CHAPTER 23 of the Phoenix and The Wolverine
Somewhere in between dimensions...
What the heck were those two idiots ? Thought General Q in annoyance.
He had been searching for the two Qs for a long time; this was odd.
Usually he could detect where any Q was if he wanted to speak to him or her.
But for some reason his senses were leading him on what old earth humans would have called a 'wild goose chase'.
This is just a game to them; thought the Q as he fumed; no wonder their son was so irresponsible.
They had to be up to something...he didn't care if it took him eons he would look for them as long as it took.
That bloody temporal anomaly could wait; it could be fixed easily so there was nothing to worry about.
Romulan neutral zone; The USS Dunkirk...
We're finally here, thought Oma as she maintained the ship's position.
Today she was on the bridge being supervised by Lieutenant Commander D'aran Tshula.
Usually she would be so thrilled to be piloting the Starfleet vessel; but today she did it with well hidden trepidation.
Because in a few minutes; the romulan delegation would be boarding the Dunkirk. The ship was currently on yellow alert; as far as Oma was concerned , a red alert was a lot more appropriate.
A quick look at the viewscreen showed the 6 Romulan Warbirds that were currently within the Federation borders.
With permission of course.
The other obvious anomaly was the massive whirling mass that looked like a storm cloud on the horizon.
Only that it was in a section of space which had never had such a thing before.
"This is strange," muttered the Trill beside her "the readings don't seem to make sense."
He glanced at the ensign beside him. "What do you think ensign?"
Oma thought carefully and quickly before answering; she had to take every question as an evaluation even if asked in a casual manner.
"The readings are giving conflicting reports...there is a 85% chance that what is before us is a..." she looked at her readings again "...a simple temporal displacement; a tear in time and space..." her voice faltered again.
"Then again it looks like something else doesn't it?" added D'aran in a soft encouraging voice.
"I..." Oma felt herself sweating " the readings state it also has fluctuating levels of neutrinos and...verterons...this doesn't make sense."
"Neutrinos and verterons...where have you heard of those occurring...naturally?" said the Lieutenant with a small smile.
Oma felt she knew the answer...but it was just out of reach.
"I..."
"The Bajoran wormhole," interrupted another male voice.
D'aran frowned before turning to face a human male Starfleet officer.
"Thanks; so much for your contribution Lieutenant Commander Flint," there was a slight edge in the Trill's voice to show that he had not appreciated the interruption.
Klaus Flint looked calmly at him. "We don't have time for teaching; the romulans are on their way to the bridge...by the way you're welcome."
The officer returned to the security station.
D'aran resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the lieutenant commander's crisp cold tones.
When he had first met the human commander he had been a bit startled at his aloof attitude and almost Vulcan behaviour.
He observed the man for a few months and realized he behaved like that to everyone.
Many thought it was due to his extremely conservative English background and upbringing.
D'aran had many humans who were his friends and some vulcans...but Flint just annoyed him a lot.
The trill turned back to see Oma's face was slightly reddened.
Oh Gods; she had been embarrassed; now he felt even more annoyed.
"Well...the romulans seemed very puzzled by this anomaly. Can you guess why?"
From his security station; Klaus looked up and glared at the back of the Trill's head.
Oma stared at the senior officer beside her.
"The bajoran wormhole has an enormous financial and political impact on Bajor and DS9. It is also a significant strategic anomaly as was seen in the Dominion War."
D'aran nodded; he was no longer smiling. "And?"
"Having a second stable wormhole which straddles the Federation/Romulan Neutral Border...could disrupt the current balance of peace in this quadrant."
The Trill nodded with a solemn look. "Excellent deduction ensign...now you know how important this mission is."
Oma could say no more for that was when the romulans arrived on the bridge.
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The transporter room; a few minutes earlier...
Captain Singh had waited with Captain T'Laina of the USS Endeavour , Captain Rhalen T'shar of the USS Zeus and Lieutenant Commander Shan.
They had barely arrived in the area less than 20minutes ago and already the Romulans were asking to come on board to discuss the anomaly.
Well at least they had asked to come on board...but Singh had a funny feeling that they were in a hurry.
On the way from starbase 47; the Starfleet captains had been told they would meet with Captain T'Rehu Maelrok of the Decius; a romulan warbird.
At the moment the sensors of the Starfleet ships could only detect 5 other romulan warbirds.
There was no other information of who else was accompanying her.
But Singh could bet his next meal that she would have at least two Tal Shiar with her.
This anomaly was too important for them to ignore.
Commander Atavi had already run preliminary scans from her astro-physics lab and to state that she was excited was the understatement of the century.
If what she said was possible...then Starfleet may have a big problem on their hands.
He doubted their first reaction would be one of excitement and enthusiasm.
As the romulans materialized on the transporter platform; he wondered how many other 'cloaked' warbirds were in the territory.
5 romulans appeared on the transporter pad.
Right away Singh knew which two were Tal Shiar.
Suddenly he wished he had asked Starfleet for more ships.
The captain of the Dunkirk kept a calm expression and moved forward to greet the 5 expressionless romulans.
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Major Nveid Solius stayed in the background as Captain Maelrok introduced herself and those accompanying her.
The Tal Shiar noticed the security personnel and the way a male andorian Starfleet officer watched each of them. The pips on andorian's collar identified his rank as Lieutenant Commander.
When Maelrok introduced Colonel S'Tokkr; his blunt reply clearly showed his lack of respect.
Major Nveid Solius hid a sigh of exasperation.
The Federation may not be their allies...but that did not mean one was not courteous. When it got to his turn; he smiled and answered politely.
The Tal Shiar colonel gave him a sharp brief glare before turning back to the Starfleet officers; especially focusing on the Vulcan federation officer.
