A/N: For those who think I skipped seasons, I didn't. Even in the original, New Bajor was destroyed at the end of Season 2. The next several years were a kind of cold war. How it will play out here, we'll see. The difference here is that Harry uncovered information that wasn't known because of veritaserum, and the Federation had more knowledge because of the Marauders' Map of Starfleet Headquarters. Small changes with widespread effects.

Also, I am going to attempt, as much as possible, to maintain the proper distance/time ratio for the warp scale as defined by the Warp Drive wiki article. I'm using the first column on it, because the warp scale as used in Voyager seems to indicate that the Warp 9 to Warp 9.99 portion is an exponential increase. I found out I screwed with the scale a few times, being closer to the show's timeline than the warp scale. I'm going to be more faithful on this and any possible sequel.

Star Trek writers apparently fu**ed up the speeds and distances and so forth regularly. The calculation is LY/(1/365*warpspeedmodifer). At warp 8, 1024 times the speed of light, DS9 to Earth is 19.6 days. Earth to Vulcan is 16 LY or 5.7 days. New Bajor at 11 LY to the wormhole at warp 8.2 would have been 3.6 days. (the return trip). I was close there. Warp 9.2 (Griffon coming out) (about 1800 times SOL) would have been 2.2 days – I was more off there. I wrote it as Griffon and Odyssey arriving at warp 9.6 or so.

The upshot is: I'll try to retain faith to a consistent scale from now on. But with the show being so inconsistent, I can't be totally faithful.

19.3 days after warping out of Bajoran space, BSS Griffon was dropping to impulse as she entered the outer reaches of the Sol system.

Captain Krim glanced over at Sir Harry and then spoke to his Communications Officer. "Open a channel to Starfleet Command."

Neema did as she was asked. "I have Admiral Chapman."

"On screen."

"Captain Krim." The uniformed man looked around at who was present. "Commander Sisko, Commodore Potter. I take it that you have arrived, Captain?"

"Yes. While Commander Sisko is on his way to Starbase 1, I have to drop off these two ships. I need instructions."

"We have decided to put one ship at Elizabeth Yard, and the second will go to Utopia Planetia. Both locations have crews to inspect and catalog the technologies and construction of the ships. We would then like to have Commodore Potter and yourself travel with Commander Sisko to Starbase One for debriefing."

Harry interrupted. "Captain Krim and I are here as courtesy. We were the most convenient method to bring these ships which we captured to Starfleet. Please do not refer to us or treat us as Starfleet personnel to be ordered about at whim. While Captain Krim does not hold diplomatic status, he does work for me. Please remember this, Admiral Chapman."

Chapman didn't appear happy to be chided but the point was accurate: These two were not under any obligation and were already providing great assistance. "Of course, Sir Potter. My apologies. We would like you to come to Starbase One for debriefing though."

"That's fine. I will fly BSS Bruce to the Starbase. Captain Krim can come with me. But I assume that you wish Griffon to travel to Beth's Place without dropping her wards."

"Yes. Your clearances have not been revoked and you know the procedure better than other ships. Two runabouts will tractor the ship to its berth."

Harry turned to Krim as this was his to respond to. Krim asked, "Admiral Chapman. Is there room for Griffon to enter or should we unload outside of the station?"

Chapman hesitated for a moment. "Griffon would be too large to maneuver. We have already started USS Thunderbird."

Harry smirked to himself. He had provided a list of prospective names, many of them esoteric. But permission for Starfleet to use the Griffon design included names being faithful to mythological birds and part bird creatures and beings. The two Griffon-class ships planned would be USS Thunderbird and USS Simurgh.

Krim, however, took no consideration of Harry's thoughts. In his no nonsense tone he said, "We shall move in close to the asteroid belt so that only Federation long range sensors are able to see us. I would rather not advertise our location until both ships are offloaded."

Chapman said, "Acknowledged. Thank you, Captain Krim, for taking the time to deliver."

Krim gave a brief smile. "Of course. Griffon, out."

Harry took opportunity to remove himself and crew members to the Bruce during the manuevering. For the most part, the crew had berthed on Griffon during the trip so that crew members could get to know the new crew members who had signed on from New Bajor. Each day most of those on duty to do maintenance and station keeping on Bruce had traversed between ships.

Soon, Griffon and Bruce were making their way to Mars.

Harry had the Bruce traveling without cloak once they were sufficiently away from Elizabeth Yard. "Contact Utopia Planetia."

