Earth Liberation

U.S.S. Enterprise – Betazed – In Transit

Picard sat behind his desk and reflected on how different the situation was from the last time they traveled to Betazed. He turned and watched the stars streak by his ready room window as he reflected on their next steps and other possibilities. After a few minutes, he was in the proper frame of mind to record his log entry.

"Military log, supplemental. The Enterprise is a few hours away from Betazed. The planet is no longer under the protection of the Vorlons, and I feel it is now our responsibility to protect it. Given that it's doubtful we'll return to our native universe, I believe that it's essential that our crews maintain a connection to their native cultures and races where possible. We've been fortunate that we found Betazed and Earth in this universe. I intend to authorize expeditions to other Federation worlds as soon as possible. Hopefully, we'll confirm the existence of other native civilizations there. I've learned by being here that hope is a powerful tool to help preserve one's sanity. I need to give that hope to all of my crews. It's the least I can do.

End log."

U.S.S. Enterprise – Main Conference Room - Betazed – In Transit

-One hour later-

The attendees for the briefing were limited to senior officers only. Several Betazed officers wanted to join Gam and Troi; however, Gam thought it best that he and Troi present the plan together. Everyone reluctantly agreed. They were so close now that no one wanted to do anything that would jeopardize their goal of uniting with the Betazoids here.

"Mr. Gam, please present your plan."

"Yes, Sir. When we arrive in orbit, I would like to monitor their communications to understand the current situation on the planet. Once completed, Commander Troi and I will beam down and begin collecting on-the-ground intelligence. We expect that to take one or two days to complete, and then we'll approach the governor to begin First Contact. The most significant unknown right now is the Vorlons. We don't know if they notified Betazed before their departure and, if so, what was said."

"The use of our video from the Vorlons might be of assistance," Picard offered.

"Precisely, Sir. The Vorlons are almost mythical among my people. The video will help to separate the myth from reality."

"Very well. The approach is sound. Unless there are any questions, that will be all for now. Dismissed"

U.S.S. Phoenix – Main Briefing Room – In Transit – Earth

Captain Maxwell called the first planning session the second day after leaving Babylon 5. The attendees included Sheridan and the lead security officers from Earthforce, plus key Starfleet personnel from Phoenix and Destiny. Maxwell wanted to keep this meeting focused on the general mission plan and critical objectives. They wouldn't arrive at Earth for another four days, providing enough time to conduct further meetings and for the security teams to complete training on the holodeck.

"Captain Sheridan. Please proceed with the briefing," Maxwell asked Sheridan. Maxwell was seated at the head of the table, this time flanked by Riker and Garrett.

"Thank you, Captain. On the screen is the list of people we need to arrest; among them are President Clark and General Lefcourt." Sheridan used a PADD to navigate the names and images on the screen. Despite his lack of familiarization with Starfleet technology, he was proud that he didn't embarrass himself too much. "All of them will be in Earthdome when we arrive. The president rarely leaves his office and will most likely be there with his close advisors. The generals will most likely be in their offices or the Situation Room. The Chief Justice should be in chambers."

The image on the screen changed. The names and faces disappeared and were replaced by a tactical map of the Sol system with the two Starfleet ships represented. Maxwell picked up his PADD and then continued the meeting. "Thank you, Captain. Next, I would like to discuss the mission plan. Both ships will engage cloaks before we enter the system. Once in the system, Destiny will launch communications buoys that override Earth communications networks and maintain their position near Luna while Phoenix enters Earth orbit. We'll transport the occupants of the offices into the brig while also transporting Earthforce security personnel to secure the offices. Are there any questions?"

"Captain, I would like to transport to my father's house to coordinate with him and his people. As soon as we make the arrests, his people will move in to re-establish control of the government. Mr. Garibaldi will remain here to execute the arrest warrants," Sheridan said, then looked over at Garibaldi, who nodded.

"Sounds good. Also, Captain, I'll need you to bring an EarthGov representative back to call off the attack. The last thing we need is for a firefight to break out despite the arrests," Maxwell said with more emphasis than he had planned.

"Agreed. I'll inform my father before we arrive."