T'Laina; the female Vulcan captain stared back calmly at him. Not in the slightest intimidated.
"Captain Singh, the empire appreciates your prompt arrival," said Maelrok in a smooth tone. "Shall we get to work?"
Singh nodded. " Of course; please come this way...we will be going to the bridge."
Nveid smiled even more; maybe he could learn some more things about this ship before this mission was over.
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USS Dunkirk; the bridge...
Oma tried to control her racing heart as she heard the turbo-lift doors open.
She distinctly heard the captain explaining to the romulans where they were; then she heard him call Commander Atavi to join them in the ready room.
Oma was about to release a sigh of relief when her sensors picked up a familiar reading.
"Captain; a ship just emerged from warp...it's klingon," said Oma out loud.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"Where ensign?" ordered Singh.
"It emerged right in-front of the anomaly."
Singh felt dismay and shock radiate from Maelrok before she shut it down completely. The Starfleet captain was careful not to show any indication that he noticed.
Oma zoomed in with the lens for the viewscreen and a Klingon Bird of Prey seemed to linger before the anomaly for a few minutes before turning round and approaching the three Starfleet ships..
The five romulan ships moved to intercept.
"What is that doing here?" asked Maelrok with a glint in her eyes.
"I have no idea...I was hoping you would enlighten us," said Singh calmly.
"Captain," called D'aran " we're being hailed."
"Let's hear it Mr Tshula," said Singh.
Before long the viewscreen showed a battle scarred male klingon facing the screen.
"Hail USS Dunkirk; well met. This is Captain Karath of the IKS Y'tem. What brings you to this part of the galaxy?"
Singh opened his mouth to speak but S'Tokkr beat him to it.
"You have no business here."
Karath smiled calmly. "On the contrary...the Federation and the Klingon empire are allies. If there is a...significant anomaly that is so important to them; I believe we should also be involved," he paused.
"Anyway; I doubt you are the captain of the Dunkirk. I was addressing him and certainly not you." The klingnon;s voice was calm but the light is his eyes was cold when he looked at the romulans.
Singh jumped right in before the romulan succeeded in insulting the klingon captain.
"Hello Captain Karath; I am Captain Terence Singh of the USS Dunkirk.
We're here to investigate the anomaly...we were invited by the Romulan empire."
Karath watched him for a while. "Is that so? Now that is interesting...this anomaly also appears to be... expanding into Federation space.
You might require more help in case it gets out of hand."
Singh looked at the klingon for a long time.
S'Tokkr smirked openly; certain of the outcome.
"Captain Karath, your help is appreciated and accepted as well."
Maelrok felt her lower jaw drop.
"What?!" asked a clearly incensed S'Tokkr.
Nveid could not help but smile at his senior colleague's anger. Maelrok wisely kept silent.
"Captain; we requested only the Federation..." started S'Tokkr in a harsh tone.
"And we have arrived but it looks like we may need a different perspective to understand what is going on here.
Besides; that anomaly is encroaching into Federation space...so we are entitled to ask any of our allies for help as well," said Singh calmly. He was clearly not intimidated by the Tal Shiar.
"Excellent; two of my crew and I will be beaming over shortly," said Karath with a huge grin which now reached his eyes. The view screen changed back to show the huge rotating cloud-like anomaly.
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Teleporter control room...
Once again Captain Singh found himself back in the teleportation room to welcome the new arrivals. He had asked the romulans to stay in the captain's ready room with his 2IC; Commander Caleb Bishop.
But Colonel S'Tokkr had argued that he wanted to see the klingons; until the silent Major Nveid Solius spoke.
The young romulan had calmly advised his superior to stay in the ready room while he accompanied Singh to meet the klingons.
The two Tal Shiar had stared at each other for what seemed an eternity before S'Tokkr agreed to Singh's surprise.
Why would a senior Tal Shiar obey a junior one ? Thought Singh.
Captain Singh tried to get a read of the younger romulan's feelings.
Now and then he could detect curiosity, especially when they had been on the bridge but nothing else. For now; it looked like Nveid kept his emotions under control.
It was not long before the familiar sound of transporters heralded the arrival of the klingons.
There were three of them; two males and one female.
First off the platform was Captain Karath.
"Captain Singh, it is an honour to meet you," said Karath with an easy grin as he clasped the starfleet's officer's right forearm.
Singh succeeded in not wincing at the firm grip and thought he detected a mischievous light in the klingon's warrior's eyes.
"The honour is all ours Captain Karath. Welcome to the Dunkirk."
Karath nodded and gestured towards the other two klingons.
"My science officer Lieutenant Commander Mirta" the female klingon nodded; her face expressionless.
"...and my security officer Commander K'laz."
The male klingon grunted in reply. Karath gave him a wry look before acknowledging the romulan who was silently watching them.
Singh did not waste any time introducing him. "Major Nveid Solius of the Decius."
Nveid did not bother correcting the captain of his ship's name. The human captain could not have known that he and S'Tokkr had simply 'invited' themselves to Captain Maelrok's ship.
"You and the other...one are Tal Shiar; are you not?" asked Karath bluntly.
Nveid raised an eyebrow. "How did you know?"
Karath just smiled coldly. "A feeling." He turned back to the captain of the Dunkirk.
"So what is that anomaly out there?".
Singh smiled dryly. "That's what we're trying to figure out Captain Karath...let's continue this conversation in more appropriate quarters."
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The bridge...
Oma was waiting to use the turbo-lift when it opened to reveal it's occupants.
It was time for her shift break and she had just been relieved at the helm.
Captain Singh was the first one out and he nodded to her as she stood by respectively. Then she turned to see three klingons and one romulan staring at her.
