Into The Void U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D

The small task force under Picard had left Deep Space 6 nine days ago. The journey had been routine, if somber until they encountered a space anomaly two days ago. A ship thought to have been destroyed over 20 years ago had exited the anomaly. It was severely damaged and in need of immediate assistance. Picard and his fleet immediately responded to the distress signal.

Several questions remained unanswered, such as how the anomaly was formed and how long it would remain stable. Picard knew that Klingon patrols regularly passed through this region of space so that they couldn't stay here indefinitely. The repair crews were ordered to repair the Enterprise-C as quickly as possible. Once the repairs were completed, the Enterprise-C would travel to Deep Space 6 for more extensive repairs and a full debrief while the strike force continued with its mission.

Well, that had been the plan.

"Military Log. Combat date 43422.12. I am currently faced with a dilemma. The ship from the past must return to restore the timeline and avoid this war; at least, that is what Guinan believes. I trust her word above any other, and she has my full support. It took some convincing, but Captain Garrett has agreed to take the Enterprise-C back through the rift.

I have spoken with the other captains in my small task force, and several have expressed their skepticism. Captain Maxwell of the Phoenix has even offered to go himself to ensure that the timeline is corrected. I declined his request. I am tired of fighting a losing war. I am tired of death. I am tired of running. As the minutes pass, I realize I am faced with a difficult choice. Do I want to make a difference or continue to fight a meaningless war? I believe that I know the answer to that question.

End log."

U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-C

The ship had been a hive of activity during the past 48 hours. Engineering crews from each contemporary ship were still on board, affecting repairs. Captain Garrett was standing at the tactical console, working with her new tactical officer, Lt. Yar.

She had met with her remaining crew just 20 minutes ago. Garrett had to explain to them why they needed to return. Some crew members had expressed their concerns, while others questioned the decision to return to the past. They had already cheated death once; why should they press their luck? Garrett felt that was a valid argument. When she told them about the dire situation of the Federation, those concerns died out. Everyone was united in what needed to be done. Garrett was, once again, incredibly proud of her crew, confident that each would perform at their absolute best, despite knowing that they would most likely not survive the battle.

Garrett had just sat down in the command chair when they received the message. A Klingon battle group was inbound. All crews were to return to their ships immediately.

"I guess this is it," she said to no one in particular. "Mr. Castillo, plot a course for the rift. Await my order before engaging."

"Yes, Ma'am," came his response.

U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D

The tension was high on the bridge. Rear Admiral Picard assessed the increasing number of red icons on the tactical display. Commander Riker stood behind him, who had become the acting tactical officer in addition to his existing position as First Officer.

"Number and type, Mr. Crusher," came the order from Commander William Riker, which served as more of a formality than a necessity.

The young lieutenant j.g. replied, "three Vor'cha, six K'Vort, and three Birds of Prey, in a standard attack formation, Sir."

Picard continued to study the tactical display. He knew it would be a difficult battle against a Klingon force of that size. Even if his small strike force could protect the Enterprise-C long enough to enter the rift, they would be in no condition to execute their original mission. Riker took a look at the admiral and noticed him deep in thought. This wasn't unusual for Picard before a significant engagement, but he knew this time was different. The stakes were much higher, and, for the first time, he noticed a small bead of sweat on Picard's brow. No, this wasn't normal at all.

Picard realized that he had a decision to make, really only one decision to make. A few seconds later, he stood up and said to no one in particular, "we have run out of time."

"Commander Data, open a channel to all ship captains immediately," ordered Picard.

The android Data, unaffected by the tension everyone else experienced, replied, "channel open, Sir."

U.S.S. Phoenix

Maxwell knew what Picard was thinking. The incoming Klingon battle group was going to be very difficult to defeat. Picard had developed a reputation among the fleet as a tactical genius. But it didn't take a genius to realize that it would take a miracle for them to protect the Enterprise-C and survive the battle. Something needed to be done now, or they would lose everything.

"Lt. T-Pell, open a channel to the Enterprise-D," Maxwell ordered as he stood from his seated position.

"Captain, then Enterprise is hailing us. Admiral Picard wants to speak to all ships," the stoic Vulcan informed the captain.

"On screen."