"Ok. That covers the major objectives. Now let's discuss the personnel assignments and logistics."

Destiny – Captain's Quarters – In Transit – Earth

-Two days later-

Garrett and Sisko were seated on the sofa in Garrett's quarters. Garrett drank one of Guinan's unique recipes, while Sisko drank straight black coffee. They met each morning at the beginning of the day shift to discuss official ship matters and the objectives for the day. Garrett had extended the daily tea in her quarters to develop a more informal relationship with Sisko. They had become closer, but she would hardly consider him a friend. He was still far too guarded to allow a friendship to develop so soon, even after months of being on the ship. Invariably, their conversations would turn towards ship matters, and today's conversation was no different.

"Ben, I hope that we can avoid combat on this mission. If not, I will try to apply the valuable lessons you've given me during the last few months. However, I would like you to be ready to assume command, if necessary," Garrett said as she looked at Sisko.

"Understood. I'll be ready."

Garrett looked down for a second before she changed topics. "What are your thoughts on traveling to Earth?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure." He had laid in bed the previous night thinking about it, and he was no closer to understanding his feelings. "My family isn't there, so it's not as if I am returning home."

"I know what you mean. We've both left so many people behind, people that we'll never see again. That said, I can't say that I'm disappointed that it's here. It may not be home, but I'll have to live with that."

"We all do."

U.S.S. Phoenix – Captain's Quarters - In Transit – Earth

-Next day-

Maxwell, Martinez, and O'Dell met every day in Maxwell's quarters as soon as Maxwell was off duty. The three men had become close over the last few months, and teaming up to free Earth was special to each of them, but for different reasons. Martinez and O'Dell had families suffering under Clark's regime and needed to be freed as soon as possible. Maxwell saw this as an opportunity for redemption, to save Earth now that he had the power to do so. His regrets and loathing from being unable to save his family and the Federation were finally fading. Martinez, O'Dell, and Gam had been instrumental in helping him finally let go of his emotional baggage, allowing him to move on with his life.

The three men were seated in the living area of Maxwell's quarters. Each man shared stories of what made home special for each of them. O'Dell had never been married like the other two men, but he maintained a close relationship with his mother and sisters. Maxwell observed that both O'Dell and Martinez were happy and then distressed when talking about their families. He marveled at the fact that it would have been him who would have been distraught just a few months ago. Maxwell knew how far he'd come but also realized that he still had work to do. He then stood up from the couch and walked over to the shelf just behind his desk, picking up a bottle containing a darker-colored liquid.

"Ben, do my eyes deceive me, or is that the fabled 'real' Jim Beam?' Martinez asked.

"I knew I liked you for a reason. You have an eye for quality. This bottle is the real thing, not replicated. Tomorrow we'll liberate Earth, and I felt that we should properly recognize this event," Maxwell said.

"Shouldn't we wait until after we've freed Earth?" O'Dell asked the pair.

"Where's the fun in that? Do you guys trust me or not?" Maxwell asked O'Dell.

"Of course, we do. Don't be ridiculous," O'Dell admonished Maxwell. "I guess I just need to get used to traveling in an invisible ship. I mean, who does that?"

"You have to admit he has a point, Ben," Martinez added.

"Apology accepted," Maxwell replied with a smirk on his face. "Anyway, the plan is solid, and if we have to fight, we have enough firepower available to achieve the objectives and make a hasty retreat, if necessary. We have no intention of making our presence known in the system and won't attack unless absolutely necessary."

"Good. You know, I'm more nervous now than when we fought the Shadows," O'Dell said while taking a sip of his drink.

"Same here. This is home, and our families are there. This mission is personal, a situation I never imagined being necessary. We're also just along for the ride. It's hard being here and not on the bridge of our ship," Martinez offered.

"Look at it like this; we probably wouldn't even be on this mission if it wasn't for y'all pushing me to speak with the admiral."

"It didn't take much of a push, Ben. You just can't wait to meet my sister," O'Dell said with a smile.

"Say, Ben, do y'all have any drugs for hangovers?" Martinez asked.

"You think I would keep this around if we didn't?"