"What do we have here?" she heard one of the male klingons say softly in his native language.
She recognised him as Captain Karath.
Oma saw the insignia on his uniform. "Welcome to the Dunkirk, Captain."
The other male klingon muttered something which earned him dark looks from his captain and the female klingon. He fell silent when he noticed his captain's furious expression.
Oma felt her face heat up; she had heard what he said and had understood it perfectly.
He had called her a weakling that should have died at birth.
Nveid's gaze sharpened; apparently he also understood klingon.
"Something wrong?" asked Captain Singh; gone was his soft voice, now replaced by a hard cold tone.
"Not at all captain; K'laz is aware of where he is," said Karath in a soft deceptive voice " and also what he needs to do now."
The last bit was said with a growl.
K'laz looked a bit embarrassed and quickly growled an apology.
Karath looked at Oma.
"Accepted," she replied in klingon; her expression was cold.
The klingon captain looked at her.
"Daughter of Kahless...what house do you come from ?"
Oma looked at him. "The house of Kadretti Captain."
Karath stared at her and grinned. "Ah I see; you claim your human father's house first...and with pride as well.
Come to think of it...it does sound like a strong klingon name."
Oma wisely kept silent. She knew he wanted to know which klingon house she was related to...but she was not going to make it easy for him.
"I believe Ensign Kadretti is just about to change her shift; please come this way," said Singh as he tried to draw their attention away from her.
Karath nodded with an easy grin. "Of course; of course...till we meet again daughter of Kahless."
Oma nodded and quickly made her escape.
It was afterwards that she realized that the romulan, Nveid had said nothing the entire time but he had been watching and he had a strange light in his eyes.
Alone in the turbo-lift; Oma felt her knees shake.
She could not wait for this damn mission to be over.
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The captain's ready room...
Singh waited until everyone was seated before he began introductions.
The 5 romulans; the captain with her science officer; security chief and the two Tal Shiar.
The three klingons; captain Karath; science officer Lieutenant Commander Mirta and security officer Commander K'laz.
Between the two groups sat science officer Commander Shila Atavi , Lieutenant Commander Telev Shran, Commander Caleb Bishop the 2IC of the Dunkirk, Captain T'Laina of the USS Endeavour and Captain Rhalen T'shar of the USS Zeus.
All romulans eyed the klingon with open hostility; except Major Nveid Solius. He seemed preoccupied by something else.
"Why are you here?" asked S'Tokkr abruptly. His question was directed towards the klingons.
"The same reasons you all are here as well...we heard that a wormhole was opening up on the Neutral Romulan border," answered Karath easily.
"But this hardly concerns you; how did you hear about the anomaly?" asked Maelrok with narrowed eyes.
"Oh sensors are wonderful machinery; you never know what you will pick up," said Karath wryly.
S'Tokkr's face darkened with anger. He opened his mouth to speak.
"It does not matter how we each found out," started Singh " what matters is what that anomaly is and how it can impact the stability of the region.
I presume that is why the Romulan Empire asked for our assistance.
He looked at the romulan group.
Maelrok nodded. "Quite right...it is common knowledge that due to the proximity of DS9 to the Bajoran wormhole; Starfleet is the leading expert in the only naturally occurring wormhole...that we know of."
Singh nodded warily.
The Bajoran wormhole was more than 10,000 years old and was the only naturally occurring stable one in existence. It crossed some 70,000 light years and had one terminus located in the Denorios belt of the Bajoran system in the Alpha quadrant with the other at a point near the Idran system in the Gamma quadrant.
Since Bajor joined the Federation in 2379; a lot more research had been done on the wormhole and experts stated there were still a lot of questions that needed to be answered.
"But this anomaly is not yet a wormhole," added Commander Atavi.
Everyone looked at the orion science officer.
"However it has the features of one," commented Lieutenant Commander Mirta in a calm voice.
"I agree on that...but it's still quite unstable...by the by when your ship came out of warp right up to it...did you detect anything unusual...like a gravitational pull?" asked Atavi.
Mirta shook her head. "No," she glanced at her captain with an exasperated look"...we did it to see how similar it was to the Bajoran wormhole.
As you know; once you approach the bajoran one it gently draws you in while activating the wormhole.
But this one did not react at all...we did get some good readings."
"That was kind of dangerous," said Telev calmly "you could have been pulled in."
Karath grinned at him. "One must take risks to progress Mr Shan."
Telev smiled dryly and raised an eyebrow; once he had heard the name of the klingon ship he realized he recognized the name.
He had heard of the IKS Y'tem; it had fought like a demon during the Dominion War thus needing crew replacements frequently to replace those slain in the war.
A quick background check had shown that Captain Karath had been a crew member of the IKS Y'tem for those two deadly years of war.
Apparently from his recent actions; it showed that he was not tired of flying into danger. This matter of the wormhole had to be handled very carefully.
"Agreed," said Telev.
S'Tokkr's expression was getting darker by the second.
Nveid decided to talk before his senior colleague exploded with his fury.
"We also have some data that we are willing to share."
Karath raised both eyebrows at his statement. Singh knew how he felt; who ever heard of Tal Shiar sharing anything...willingly.
Nveid continued. "But we must prepare for certain...scenarios."
"Such as?" asked T'Laina; the female Vulcan captain of the USS Zeus.
"The possibility that this wormhole, which is almost as big as the Bajoran one will eventually stabilize and thus link us to another quadrant."
"You're...worried of what may be on the other side?" asked Captain Rhalen T'shar.
"Not just what...who and if they created the wormhole...why here and now," said Maelrok.
There was silence for a while.
The Dominion had invaded the Alpha Quadrant through the Bajoran wormhole. The conflict had lasted 2 long years.