Dawkins got through. "I've got Admiral Patterson."

"On screen." Harry looked at the kindly Admiral's image. "Admiral Patterson. How are things at Utopia Planetia?"

"Things are going as well as can be expected. How is the Bruce?"

"Performing well. Is Voyager still waiting for launch?"

"No. Captain Janeway took her out less than a week ago. In fact, if you had waited a few weeks you would have seen her. From what I understand she'll be visiting your normal neck of the woods."

"Ah. Well, I'll catch up with her when I get back if she's still there. Has Captain Krim contacted you?"

"I received the message from Admiral Gardner. We've set aside the space for your delivery. We're waiting for Griffon to check in."

"Captain Krim will be contacting you soon. Griffon will be waiting near Mars while we visit Starbase One using Bruce. I'll see if he's willing to give you the tour."

"That would be nice." Patterson paused. "Don't you own the ship?" His tone was slightly confused.

Harry chuckled. "I own it, he commands it. I interfere as little as possible; though I am likely to spend more time with Griffon in the short term because my presence at Bajor could cause distraction right now and Griffon is scheduled for two colony launch missions."

Patterson shrugged. "I would appreciate a tour but there is no need to go out of your way. I am happy to know that we'll be receiving our package soon."

Harry smiled. "I'll get off the line but expect the call soon. Bruce, Out."

Harry sat on the Bruce's bridge and watched as the second Jem'Hadar ship was offloaded from Griffon. Soon, for the first time in weeks the larger ship was unencumbered.

The Griffon rose out of the shipyards. Dawkins said, "I have Krim on the line."

"On screen."

"Commodore Potter. As you can now see, Griffon is unloaded." Harry watched as Sisko and Krim both sent and received an electronic message. "And the receipts have been signed."

"Good job. We're now scheduled to arrive at Earth. You and Sisko can use the transporter or come on a runabout."

"We will transport."

Less than an hour later, BSS Bruce was docked within Starbase One and the three visitors were being escorted. Sisko, as a Starfleet Officer, didn't really need the escort but Harry and Krim did.

Harry asked casually, "How much do you think they're going to threaten?"

Sisko asked in a confused tone, "Threaten?"

Harry smirked. "Governments don't like not being in control. Despite the 'enlightened' nature of the Federation, I wouldn't be shocked if they attempt to establish some type of control." Just then, the group entered the conference room and Harry was relieved to see King Charles and Prince William. "I take that back. My backup is here."

Sisko replied, "It's good having friends."

Krim quietly said, "Very good."

Charles had stood up. "Commodore Potter. Welcome back to Earth space."

"Thank you, Majesty. It's good to be back."

Handshakes were exchanged all around. Sisko shook hands and then followed the escort who had motioned him on.

Harry looked around. "What's happening?"

Charles had sat down. "We're consulting. Nominally, I control your strings as far as the Federation is concerned, but I will reiterate what I have already stated: You are free to act in any manner as you desire save for the continued support of Britain's safety."

Harry nodded. "Thank you, Sir. So why are we all here?"

William took that. "You have demonstrated a willingness to put resources into the field. Modern society doesn't reward material wealth quite so much as your own did, and so there are few Human entities which could have done what you have. And most of those are conglomerates and councils, with built in checks and balances. The Federation has to satisfy themselves that you won't upset the status quo."

Charles added, "And they had to satisfy themselves that the Windsor family has not decided to become active in claiming sovereignty with you backing us up."

Harry snorted. "My very existence has been making governments nervous for centuries. Why should anything change?"

Charles smirked. "Well, it is as it may be. The higher ups wish to debrief their Commander first. Your testimony has been reviewed thoroughly. In truth, there is little need for any meeting. But the bureaucracy sometimes demands these niceties."

Krim said, "One aspect of having resigned as a leader of the Bajoran Militia – I had to deal with far fewer politicians and bureaucrats. That was one thing I didn't miss."

Harry chuckled as did the two Windsors. Harry finally asked, "What decisions have been made?"

Charles became more serious. "Commander Sisko, as the senior officer in the Bajoran sector, is being given additional resources. Your assistance while in the sector was requested. It's understood that you will be working with Griffon on the scheduled missions."

Harry shrugged. "I just think I'd be too polarizing if I was there right now."

"Well, there will be one thing they want you there for," William said.

"Which is?"

"Our hosts will explain."

For the next thirty minutes, those waiting were provided refreshments and had discussions about operations. The escort arrived to inform them that the Federation members would come in shortly.