"In that case, pass the bottle."

U.S.S. Phoenix – Bridge

-Next day-

"We're approaching the Sol system, Sir."

"Engage cloak. Signal Destiny to cloak as well. Slow to full impulse on my mark."

"Mark."

"Time to Earth orbit?"

"31 minutes, Sir."

The lights on the ship were dimmed to signify that the ship was cloaked. Tactical monitored the number of vessels in the system in case the Starfleet vessels were detected. Approximately 150 warships of various classes had been detected patrolling the system, though nothing posed a threat to the two ships.

Maxwell watched as the viewscreen displayed familiar names for planetary bodies as they approached Earth. The computer even identified the system as Sector 001, which he found very interesting.

"Captain Maxwell, how similar is our Sol system to yours?" O'Dell asked Maxwell.

"According to our computer, identical, except for some minor stellar drift."

"This must seem weird to you, seeing all this," Martinez asked Maxwell.

"You have no idea."

"Maxwell to Sheridan."

"Sheridan, here, go."

"Captain, as we discussed, get your people ready and head for the transporter rooms. We'll transport them once we reach orbit.

"Will do, Captain."

"Maxwell, out."

Earth - Earthdome – President's Office

-30 minutes later-

Clark was anxious, as usual. Several of his cabinet members were seated around the table in his office. Although it was the lunch hour, Clark hadn't bothered to have lunch catered for them. 'Typical,' Lefcourt thought. 'I hope they surrender. How much death is enough for the president?'

"Senator Bautista. Has Proxima III surrendered yet?"

"No, Mr. President. The colonial government still refuses to surrender."

"General, how many Earthforce ships have returned to the fleet?"

"None so far, Sir," General Lefcourt answered.

"All right then, we'll do this the hard way. Stella, get ISN in here. I'll make a statement, then order the attack!"

"Mr. President, it's only been four days. I thought we were giving the traitors a week to surrender," Lefcourt said to Clark.

"I don't see any reason to wait any longer. I want to end this. Now, do as I asked."

"Yes, Mr. President," the administrative assistant said.

"There won't be any dissension in the ranks this time, Sir," Lefcourt said as the assistant left the room.

"Be sure that there isn't. If there is, I will hold you personally responsible."

U.S.S. Phoenix – Bridge

Maxwell had to admit that as they approached, he half-expected to see Starbase 1 in orbit as it had always been. The lack of Starfleet ships didn't impact him much, as the tactical viewer showed vessels with very familiar names, only with E.A.S. replacing the normal U.S.S. The missing starbase, though, got him.

The voice from the helm officer pulled Maxwell away from his thoughts.

"Entering standard orbit, Captain."

"All right. Any signs that we've been detected?"

"No, Sir. We are secure."

"Transporter rooms. Proceed with the operation."

Over 100 Earthforce security personnel beamed down to Earth to secure Earthdome, a moment that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Earth Alliance history.

Earth - Ambassador Sheridan's Residence

David Sheridan paced nervously around his living room. Time was almost up, and he hadn't heard anything from John. He'd monitored ISN for updates all morning as he figured they would at least report if an enemy fleet approached Earth.

As he began to walk into his kitchen to pour himself another cup of coffee, he heard an unfamiliar noise. He turned to see a single transporter beam in the middle of his living room. He didn't know how to react, so he stood still and waited for the transporter beam to disappear, replaced seconds later by his son, John.

"John! How….."

"Dad. It's good to see you too!" Sheridan walked over and hugged his father.

"My friends have some interesting technology, as you can see. Contact your people and ask them to assume control. President Clark and his people have been arrested and detained. I need someone to join me to announce the restoration of the Earth Alliance government."

"How? I guess you used this same trick?"

"Exactly," John said with a nod.

"Ok. Give me a couple of minutes."

David Sheridan walked over to the Vid-Com and began making calls. He still doubted that all of Clark's people had been captured, but he trusted John. He hoped that his trust wasn't misplaced this one time.

U.S.S. Phoenix – Brig

Maxwell walked into the brig and noticed the dark forcefields in place. Starfleet and Earthforce security personnel were stationed beside each cell despite no chance of escape. Maxwell then walked over to stand in front of the first cell and spoke to the brig supervisor.