Everyone in the room had fought in the Dominion War and they had survived it but billions had not.
Many worlds were still recovering and had a long way to go.
"The best thing to do would be to send an expedition through the wormhole," said Karath. Beside him his science officer tried to hide a look of dismay.
"When it is stable of course," added the klingon captain to his officer's relief.
"That will not be allowed," snapped S'Tokkr. Karath glared at him.
"And on what grounds will you refuse me passage?" said the klingon captain through gritted teeth.
"On no grounds," cut in Singh before the colonial romulan could reply.
"As I said before; the anomaly may have started in the Romulan Neutral zone but the readings taken since we got here shows it has expanded into the Federation borders," he paused.
"Captain Karath; thanks for the suggestion...but that anomaly needs to be observed extensively before we proceed to an experimental manned journey."
Karath looked like he was about to protest then shrugged. "Fair enough...but we would also like to observe. Mirta will give you the data we have collected so far."
"We will also need a copy," said Maelrok " to compare with ours of course."
"Oh certainly," said Mirta with a grim smile at the female romulan captain.
"Fine," said Singh with a small polite smile " then let's get to work."
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The Xavier, the bridge...
Jean had been talking to Lieutenant Edmondson; the pilot of one of the raptors when Xavier warned her of a FTL signature. As the computer described the new arrivals; Laura was already at the helm moving the ship to intercept.
"Lieutenant! Get your group back to the fleet at once; Xavier just told me some ships are coming...possibly cylon."
Jean switched off and mentally reached for the CMS; she had to find out what was flying those ships.
The Galactica, the CIC...
"Sir," called Dualla in a troubled voice " DRADIS contact...cylon signatures!"
"Where?" asked Logan and the Admiral at the same time. The two men looked at each other for a brief moment before turning back to the DRADIS screen.
Dualla answered without looking up from her screen.
"They are between us and the Gemenon Traveller...wait ! The Xavier is moving in to intercept."
Adama heard Logan mutter "no" in horror.
The mutant tapped his com-badge. "Jean come in," his voice was anxious.
A few seconds passed before a young feminine voice answered.
"Hi captain; it's Laura...we kinda busy at the moment," her voice sounded calm and focused.
"Beam Q or myself on board now and do not engage."
Adama shared a puzzled look with Saul Tigh at the strange word.
"No can do captain," replied Laura in the same calm voice "Jean's orders...give us a few minutes while we engage."
Logan looked at the com-badge in horror.
"Laura no! Do you hear me?"
There was silence for a bit then those nearby heard the following.
"Sorry captain; you're breaking up."
Logan felt like smashing something; he knew Laura heard him loud and clear.
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The Galactica; medical bay...
"Condition Red; cylon attack! This is not a drill!"
Q Junior had just finished treating a patient when the klaxons went off. He turned to look at a very pale Sharon Agathon.
When Logan came over earlier and stated he was leaving Sharon to assist him; Q Junior had been very upset.
He was a Q and almost the equivalent of a 15 year old human teenager; he did not need a baby sister! But after one look at the steely expression on Logan's face ; he realized he better agree if he did not want to be embarrassed even more.
At first she had been silent and then she started speaking to some of the patients he was treating. He had to admit that having her help was very useful.
Miracle worker or not; some of the patients had been scared of him; it was only her reassurances in those cases that had enabled him approach and treat the patients.
He could tell she wanted to ask him some questions but she resisted the temptation. He wondered what she wanted to talk about.
Then the alarm sounded.
His first thought went to Laura and Dr Grey.
He stood up; ignoring the panicked looks several patients sent his way and he tapped his 'X' combadge.
"Xavier; come in."
It took a few minutes before he heard Dr Grey's voice.
"What's going on Dr Grey?"
"20 cylon ships dropped out of a jump...appears to be 18 raiders and ...two other things. There is no need to beam onboard; watch out for Logan."
Then she stopped the transmission.
Q was about to demand that Xavier beam him up when he noticed the cries of alarm around him. The patients were staring at him in fear and even Sharon looked very worried; but it was what she said next that shocked him.
"Don't use the light thing; they are not used to it...it may cause a panic."
It took a few seconds before he realized what she meant.
Beaming up in the middle of a panicked medical ward would only contribute to the chaos...and besides he was a medic and could not abandon his patients.
"Right," said Q Junior acknowledging Sharon's advice " I...I need to speak to Captain Logan."
Then his combadge went off. "Q you there?" It was Logan's voice.
Q Junior touched his to respond. " Yes captain; I just spoke to Jean and she's ordered me to stay here."
He heard Logan swear. "Q; stay with Sharon and Dr Cottle. I'm about to leave the CIC and get to the shuttle bay."
"I can come as well!" protested Q Junior .
"No, we may have injured coming in..." Logan's voice trailed off.
Q Junior and Sharon shared a worried look. "Captain; what's going on?"
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The Xavier, the bridge...
Once Laura terminated the transmission to Logan; she concentrated on the helm controls.
As she flew straight at the 20 cylon ships; she noticed several things.
The 20 ships rushed to meet her while The Gemenon Traveller and its escort fled back to the Galactica.
She also knew that from the apparent stillness of Jean; that she was using the CMS again.
As the cylons began to launch ineffective nukes that exploded on the shields; Xavier warned Laura that the cylons had tried hacking the computers again.
As predicted the attempt failed but this was all Laura needed as an excuse to shoot the ships down.
She did not send any warning but started taking out the ships simultaneously.
Two vipers detached themselves from the Gemenon traveller to assist but by the time they were in range; Laura was chasing the last 3 cylon ships.
As she picked them off; Xavier calmly stated two of them were broadcasting an encoded message.
"Note its destination," said Laura before she eventually got the last one.
