his direction and proceeded to scrutinize him carefully.

"We accept," he pronounced.

Secretly Galen was overjoyed. The Order was just that, an Order. They recruited to increase their numbers and they would need entire worlds of technomages to stem an attack by the Sinhindrea. Simply put, they were too small to affect change by themselves. Sheridan and Delenn were studying him as if he were some sort of new and interesting insect. He allowed them to do so as he smiled blandly at them in return. If the Vorlon accepted him, the n he knew the others would swiftly follow suit. He already knew where Guinan stood. That left only the Shadow. But something was wrong. He could feel it emanating from the entity trying to burst forth.

It didn't take long.

There was a moment's hesitation in the Shadow's voice, as if it were still deciding at the last second, whether to speak or not. Something was indeed wrong.

But, again, Galen noticed, that although cautious, the Admiral didn't exhibit the natural fear or dread that everyone else did in the presence of these foul creatures. What type of aliens or entities had she come across to cause her to feel so comfortable? It was interesting. It was most interesting.

"Admiral Janeway," the alien said. "There is a problem."

"Yes?" she asked. "What is it?"

Sol system:

The starship Voyager, upon achieving orbit was flanked by several somewhat wary Earth Alliance warships. Hostilities had ceased however, there were a few die-hard Clark supporters in command. One of them was a Captain Dexter Smith, a survivor of the Babylon Five-EarthForce debacle who was now part of the Federation escort.

'To shoot or not to shoot', were the thoughts his mind continually came back to. 'That is indeed the question. But when to shoot is even more important'. His musings weren't serious as he had no intentions of attacking Voyager, but something had to be done about this situation. That battle had been lost – so be it; it was time to move on. Unlike some people, he looked at the bigger picture. He and his crew survived and that was enough.

Now, he was worried because there was no real government at this point. Sure, the President and the Senate was still in charge but they were sick and when the cure was administered and if it worked, then it would be weeks at the earliest before any type of stabilization would begin to assert itself on the planet. It was difficult to say the least to have a vulnerable interim government housed on a space station orbiting a plague world. The Military had no intentions of pulling a coupe but there was lots of grumbling. Ships were running on half rations and re-supply from Earth was impossible. Because of the quarantine, the mammoth drydocks and support stations' stores were dangerously low and being bled quickly. Damaged Earth Alliance ships, both civilian and military were totally dependent on their own stores and the good will of aliens. That last part goaded him to no end, however. He had no problem with aliens as some of his counterparts had, but like Clark he believed that Humans needed to chart their own destiny and not be dependent on aliens that would as soon kill you as look at you.

These Federation people were worse. Many of them were Human, but had no allegiance to Earth whatsoever and he could not understand that. This was their home, and even if they were from another dimension as some people claimed, they still should have had some sort of connection. They helped B5, but had not connected to Earth. Of course, Clark hadn't helped the situation by any of his actions, he reflected coldly. Things changed. Now Luchenko was in charge and he would follow her orders as he had sworn.

He sighed as he stared at the ISN ships and camera probes recording every movement of the Federation ship. Even with all of the death and destruction that had went on, they were still waiting for something else to happen, to titillate their voyeuristic obsession.That was all well and good. Every bit of information on Voyager's capabilities and actions by its crew would be on record to be studies by everyone as soon as this was over.

Voyager was now releasing a series of satellites that were placing themselves in synchronous orbit around the planet. For some reason, that he determined that he would find out about later, the signal had to be processed through a specialized transmitter that EA satellites didn't have in order for the cure to be effective; another safeguard by the Shadows.

They were receiving a transmission from the ship now. A now familiar face appeared onscreen.

"In fifty minutes we will activate the signal that will begin deactivating and destroying the nanoplague infecting Earth," the Captain of the Voyager said. "Once activated, the effect should be immediate. But according to our researchers, the first treatment inactivates the nanites. There must be a second treatment twelve hours later. It appeared to be a form of failsafe in case the creators decided to reactivate the plague. The second treatment causes the inorganic component to break down inside the body and that destroys the organic components shortly thereafter. We will repeat the process a total of three times to make sure that the entire planet has been exposed. Chakotay out."

Babylon Five:

"What type of problem are we talking about?" Janeway asked suspiciously. The Shadow was actually fidgeting.

"There are those," the Shadow Lord began, "that were not under our control. They have been compromised by the enemy. Three of our ships have been monitoring the situation at the Earth system. One of those vessels is returning to Earth to destroy that world. We are giving chase but our ships are still not within range."

The entire room exploded.

"And you're just telling us this NOW?" Brindley and Sheridan screamed at the same time.

Guinan stepped up to the Shadow, her face only inches away from the alien. "These people were embarrassed to say anything," she said loud enough for the sake of the audience although she was speaking directly to the Shadow Lord. "For their own petty reasons, they would prefer that the planet and the people cease to exist; but Lorien's presence is forcing them to reveal this little fiasco."

The Shadow Lord rose, lifting itself up to her full height and everyone tensed ready for a fight.

"We care nothing for Earth," it said. "The young one betrayed us and we will have retribution. But we have also made promises to the First One and we will honor that promise. The ship that is going to destroy your world carries the code for the termination sequence."

"Explain," growled a very angry Kosh.

"The renegade vessel is of the first order, one of our most powerful vessels. It is old even by our standards and its crew is completely compromised. The crew possesses the code that will change the plague's programming. It will become lethal and your people will cease to exist in less than twenty-four of your hours."

"You have the cure!" yelled Sheridan. "Why didn't you use it?" That was a pure bluff. He didn't, for a second, expect that the Shadows would provide the cure of a plague of their making.

"The young ones discovered the cure," she said pointing accusingly at the Admiral. "There was no need for us to interfere with their endeavors now. And we have not interfered with the fate of your world. If the vessel transmits the code before you effect the cure, your people will die. If the young one transmits within range first, they will live. We will try to stop our vessel, but your world's fate is now in your hands."

"And that's all you're planning to do?"

The Shadow Lord's eyes glowed dangerously. "We promised to protect Earth, not save it."

"Janeway to Enterprise."

"Enterprise here, Admiral. Is there a problem?"

Yes," she answered quickly. "There's a renegade shadow vessel in the vicinity of Earth's solar system. Voyager must not allow the ship to transmit a signal that will reconfigure the plague into a lethal variant. They must stop it at all cost."

"Acknowledged, Admiral. We've just received a message from a starship calling itself the Battlestar Galactica. You need to see this, Ma'am."

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," she said. "Stand by. One to beam up."

"Standing by."

"Good luck," a terrified Christov said, meaning every word. Behind him Sheridan, Brindley and the others echoed the sentiment.

She nodded quickly and hit her combadge once more. "Energize."

TBC