"Captain. All targets have been captured. The forcefields are dark, as instructed."

"Chief. Enable one-way viewing on the cells."

"Yes, Sir."

In each cell were Clark and his staff, Nightwatch leadership, and Earthforce Chiefs of Staff.

"Maxwell to Sheridan."

"Sheridan here."

"We got everybody. What's your status?"

"We're on the way to Earthdome. E.T.A. five minutes. I must meet with the government leadership before we announce Clark's arrest. I will contact you as soon as I'm in position."

"Got it. Maxwell out."

Earth - Earthdome – In Transit

John stared out the window as he and his father rushed to Earthdome. He hadn't been planetside since he assumed command of Babylon 5, and it felt good to be home, despite the circumstances. He had been in touch with the squad leaders of the security details and been informed that there were some minor skirmishes with Earthdome security personnel, but they were quickly subdued. No significant injuries or fatalities had been reported on either side.

"It looks like Earthdome is secure. Thankfully, our teams prevented Earthdome security from calling for reinforcements, though we have additional reserves if necessary. Still, we should move fast, or things could get ugly," John said.

"I agree. I'm surprised everything has gone this well so far. I must admit I had my doubts," David said, his eyes focused on the road.

"I would hope so. We trained every day on our way here to ensure we didn't miss anything."

"Well, it seems to have paid off. By the way, where are Clark and his people being held? I would hate to have them escape. You know he has many supporters, despite his many atrocities."

"That won't happen since he's being held on a warship in orbit. There will be no escape for Clark."

"Aren't you worried about Earthforce? What happens if they attack?" David asked his son.

"That's not going to happen since Earthforce can't detect the ship; it's invisible. Earthforce has no idea that we have two ships here."

"Very funny, John," David Sheridan said with no humor in his voice. "I'm serious. Where are Clark and his people being held?"

"I am serious, Dad. The same people with the transporters also can make their ships invisible. I don't know how they do it, but it works."

Earth - Earthdome

The two Sheridans walked into the main hall of Earthdome a few minutes later. All regular security personnel had been replaced by Babylon 5 and rebel Earthforce personnel. John looked around and found the team leader. As he and David walked over to him, they were interrupted by a senator.

"David, there you are! Clark, Nightwatch, and the Joint Chiefs are gone. Babylon 5 and other security personnel are securing Earthdome. I assume that's your doing, Captain."

"Hi, Susanna. Yes, John is responsible for the arrests of Clark and the others. We need to make the announcement live to bring this madness to an end. Will you join us as we make this official?"

"Sure, I can step away for a few minutes. The Senate is in session, but I've already been named acting president. Lead the way."

Captain Sheridan pressed the Starfleet communicator attached to the left breast of his uniform. "Sheridan to Maxwell."

"Maxwell here."

"Captain, can you transport me and two others to the ship? We have whom we need."

"Understood. Energizing."

U.S.S. Phoenix – Brig

-Five minutes later-

Commander Riker met Captain Sheridan and the others in the transporter room. Riker had become used to answering questions about the transporter, gravity, and other questions about the ship from visitors. He was surprised that they hadn't asked more questions. They seemed to be more interested in observing everything and everyone they saw. After a few minutes, they arrived at the brig where Captain Maxwell was waiting.

Maxwell walked over to introduce himself to the group. "Welcome to the U.S.S. Phoenix. I'm Captain Ben Maxwell, commanding officer."

"David Sheridan, Ambassador to Mars. It's nice to meet you. You have a fine ship, Captain. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for us."

"You're welcome, Ambassador."

"Hello, Captain. I'm Susanna Luchenko, acting president of the Earth Alliance. I must echo what the ambassador just said. I don't know how we would have freed Earth from a madman without you and your ship. You have our eternal gratitude."

"Madam President, it was the right thing to do. We all believed in this mission, and we're glad to assist. If you would follow me."

The group walked over to the first cell.

"Transparent mode, Chief, with audio," Maxwell ordered.

Clark was standing in the cell along with Lefcourt and Bautista, each unsure of where they were or how they got there.