All in all the total destruction of the 20 ships took less than 4 minutes.
She turned round to see Jean shakily disengage from the CMS.
"Jean; you okay?"
The telepath looked up to see the concern on the young girl's face.
"We've got a problem."
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Logan was ordering Q Junior to stay in the medical bay when one of the colonial officers shouted joyfully that it was all over.
As the CIC erupted in cheers; Logan noticed a few people were not celebrating.
The Admiral; the CAG and the XO.
Logan could relate; the cylons had tracked them down.
How the hell had that happened?
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The Galactica; the CIC...
Once the excitement had died down; Admiral Adama tersely ordered the fleet to jump; he hesitated for a few seconds before sending the co-ordinates to the Xavier.
He turned round to find Logan watching him warily.
The captain of the Xavier looked at him as if he knew why he hesitated.
"Let's take this to my office," said the colonial admiral.
Logan nodded slowly. "Ensign Q Junior will join us."
It was not a request. Adama turned to his son while Logan notified the hologram to come to the CIC and to bring Sharon with him.
"I don't think having it there is a good idea," whispered Lee urgently to his father.
The Admiral kept silent and glanced at Logan who was watching them with narrowed eyes; his arms hanging loose by his side.
Adama wondered how fast he could draw his blades.
The sane part of him warned him that it would not be a good idea to see how fast he moved.
"Logan; this is Jean."
Admiral Adama and Lee looked at the 'X' emblem on Logan's shirt.
Logan tapped it before answering. "You guys alright?"
"We're fine; the shields and hull are intact. The cylons tried to hack us again but were unsuccessful."
The Admiral felt some relief flow through him even though his silent XO and the CAG still looked suspicious.
"However; we may have a problem."
Those few words caused the Adama's heart rate to pick up.
"Dr Grey; let's discuss this somewhere more...appropriate."
There was silence for a few seconds before she replied.
"Do you need me to come over ?"
"No," answered Logan curtly "I need you to watch our six until we find out what is going on."
Adama frowned at the words used; they sounded so similar to an old military phrase; but the meaning was just out of reach.
"Fine...we will be monitoring your frequency."
Logan relaxed a bit; apparently whatever message he had passed on had been received and understood.
"Then how do we discuss with Dr Grey?" asked Colonel Tigh.
The look Logan gave him could have cut glass. "She will speak through the com-badge."
"Sirs."
Everyone turned to face Lieutenant Junior Grade Felix Gaeta.
"The fleet is ready to jump."
"Initiate," ordered Admiral Adama.
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The Galactica; the Admiral's office...
Everyone who needed to be present had arrived.
President Roslin and Vice president Zarek had been in the middle of a private meeting when the cylons attacked the Xavier. Their escort was trying to get them to Colonial one when they were told the brief battle was over.
They had been informed of the emergency meeting and had made their way to the admiral's office.
Ensign Q Junior had been with Lieutenant Sharon Agathon and Dr Cottle. He was now standing between Logan and the female cylon.
Also present was Starbuck; the CAG and Ensign Rogers.
When the alarms sounded; Kara had ran to the flight deck to lift off to fight the cylons but she never got to fly out because the battle had lasted less than 4 minutes.
Gaeta and Foster were present to record and make notes.
For this meeting; there were no marines next door; instead they had a pair of guards outside preventing anyone coming in.
As for Saul Tigh; Adama had left him in charge of the CIC.
Having him too close to the hologram he tried to kill and the father of the daughter he shoved into the airlock was tempting the Fates a tad too much.
"We know why we're here," started Adama carefully as he looked at each person.
"How the frak did they find us?" asked Zarek coldly as he directed his stare at one person in particular.
Ensign Q Junior.
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Q knew that once the excitement was over; the accusations would begin with him.
Typical.
"I had nothing to do with the cylons coming here," he said as calmly as he could. Inside his anger was increasing and if he was not careful he would end up saying or doing something he would regret later.
"You expect us to believe that?" asked the CAG.
"Personally; I don't care what you believe," cut in Logan calmly. Everyone's attention was drawn to him; which was precisely what he wanted.
"I trust Q Junior and believe he had nothing to do with the cylons attack.
What I do know is that the cylons tracked us all to our last location and guess what happened next?" he looked at each of them.
"They ignored the fleet and went straight for the Xavier...tried to shoot it down and hack it's computer."
"What are you trying to say?" asked Roslin.
Logan turned to her. "The key to winning a war is keeping it simple.
When one is faced with overwhelming odds...the aim is levelling the playing field. In this case it's the Xavier.
The cylons saw what we did the last time we went toe-to-toe with a basestar but this time they sent 20 smaller cylon ships with a viral package in an attempt to disable my ship.
They want it intact...which means for now the colonial fleet is a secondary importance for them."
Adama understood where Logan was coming from but the obvious question still remained.
"This may be hard for you to believe but I also want to know how they found us...because I am not keen to lead them to Earth," said Logan.
"But you must admit that this looks odd...for this is the second time the cylons have found us," said the Admiral.
"And both times; Ensign Q Junior was on board this ship," continued the Admiral as his eyes rested briefly on the holo-emitter on the hologram's left shoulder.
Q did not miss the subtle gesture.
"If you're implying my holo-emitter had something to do with them tracking me; then you are completely wrong.
This device only projects my holographic signature. It barely registers as a beacon."
"But it does transmit a signal doesn't it?" asked Kara.
Q Junior looked at her. "Oh yes it does; but not strong enough for the cylons or you to pick up on."
"What proof do you have of that?" snapped Zarek.
The hologram looked at him; there was an expression of mild annoyance of his face.
"Vice President Zarek; what do you know of the solar system when the Temple of Hope was found; on Hera's planet?"