U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D

"Captains, we have run out of time. Enterprise-C must return to its own time to prevent this war from happening. After careful consideration, I have decided to take Enterprise-D back to ensure we are successful. We must prevent this war, and the Federation must survive. This opportunity is too important to squander."

Everyone on the bridge paused momentarily when they heard Picard's plan. Riker looked at everyone and simply nodded. With that small gesture, everyone returned to their assigned tasks.

The first captain to offer an opinion was the Bolian captain of the Excelsior-class USS Hood, Captain Adott Somin. "Admiral, while I respect your aims, I have to question your methods. The sacrifice of Enterprise-C should be enough to prevent the war without polluting the timeline. Their deaths will be considered honorable by the Klingons. Your involvement isn't necessary."

Captain Tuvok of the New Orleans class USS Adventure also added his thoughts. "Admiral Picard, are you sure your decision isn't based more on emotion than on a critical review of the facts? Logic would suggest that simply attempting to restore the timeline to its original state should suffice in preventing our current timeline from ever occurring."

Picard carefully studied each captain's face on the main viewer. He understood their positions. At another time, he might have made a similar argument. However, today was not that day.

"Captains, your points are well taken. However, my decision is made," Picard said in a tone that left no room for further discussion. "We are going. Captain Garrett proceed into the rift. The rest of the fleet will proceed with the mission. Captain Maxwell, you will command the fleet in my absence. Picard ou….."

"Wait!" Came a last-minute request from Maxwell. "Admiral, if you're going, then so are we. Your ship evens the odds; my ship will ensure a victory," he growled. Maxwell knew that as soon as he heard Picard's plan, this was the opportunity he was looking for to honor his family. He could do this by preventing the war from happening in the first place. There would always be more Klingons to kill. But he would never be presented with another opportunity like this.

Picard considered the request for a moment and then gave the order. "Captain Maxwell, you will accompany us through the rift. All other ships proceed with the mission. Captain Tuvok will assume command of the strike force. Picard out."

Picard stood up from his chair and looked around the bridge. He knew what he had just asked his crew to do: leave everything they knew to return to a past where they didn't belong. Picard wondered if this was a fate worse than death. He then sat down and gave his final series of orders. "Mr. Crusher. Take us into the rift. Commander LaForge maximum power to shields. Commander Riker, I want firing solutions on all Romulan targets as soon as we clear the rift."

He then opened a ship-wide channel for the final time in this timeline. "Attention, all hands, I have asked a lot of you during this war, and your performance has been exemplary. Now, I ask you to make an even larger sacrifice. I ask this to save the Federation and provide a better future for our families. Picard out."

The three captains each experienced a different emotion as they approached the rift.

Picard felt anxious as he reflected on the words from the Vulcan captain. He had considered all available options. Joining the Enterprise-C was not only the best option but, as far as Picard was concerned, it was also the only option. As Picard reflected more on the decision, he realized that entering the rift was the closest they had come to exploration in decades, the main reason he joined Starfleet in the first place. There was no longer any doubt that this was the right decision and that he had now hoped for a better future.

Garrett felt hopeful and, dare say, optimistic. Her still-damaged ship needed all of the help it could get. The Enterprise-D would be more than enough to defeat two Romulan Warbirds, plus whatever reinforcements may be present. With the addition of a Nebula class strike cruiser also joining them, the Romulans wouldn't stand a chance. The death sentence for her and her crew had been lifted. Garrett could sense the tension ease just a little on the bridge. A small smile began to appear on her face as they entered the rift. "The Romulans are about to get a nasty surprise. I can't think of anyone more deserving," she shared with Lt. Castillo, who nodded in agreement.

Maxwell felt something that he hadn't in years: hope. They were going back to prevent the war. He had nothing to live for in their timeline, having lost all the reason to live since the Klingons killed his family. Now, Maxwell only lived for revenge. If they remained in the current timeline, he and his crew would die, and their deaths would be meaningless. They would die defending a Federation that may, or may not, defeat the Klingons. In the past, he could make a difference. He was going to dominate the Romulans and then try to start over. If a few Klingons got in the way…..

Without another word, the three ships entered the rift into a universe none could have ever imagined.