"Madam President, we need to begin the broadcast to call off the attack," Captain Sheridan said.

"Of course. I'm ready."

Maxwell pointed at the brig chief. "Begin broadcast."

As soon as the forcefield became transparent, Clark began to yell. "What is the meaning of this? I am the president of the Earth Alliance! I demand you release me at once!"

"President Clark. You have been charged with the murder of President Santiago, crimes against humanity with the bombing of the Mars colony, and the planned attack on Proxima III. You, your co-conspirators, and accomplices will be tried per Earth Alliance laws," Sheridan read from a prepared statement.

"I don't recognize this arrest. You will let me go immediately, or I will order the immediate attack of Babylon 5."

"No, you won't," Luchenko said. "By order of the Earth Alliance Senate, I have been appointed as the Acting President of the Earth Alliance. As of right now, I am rescinding the martial law directive across the Alliance. Moreover, all Earthforce personnel will stand down and return to their bases immediately and await further instructions. All active military engagements are to be stopped immediately."

She then looked at one of the other occupants in the cell. "General Lefcourt, you have been relieved as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Major General Fitzpatrick has been appointed as the Acting Chairman. Separate charges will be filed against you and other military personnel under the Unified Code of Military Justice."

Luchenko then turned to face the camera. "An independent commission will be formed to fully investigate the extent of former president Clark's crimes. For the time being, I am formally requesting that Captain Maxwell of The United Federation of Planets maintain custody of the prisoners at this undisclosed location to ensure that former President Clark and the others cannot escape."

"Madam President, I would be honored," Maxwell answered quickly.

"A formal press conference will be held soon where I will outline the next steps as we work to return the Earth Alliance to normal."

"Broadcast terminated, Captain."

"Susanna, do you honestly believe you will get away with this? I have supporters everywhere, and they won't stand for this attempted coup. You won't succeed."

"Look around, Morgan. We already have. You and your advisers are here. Nightwatch leadership is here. Finally, the Joint Chiefs are here. There will be no escape, and no one will come to your rescue because they don't even know where to begin looking."

"What is this place?" Clark asked, confused. The room was unfamiliar, and the way the wall became transparent surprised him. He didn't see any obvious way out of the room, so he assumed it was a holding cell. Smith had described the transporter to him, and he quickly figured out that's what happened to him and the others. If he was on one of Picard's ships, how had they come so close to Earth without Earthforce attacking them? The rot in Earthforce was worse than he thought.

"Mr. President, you are onboard the U.S.S. Phoenix," Maxwell turned to answer Clark.

"Captain Ben Maxwell? Why are you participating in this coup? I am the president of the Earth Alliance and its legitimate government. Release me now, and there won't be any repercussions. You and your people are welcome to settle on Earth. You have my word."

"Mr. President, based on the evidence I've seen, your government has been anything but legitimate. Your actions betray your oath to the office. I was happy to provide support to Captain Sheridan and the others in securing your arrest."

"Then you are just as much a traitor as the rest. You won't get away with this! You'll pay with the rest!"

"I suggest that you concern yourself with obtaining competent legal counsel. You're going to need it," Captain Sheridan said, effectively ending the conversation.

"Captain, I would like to remain here to conduct formal diplomatic discussions. However, I must return to Earthdome to ensure an orderly transition of power," Luchenko told Maxwell as she turned away from Clark.

"Understandable, Madam President. Contact me when you are available to meet. I would also like to introduce you to our diplomatic officer, Captain Garrett. She also commands the U.S.S. Destiny.

"I look forward to meeting her. When will she arrive?"

"The Destiny is already here; you just can't see it."

"Ok. I suppose that's a conversation for another time."

"I'll escort you to the transporter room. This way, please."

Proxima III – E.A.S. Atlantis

The Proxima III pacification fleet stood at 33 warships of various classes, completely overkill for a simple colony pacification operation. Lt. General Silva stood on the bridge of his flagship, the E.A.S. Atlantis, waiting for the command to subdue the traitors. Each captain had been personally selected by him, which ensured 100% loyalty to his authority. The rebellion needed to end now, and he had the forces to make it happen.