The man was a bit taken aback by the question.
"How does that relate to this..."
"Please sir; humour me," said Q Junior with a glint in his eyes.
"I...I don't know much of the system...but the cylons also found you there as well! So that's proof that they are tracking you!" said Zarek triumphantly.
If he expected Q Junior to be cowed by this revelation; he was in for a surprise.
"On the contrary sir," said the hologram dryly " as our ship and your ships noticed in that system; the star emitted very strong EMP signals which disrupted long range communications and affected the sensor capabilities."
He looked at Kara Thrace. "Am I right or wrong?"
" No; you're not," answered the female colonial pilot slowly " in fact we could hardly use our sensors and the communication array once the distance between our ships increased and we could not scan the surface of the planet either."
"Precisely," said Q Junior "so if that was the case how did the colonials and cylons arrive at that planet ?"
He answered his own question quickly. "Yes, yes. I know you explained you used the star charts in your sacred books...but the points I am trying to make here is that one; the signal from my holo-emitter is not strong enough to register on scanners."
The CAG found himself nodding; once they realized he was a hologram they had tried scanning him the second time he came on board and could not detect any signal.
"Two; I never got close enough to the cylons for them to pick up my holoemitter signature so it is highly unlikely that they are tracking the fleet through me!"
"Highly unlikely does not mean 100 percent impossible," said Zarek coldy.
"Then the only other option is for us to leave the fleet," drawled Logan to everyone's shock.
Sharon and Kara in particular looked very faint.
The vice president looked smug for a bit until he realized what that would mean. President Roslin looked like she was about to pass out.
The Xavier leaving the fleet would mean them being at the mercy of the cylons; with no way to Earth.
Logan noticed the expressions of dismay and raised an eyebrow. "Oh; was it something I said?"
Admiral Adama stared at the man before him. Before Boomer shot him in the chest he thought he was a pretty good judge of character.
It took a lot of time and self belief before he was able to be that confident of anyone again.
When he met Logan; his first impression was that Logan was no diplomat but may have a code of honour.
Now he was wondering if he had been wrong.
"Well; on that note it's high time everyone calmed down."
Everyone looked at Logan; they had all forgotten that two other people were listening to the current conversation.
"Nice of you to join us Jean," said Logan dryly.
"Yes quite," she sounded irritated "now if all of you have finished blowing off steam; there is something you need to know.
Right before Laura blasted the last cylon ship to smithereens; one of them succeeded in sending off a transmission."
"Do you know what was in it?" asked Admiral Adama in a concerned tone.
"No...due to their attempt at trying to hack our systems we did not attempt to record it in case it was a trap."
Several people nodded with approval and some form of relief.
"However we know where it was sent to...it's along our current projected route to Earth."
That made everyone pay attention.
"Are you sure Jean?" asked Logan.
"Absolutely...Xavier has triple checked the co-ordinates."
"Does that mean they know the route to Earth?" asked Ensign Rogers in dismay.
"Could be a coincidence," muttered Q Junior.
"Did you destroy that temple completely?" asked Adama as he stared at the hologram.
"Em...I was never near it; you would have to ask Dr Grey and the Captain."
"Admiral; the temple did not have Earth's co-ordinates and trust me when I say it was completely destroyed," said Jean calmly.
Some of the tension seemed to leave the admiral's body.
"So what do we do now?" asked the CAG.
Logan who had been silent throughout looked up. "A recon mission."
They all stared at him in disbelief.
"It's high time we found out what we were dealing with."
Behind the President; Tory Foster suddenly looked at her handheld communicator; a yellow blinking light was come from it. She frowned at it before flipping it open.
She became pale when she realized who was calling.
"You want to take the Xavier to the co-ordinates that we got?"asked Jean.
Logan nodded grimly. "It's something that needs to be done; we have to find out what we are dealing with...but arrangements will have to be made..."
"Laura and I are coming Logan," said Jean firmly to Logan's dismay.
He barely had time to protest before someone else starting speaking.
"Wait, wait! You can't take the Xavier to those co-ordinates!" protested Roslin " they might succeed in taking the ship away from you."
"Madam president; a few minutes ago more than one person indirectly accused Ensign Q of being the reason the cylons found you more than once.
This is the only way to prove you wrong while finding out the current military ability of the cylons and how they are tracking the fleet.
I believe it's a risk worth taking."
Before Roslin could say another word; her PA walked up to her and whispered several words urgently.
The President frowned and looked at her. "What ? Now?! Did you tell them that I was..."
"Yes I did Madam President," interrupted the frazzled PA " they are threatening to...," she glanced hurryingly at Logan.
"To go public with...how the First Contact situation has been handled if you and Vice President Zarek do not come now."
Roslin closed her eyes for one moment as she resisted the strong urge to swear.
She looked at Zarek who nodded angrily. They did not have a choice. She turned to see the rest of the room regarding her quizzically.
"The Quorum have demanded a meeting...Vice president Zarek and I have to attend. We will catch up later."
Logan raised an eyebrow but nodded as the woman left. The Quorum had to be something political...he bet there was some info about them in the files the colonials had given them earlier.
Once the two leaders left; they returned to the matter at hand.
"You don't have to do it alone," added the Admiral " 6 vipers and a few raptors may be helpful."
Logan was already shaking his head. "Thanks for the offer but no. Recon missions are successful with small numbers.
Which brings me to the next part." He looked at Lieutenant Sharon Agathon and Ensign Rogers.
"It may safer if you two remain back with the..."
"Sir; I'm volunteering for this mission," interrupted Sharon " I am the best cylon expert so you will need me."
"Count me in," said Ensign Rogers quickly "I'm a pretty good pilot."