Sisko arrived with the other representatives, as did Admiral Gardner and another officer. Gardner introduced him as Admiral James. "Commodore Potter. First, I would like to pass on the thanks of the Federation Council for your efforts to ensure we have the information needed to protect Federation citizens and interests."

Harry almost grimaced. "You're welcome. But my actions were meant to protect all sentients in the Alpha Quadrant, regardless of political affiliation."

"Of course. Please sit." Everyone sat. "In addition to bringing back examples of Dominion technology, you have also assisted the Federation in other ways. You did, on your last visit, create a security net for Starfleet Headquarters."

"I created an active map, which required me to create wards."

"Correct. To our shock, your active map alerted us to infiltration by members of the Dominion, specifically changelings." Harry's eyes widened. "Your interrogation of the Vorta administrator, of course, informed us to their status as Founders. We have two of them in custody. And while they refuse to give us any information, they have indicated that the people they are posing as are still alive."

Harry shrugged. "Useful. What do you plan on doing?"

Gardner glanced at James and then back. "First, we would like to negotiate a similar active map for Starbase One and other possible facilities as well."

Harry considered that. "It isn't as easy as it might seem to you or others who observed me. It requires a lot of magical energy and quite a bit of work. I have to use real parchment – not replicated – and the ink also has to be manufactured. Then there is the fact that Starbase One is not immutable – construction rearranges walls and passageways, even if it isn't often. My ships have maps, as does Deep Space 9. But those are fairly static as far as their layouts. I don't want to spend the rest of my life updating maps."

Gardner replied, "I understand that it might not be as easy as we would like. But is it possible?"

Harry huffed and thought for a long moment. Finally he said, "I have to consult with the texts, my research assistant, and possibly others. Starbase One is much larger and creating wards throughout may not be so easy. It helps that it's a single structure, magically speaking. But I don't know."

Charles looked at his Knight and then to the Admiral. "And what recompense is the Federation willing to supply for his services if he is able to do as you request?"

Gardner sighed. "We don't know what it's worth to him. We were going to ask what he wanted."

Harry sighed. "You have to understand something: Socially, I am not a 24th century Human. Fair exchange, a service for compensation, is intrinsic to the social norms I live by. Altruism is a less driving consideration. The problem is that you try to treat me as a Federation citizen and it would be more accurate to think of me as a foreign entity. What would you expect to give to a Ferengi, or a Klingon, who provided what you are asking for?"

Gardner replied with amusement, "As little as we had to?"

Harry guffawed. He finally got himself under control. "Sorry – I'm not used to Starfleet people who'll make jokes. Anyway." Harry looked at Krim. "What do you think is a fair exchange?"

Krim considered that. "Well, many of our components are Federation standard. We will need parts for years; a contract to ensure that we have access to components as required to maintain our ships for as long as required. We have some limited need of gel packs, so replacements as needed would be wise. Permission to upgrade the runabouts to full weapons might be useful."

Harry asked, "Why?"

Krim was grim. "Griffon will now be a target. Pirates, Ferengi, Romulans, Klingons – Griffon is powerful and useful. We have already demonstrated that we have the power to carry other ships and large numbers. We may have to protect ourselves more thoroughly. And think on this as well: The Dominion has already proven itself martial. If they come through the wormhole in numbers, we will have to be able to protect a population under attack even as we transport them. Considering it is likely to be Federation citizens we are protecting, it is in the Federation's best interest to ensure that we are outfitted well."

Admiral James spoke. "I saw the briefing. You aren't Starfleet – and are Federation in name only. There is a reason why the runabouts provided had minimal weapons and no proprietary tech."

Krim replied, "I understand. I was there when such decisions were made and delivered. But we are working on a new paradigm – the misgivings about the Dominion have been proven to be prudent and based on fact. Federation optimism must give way to pragmatic concerns."

Sisko volunteered, "Personally I was hoping that such concerns were misplaced. But with the Maquis situation added to the threat of the Dominion, I agree that there are reasons to prepare."

Harry remembers something. "Speaking of the Maquis: There is a person in custody arrested for working with them. He was hired by the Maquis but is not a believer. I would like to see if I can obtain his parole and get him to work for me."

Gardner was curious. "What is the name?"

Harry thought back to the report. "Tom Paris – cashiered out of Starfleet for falsifying a report and then hired by the Maquis when he had no other options."

James said, "I'm familiar with the man. Why would you want him?"