The previous four days had been a struggle for him. He didn't believe that the traitors needed any additional time to surrender. Despite the defections, Earthforce still had more than enough firepower to defeat them. In his opinion, the Earth Alliance needed to demonstrate strength, particularly now, to prevent the other races from potentially taking advantage and creating even more chaos.

He was strapped into his command chair and casually monitored the activity around the bridge. There wasn't much else to do until the order came from the Earthforce Joint Chiefs. After a few minutes, Lt. Kim informed him that he had a call from the Joint Chiefs on the gold channel.

"This is Lt. General Silva."

"General, this is General Fitzpatrick, Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I am ordering you and your fleet to leave the Proxima system immediately and return to base for a full debrief."

"General Fitzpatrick? Where is General Lefcourt?"

"He's been arrested and relieved. President Clark and Nightwatch leadership have also been arrested, and the organization disbanded. I'm the acting chairman now. Susanna Luchenko has been named the Acting President of the Earth Alliance."

"How did this happen? Did Sheridan's fleet overrun our forces?"

"There was no battle, General. Captain Sheridan was able to leverage his alliance with The United Federation of Planets. Their ships entered our system undetected and captured everyone without incident. They saved many lives."

"Where are they being held?"

"That's classified."

"Understood. We will get underway immediately."

"Fitzpatrick out."

"General, what is it?" Peter Heinz, the head Nightwatch officer, asked.

"President Clark, Nightwatch leadership, and the Joint Chiefs have all been arrested and relieved. We've been ordered to leave the Proxima system immediately."

"Contact Earthdome for confirmation. You will see this fraud for what it is," Heinz ordered.

"No. The order came via the gold channel and was verified. We will leave as ordered. Lt. Kim, inform the fleet to return to base," Silva ordered.

"General, you will proceed with the assault as President Clark ordered,"

Silva gave Heinz an angry look. Despite his support for President Clark, Silva hated Nightwatch and having them in his fleet. "Nightwatch doesn't exist anymore. Nothing you say has any weight here any longer."

Silva turned away from Heinz, stared straight ahead, and gave the order. "Helm, take us out of here. Comms, signal the fleet. Return to base."

The fleet set a course for the jump gate to leave the system. Within ten minutes, the fleet had left the system. Proxima III had averted disaster.

U.S.S. Phoenix – Bridge

Captain Maxwell had returned to the bridge and was now joined by Captain Martinez and Commander O'Dell of Earthforce. All three men were relieved that the mission had been completed successfully. Martinez and O'Dell flanked Maxwell as he sat in the command seat.

The three men observed the main viewer. The image was split between the view of Earth and the tactical display. The ship was still cloaked; however, Maxwell wasn't taking any chances and had instructed his people to remain vigilant. Nothing they had witnessed indicated that Earthforce had detected either the Phoenix or Destiny.

"We've done it. Earth is free. Earth is free," Martinez whispered.

"I told you that we would win. Now comes the hard part: cleaning up the mess left by Clark and his enablers," Maxwell said.

"You're right, Captain. Some things are worth it. Hard work will always yield positive results. Earth will become stronger from this experience. I know it will," Martinez added.

"Captain, is there any way that we could contact our families? We've been worried sick about them," O'Dell asked.

"Of course. You can use my Ready Room. Commander Riker, you have the bridge. I will be back as soon as I assist the captain and commander."

"Aye, Sir."

U.S.S. Phoenix – Ready Room

The three men walked into the Ready Room. Maxwell walked over to his desk but didn't sit down as he planned to leave once he established the call.

"Alex, how do you contact your mother?" Maxwell asked.

"Oh, let me give you the channel and number," O'Dell answered.

"Wait a minute. Computer open a channel to Earth. Route through the com relay. Go ahead, Alex."

O'Dell proceeded to provide the information.

"I'll give you some privacy. Just press this button to close the channel," Maxwell instructed O'Dell.

"No, Ben. I want you to stay."

"OK. At least take the seat. There's no need to have my face front and center," Maxwell said as he stepped away from his chair.

A few seconds later, the call was established.