"Permission to take part, Admiral," rapped out Lieutenant Kara Thrace crisply.
Everyone stared in surprise at the three colonial pilots.
Logan opened his mouth to speak.
"Well this is a pleasant surprise; I think it's a great idea to have Lieutenant Agathon; Lieutenant Thrace and Ensign Rogers," said Jean cheerfully.
Admiral Adama and Logan shared a slightly stunned look.
Ensign Q Junior's covered his eyes with his right hand and those near him could hear him muttering. "This is a disaster."
"Logan; we're going to need the extra help because we need experts on cylons...since we are going after them."
The captain of the Xavier looked like he was trying not to explode.
None of them knew if Dr Grey was aware of the confusion her words had caused but she had more questions to ask.
"By the by...are there going to be any more volunteers ?"
That was when Logan's face cleared and he knew what was really going on.
He turned to look at Agathon and Starbuck and their very pale expressions confirmed his suspicions.
"Let me guess," started Logan " Junior Lieutenant Anders and Captain Helo Agathon, am I right?"
It was Admiral Adama's turn to glare at his officers.
"Captain Logan; I need to speak to my junior officers."
Everyone knew he wanted to do speak to them alone.
Logan looked at him and nodded. "I need to speak to my crew as well. A few minutes should be sufficient."
Q Junior could not help but wince; Logan sounded really ticked off. He was just so glad that he was not the cause of his anger this time.
"I'll be waiting your call captain," added Jean; sounding very calm.
"Commander Lee will accompany you to...where ever you wish to have a private conversation," said Admiral Adama.
"Much appreciated," Logan said as calmly as he could before he and Q Junior left the room with the silent CAG.
"Ensign Rogers," barked Adama.
"Yes sir !" said the terrified pilot.
"Get Junior Lieutenant Anders and Captain Agathon in here as soon as possible."
"Yes sir!" Rogers cast the other two pilots a sympathetic look before practically running for the door.
Adama turned back to stare at the two colonial officers.
"We'll start when your other halves get here.
You four better have a pretty damn good explanation for what you were about to do."
Pale looking Lieutenant Kara Thrace swallowed before saying.
"Sir; I have no idea what you are talking about."
Adama looked at her as if she had grown an extra head.
"Oh really? Well let's hear what Anders has to say when he gets here."
He looked at Lieutenant Sharon Agathon; she said nothing but the steely look in her eyes said it all.
She was determined to go through with whatever she had planned; no matter the consequences.
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Logan barely registered the colonials who scrambled out of his way when they saw his expression of barely controlled anger.
Even the CAG was finding it hard to keep up. Not so Q Junior but he maintained some distance between himself and his irate captain.
Logan had told the CAG in terse words that he wanted to be taken to the delta shuttle.
Once they got to the main flight deck; Logan found himself thinking a bit clearer. Jean must know something he didn't.
That was why she was so eager for three colonials to come on board the Xavier. But this was a huge security risk.
Firstly the crew of the Xavier was only 5 in number and Logan had learnt the hard way not to underestimate what one person could do if he or she was intent on causing havoc.
Then again; anyone would have to be both blind and deaf to not realize that the colonials wanted the Xavier and it's technology.
Any colonial on board the Xavier would definitely have instructions from their superiors to learn what they could.
In Admiral Adama's place; he would give the exact same orders.
His thoughts were interrupted when someone came up to the CAG.
Logan turned to see Q Junior staring at a stocky tall man in oil stained overalls.
He was an exact twin to Tyre Galenius.
They had found the fifth doppelganger.
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Chief Tyrol had just finished refuelling one of the vipers when the klaxons started blaring. He had gone straight into auto-mode and was helping to prep vipers for flight when they got the all clear a few minutes later.
To his amazement; they heard that the Xavier had already blown up the cylons ships.
In the midst of the loud heartfelt cheering he had received orders to prepare for a jump.
Part of him wondered why they did not stay and fight while the saner part realized that there was only one Xavier and it would be wise to keep it intact until they found other Starfleet vessels.
He couldn't wait for his wife and son to get to Earth.
Despite how the morning's meeting had gone; he was certain that the crew of the Xavier and the Colonial fleet had to be working together towards getting the entire refugee fleet to the Thirteenth Colony.
Which was why he was stunned when an obviously furious Captain Logan stormed into the flight deck with a worried looking CAG and anxious 'hologram' following him.
Without thinking; Galen found himself drifting towards them.
Ensign Q Junior was the first to notice him; he slowed down as a brief look of surprise crossed over his face.
The CAG realized the 'hologram' was now behind him and turned to see what was holding him up.
"Chief; is there a problem?" asked Lee Adama with a frown on his face.
"Not really commander..." Galen paused now wondering why he had walked up to the senior officer "...just wanted to know if you needed any assistance."
The CAG looked irritated but managed a civil tone. "Not at the moment chief."
Galen nodded and turned to round to find Captain Logan staring at him.
For one split second; Galen felt the captain was looking deep into him to find out if he had a soul. The chief could not help but shake his head slightly; as he wondered where that thought had come from.
"And you are?" demanded Logan in a calm tone.
The engineer found himself straightening his spine. "Chief Engineer Galen Tyrol of the Galactica."
Logan's eyes narrowed a bit before answering.
"Any relation to Specialist Cally Tyrol?"
"Yes...she's my wife," said Galen; then his face flushed red as if he had just remembered something. "I...I never got the chance to say thanks to you and Dr Grey for getting her back to us in one piece...so I say thank you."
He timidly struck out his right hand.
Captain Logan appeared a bit stunned by this; however he hesitated only a bit before he briefly shook the engineer's right hand.
"You're welcome."
After that; an awkward silence descended between the four males.