Harry tone was vaguely chiding. "His accident was caused by pilot error which led to three deaths. At first, Tom panicked and obfuscated the reason for the accident; he even got away with it. But his conscience wouldn't let it go: Paris went to his superiors and confessed to everything. He got court-martialed and kicked out of Starfleet, likely because his Admiral father got his knickers in a twist over Tom having shamed the family name.

"Well, I want him. Starfleet really screwed the pooch from my viewpoint. We already know he's skilled and we know he's got a sense of right and wrong. Tom Paris has already proven that he'll do the right thing, eventually, even when it hurts his personal position. How many people would confess after getting away with it? He deserved punishment, certainly. His original error called for retraining. But throwing him out? There's an old television show, had a guy with a whole bunch of rules. One was: You don't waste good. I know the Federation doesn't want him – well I do."

Gardner looked at Harry's smug look for a long moment. "I'll check his status." He logged into the computer in the conference room and called up the records. Finally he looked up. "Well, you may have to wait. Someone's already got him out to help on a mission."

"Who?" Harry asked pugnaciously.

Gardner had a small smile as he said, "Captain Janeway on Voyager. She's on a mission which requires his knowledge and he will be returned with a letter of acknowledgement from Janeway, which could lead to his getting parole."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "I can't believe it. I'm going to have to call her and tell her to finish with him ASAP."

Gardner said, "Two things: You still have to negotiate for his parole if he doesn't get it from the mission, and why do you think Janeway will listen to you?"

Harry smirked. "I gave her a carafe of a fresh Jamaican Blue coffee blend with permanent everfull, heating, and unbreakable charms. Janeway will be nice to me."

Gardner laughed. "Janeway does like her coffee." He dropped to a more serious tone. "However, the possibility of the Federation giving him parole and other such things will have to be decided when it's found if you can provide the service."

Charles almost snorted. "I think it might be better just to provide what he's asking for. The debts owed to Sir Harry are already large and climb continually. Just assume that anything you give him will have already been paid for in some fashion."

Gardner and James looked at each other and, after a pause, nodded. "We'll check into it."

Harry said, "Don't kill yourselves." At their alarmed looks he rolled his eyes. "Kill yourself is twentieth century slang for overexerting yourself to an extreme degree or doing something that is inconvenient by going very far out of your way. I would have assumed that the term had survived."

"No," William said with amusement.

Harry sighed. "Anyway. I'll call Janeway about Paris and then I'll consult my people about the Maps. I do know this: I'll need large blocks of granite, removed manually from a quarry, and as close to having minimal inclusions and as free of cracks as possible. It's got to have smooth surfaces which can be inscribed. I'll also need a room which can contain the stone with space around it as close to the middle of the facility as possible. There will need to be a space which can contain mortar connected to the very bones of the Starbase if possible. In other words, if you can remove a floor panel and inset it into a main girder, that would be preferable. The stone can be 6 cubic feet or larger, but no smaller. If you can find a natural granite or basalt stone of that size, you won't need to quarry it. If you need to remove it from a larger formation, try not to use phasers to cut it – I don't know what effect that would have."

Gardner took down notes as to Sir Harry's requirements even as he considered how ludicrous using magic on a Starbase was. When that matter was finished, Sisko had something.

"I would like to make a request if possible," he said to both Krim and Harry. Harry and his subordinate gave interested looks. "I would like to borrow the services of Mr. Fergus O'Brien for several weeks."

Harry motioned for Krim to take this as O'Brien was the senior engineer on Griffon. "For what purpose, Commander?"

Sisko considered how to put it. He asked, "How familiar are you with the Borg incursion at Wolf 359?"

Krim replied, "I read the reports as well as I attempted to understand why rail guns were being demanded. It was a tragedy." Harry nodded mutely in agreement.

Sisko said, "Yes. What you might not know is that I was there, on the Saratoga and lost my wife during that encounter. When I transferred to Utopia Planetia, one goal I had was to develop a ship which could counter the Borg. Until other priorities interfered, I was given resources and the mandate to produce a fast and powerful response vessel. That ship had some issues but with a need to place a ship sufficient to defend at the wormhole, it has already been pulled from mothballs and work is starting to bring it up to useful status. I have a brilliant engineer to begin working on countering its limitations: Miles O'Brien. But there is time until I bring the ship to the station which could be used to get the bugs handled. Fergus O'Brien is just as brilliant as his brother and just as trustworthy."