"Mom!"

"Alex! Julio! I'm so happy to see you both! Angela, it's the boys! Did you hear about President Clark being arrested?"

"Yes, we know. We were part of the group that brought him down. We also helped secure Earthdome after the arrests. It's so nice to see both of you looking so relieved. Julio and I have been beyond frustrated that we couldn't help sooner. This," O'Dell said while he pointed at Maxwell, "by the way, is Ben Maxwell of Starfleet. He's the man who saved my life and the captain of one of the ships that saved Earth."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am. Alex has told me so much about you."

"There is no need to be so formal, Ben. You saved Alex's life, so that makes you family. You can call me Rose."

"So you're the reason why those Nightwatch people kept harassing me. They wanted information about you," Angela said as she looked at Maxwell.

"I'm definitely not one of Clark's favorite people now. Based on the things he's done, he and his people deserve everything that's coming to them."

"Mom, who are you talking to," Maria could be heard in the background.

"Maria, it's Alex, Julio, and Ben."

Maria walked over and could now be seen.

"Alex! Julio! I'm so happy to see you both! I can't tell you how relieved we were when we heard you were alive," Maria said.

Angela continued. "Julio, I've missed you so much!" Angela said as she began to cry. "Mom and Maria have been great, and I don't know what I would have survived without them. But I need you to come home."

Rose hugged Angela as she began to cry. Maria took over the conversation. "Since Clark has been arrested, can you come home now? We miss both of you so much, and the last few months have been hard on all of us. We're planning a big party to celebrate being free again, and we want you to be here with us."

Martinez was struggling to keep himself together as he watched his wife cry. O'Dell gave him a pat on the back and answered his sister.

"Yeah, Sis. Funny you should mention that. We're already here, kind of. We caught a ride on Ben's ship to help take down Clark. By the way, Ben Maxwell, meet my sister Maria."

"Hi, Maria. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you, all great things, I might add. You can never be too sure about these two," Maxwell said as he tried to lighten the mood.

Maria laughed. "You are so right! I'm happy to meet you too. Did I hear mom correctly when she said that you saved Alex's life?"

"Alex may have exaggerated a bit. I offered my ship's medical facilities when Julio asked for help. I'm sure that Alex would have eventually recovered. He's a strong one."

"Nonsense," O'Dell said forcefully. "If it hadn't been for Ben, I would still be in Medlab pumped full of painkillers and, most likely, physically disabled for the rest of my life. Ben's people had me out of bed, good as new, in two days. I told him that he was coming home with us when we returned to Earth, especially since he's also from San Antonio."

"Ben, thank you for returning my little boy to me. I'll never forget it," Rose said.

"Yeah. Thanks, Ben, for bringing my brother and husband back to us," Angela added through her sniffles.

"So now Alex is a hero? We're never going to hear the end of this, are we?" Maria said.

"I will only remind you, sometimes," O'Dell said; a small smile appeared on his lips.

"When can you come home?" Rose asked.

Both men looked at Maxwell, who answered, "I'll transport them as soon as we finish this call."

"Thank you, Ben," Martinez said.

"I'm confident Earthforce can't detect us, so there is minimal risk in using the transporters."

"That's great! We can wait to see you both!" Angela said, now smiling.

"Ben, you're invited to the party. It's in two days. I expect to see you here," Rose said.

"My situation is a little delicate at the moment. But I will do whatever I can to be there."

"Great! The party starts at 1:00, Don't be late!" Rose said.

"Yes, Ma'am. How about I get these guys home? Are five minutes from now too soon?"

"No, not soon enough!"

"I'll work on that. Well, it was great meeting you ladies. Julio, Alex?"

"Love, I'll see you soon," Martinez told Angela.

"See you soon! Bye!" Alex said as he closed the channel.

"Thanks, Ben. For everything."

"No problem. I will give you both communicators just in case we need to contact you or if you need to contact me," Maxwell said as he walked over to the replicator.

"We'll come back tomorrow. I've placed my people under Sheridan's command, but they're still my people, and I need to remain engaged," Martinez told Maxwell.

"Gotcha. Well then, let's head to the transporter room."