"Well...I best return to work," Galen nodded at Captain Logan, the CAG and even the hologram before quickly making his escape.
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The CAG watched the engineer go with a puzzled look in his eyes and turned back to Logan.
To his relief; the fury that had been on the captain's face had been replaced by a thoughtful one.
Logan turned to the commander.
"Thanks for escorting us here; we'll get back to the meeting as soon as I discuss...the situation with my crew."
Lee really wanted to be present when Logan spoke to Dr Grey. He was sure that there was something important that he should know about.
Something that involved Sharon and Starbuck; even his dad had his suspicions; but he knew demanding to be present during Logan's meeting with his crew would only cause animosity.
"You're welcome...I will wait outside your shuttle."
Logan had a wry smile on his face; as if he knew what the CAG had been thinking.
"Of course," he looked at Q Junior and gestured with his head towards the shuttle. The silent hologram was quick to walk towards the ship and open the door.
Lee watched them enter the shuttle. Soon after the door shut; he realized this was the closet he had been to the strange craft.
A small smile appeared on his face; well since he couldn't go inside he might as well inspect the outside of the space-craft.
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Logan waited until Q Junior informed him it was safe to speak to Jean. He wanted to be sure that no one else was listening into this conversation.
"Alright Jean...what the hell is going on?"
Jean sounded cheerful when she replied. "We're doing okay over here Logan...thanks for asking."
Q watched the compress his lips in a tight line before trusting himself to speak.
"Jean...how are you, Laura and Xavier ?"
Aboard the Xavier; the two females exchanged an amused look.
"We're fine...I know you're pretty upset right now..."
Logan could not help but snort at that accurate statement.
"...but hear me out first.
Lieutenant Agathon is planning to kill herself in order to get on a resurrection ship so that she can rescue her daughter. This option is a last resort if we do not help her.
Sharon's husband; Kara Thrace and Junior Lieutenant Anders are helping her."
Why am I not surprised, thought Logan.
"As for Ensign Rogers...he's a mutant."
Q Junior's head came up; as his mouth formed a wordless what.
Logan's lower jaw dropped at the last part. "Come again."
"I used the CMS...he may be an empath with precognitive abilities.
He's just discovering this and he's very scared by it...he thinks he may be going mad. He will need help."
Logan was silent for a long time. Memories of Xavier's school for the gifted showed teenagers who had felt so secure about what they were.
All because someone told them they were not freaks.
Logan could imagine how frightened the young man must be.
When he had found himself walking around in the middle of nowhere in 1979; he had no memories of his adamantium claws or his mutant ability of fast healing and extreme speed and strength.
It came to his attention forcefully when some thugs tried to mug him one evening in the nearest town. They had been armed with guns and knives.
By the end of the attack; one man lay dead the others had been seriously injured but managed to escape with their lives while Logan just stood there staring at the metal claws and his rapidly healing wounds.
His mind had registered on two words that the surviving muggers had screamed before running.
Mutant. Freak.
It did not take long for Logan to find out that the general public disliked mutants.
He had left the town as fast as he could because he knew that even though he had acted in self defense; the authorities may ignore that because he was a mutant and just throw him into jail for the hell of it.
Logan did not cope well in cramped places with metal bars.
After leaving that town; he battled with self doubt and depression because of his obvious loss of memory and his strong wish to get rid of his blades and be normal.
However with time; he eventually accepted what he was and decided to hell with anyone else who thought different.
Going by what Logan had seen on the Galactica; he did not think the colonials might treat the ensign well if they found out he was a mutant.
"Are you sure about Rogers?" he asked carefully.
"Absolutely" said Jean with conviction.
Logan took a deep breath and shared a worried look with Q Junior.
"Okay...he I can understand...why should we help Lieutenant Agathon and her group?"
Jean tried to hide the relief she felt. It sounded like Logan was prepared to be reasonable; she had been expecting him to rant and rave in protest.
"You want a recon mission...which is a pretty dangerous thing to do but I understand why.
Would you not prefer to do it with a group that is least likely to betray or sabotage us?"
Logan tilted his head. "I see your point...but her main goal is the rescue of a child...who may not be hers. The big risk here is if she tries to take over the Xavier in order to carry out her main mission."
"Not if we show that we will help within reason," said Q Junior to everyone's surprise.
Logan raised an eyebrow. "You support this?"
The boy sighed. "I know this is highly irregular and very risky but consider the long term benefits...we help her and we get an ally. Also this will give us a chance to talk with Junior Lieutenant Anders."
"Good point," added Laura "by the by; it looks like we found the 5th twin...Tyre Galenius or should i say Galen Tyrol."
Logan frowned and nodded. "It appears so...it's just odd that their names are so similar...as if they are not trying to hide."
Q Junior looked at him. " So you think they are the 5 survivors of the Thirteenth Colony who were trying to get to Roslin's people?"
Logan released a sigh of frustration. " I don't know what to believe...except that doing a recon now...may be more important than ever. Something tells me that if we leave it too long...we'll have bigger problems."
"We're really doing this? Taking Sharon and her group on board?" asked Q Junior in surprise.
The captain looked irritated. "Yeah we are...I still don't like it but they may be the best of the lot. Each of us; including Xavier will have to watch them very carefully...the slightest hint of sabotage and they will spend the entire mission in the brig."
"Agreed," said Laura and Jean at the same time. Q Junior just nodded.
"But what if the Admiral does not want them on this mission?"
"Then we just have to convince him," said Logan grimly.
Q Junior looked at the determined look on his face and swallowed anxiously.
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Hi everyone; here's hoping you had a great Xmas and that the New Year is awesome for everyone. Please read and enjoy and this is my late Xmas gift to you all !