Harry and Krim looked at each other. Harry looked at Gardner. "How important could this be?"

Gardner said grimly, "The truth is that we must be circumspect in fortifying Deep Space 9. Too much firepower will cause the Cardassians to consider it a military intervention. The theoretical threat of the Dominion pales to the active threat of an interventionist Federation."

Krim looked resigned and Harry was incredulous. "You've got to be kidding me. Haven't they seen the reports? Didn't their Gul report what was found?"

Sisko answered, preventing Gardner from speaking. "The truth is that some Federation representatives feel that the threat of the Dominion is less than originally estimated because there has been no follow up attack since the Griffon brought back the survivors of New Bajor. They are more concerned about possible Cardassian reaction. Thus only the one ship."

Krim looked resigned but grim. Charles was also grim. Sisko was solemn but his tone was slightly incredulous. Gardner was resigned. But what irritated Sir Harry Potter, Knight of the Thistle, was Admiral James who seemed to agree with the idea that the threat was overstated.

Harry slowly stood up. His magic levels were rising and he was having difficulty getting it under control. He asked in a tight tone, "Starbase One is above the Rocky Mountains?"

Gardner was surprised at the seeming non-sequitur. "Our geosynchronous position is above that range, yes."

Suddenly alarms started sounding. Harry ground out, "My temper is getting away from me, negatively affecting the control of my magic. I need to go blow something up. I will be back." With a loud crack, Harry disappeared.

Krim looked at Gardner. "Someone should ensure that Commodore Potter is not interrupted …" Just then people rushed in. "… or he might get very annoyed. I observed the footage of when he moved to personally destroy the Jem'Hadar invaders at New Bajor. I would not want to confront him in this state."

Gardner spoke to the confused security detail. "The source of the energy spike has removed himself. Scan the surface below us. Harry Potter is currently releasing some pent up anger. Ensure that no one disturbs him. Also, please scan the situation fully for later review."

It took two minutes for the location to be found and another minute after that to get a video feed. They watched as the Wizard sent several bolts of light toward a nearby outcropping of rock. Each time the light hit, there was a small explosion of rock and smaller pieces fell away from the outcropping.

As they watched Krim said lightly, "This is less extreme than when he was fighting the Jem'Hadar. Of course, they were threatening children and innocents."

James, who hadn't seen the footage, asked incredulously, "This is less extreme?"

Krim shrugged. "I think so. This is just blowing up some rocks. The invasion was him killing perhaps 40 or so invaders who were also trying to kill him. He was much more inventive."

Gardner said, "This is more intensive though." He glanced at his fellow admiral. "The invasion was more protracted and involved some cutting and piercing attacks." Gardner then looked back at the screen. "He's likely to grow tired soon."

Sisko asked, "Why do you say that?"

"I saw the invasion footage. Once he expends a certain amount of energy, he'll become fatigued."

When Harry finished twenty minutes later, he didn't seem that fatigued, at least from the low resolution image they had. Harry seemed to pause and then disappeared ...

… only to reappear in the room. He immediately looked to a particular attendee. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I allowed my emotions to overcome me."

Charles nodded in understanding. "That's fine. I understand your objection to the characterization given." He looked at James. "Sir Harry personal objection to the murderers of children and the innocent is documented within the recordings you haven't seen. Perhaps you should watch the records before making a judgment."

Harry said nothing to James. "Captain? Can you do without O'Brien's services for a short time?"

Krim considered that. "I can, as long as I have access to engineers to help deal with unexpected difficulties during the mission to launch the Federation colony that's being placed on Secarus IV."

Harry was surprised. "Secarus IV? That's the location of the colony?"

"Yes. Apparently it used to be owned by a private individual. However, it was found that the man was running a criminal operation. Ownership was reclaimed by the Federation and a colony of 6000 or so will be landing there, with Griffon as the mode of conveyance."

Harry grinned. "Yes. The last time I was there, that operation came to an end."

Gardner asked, "You've been there?"

"For a very brief visit."

James said, "We've been trying to find the former resident to answer questions. His remains were not found within the destroyed compound."

Harry shrugged. "The Klingons took custody of him."

Gardner said, "We'll have to file an official request to interview him."

Harry snorted. Charles asked, "What's funny about that?"

Harry replied, "The idea he would be available."

Gardner asked, "And why is that so funny?"

Harry smiled viciously. "The Klingons have the same view toward the murderers of innocent children as I do. Their punishments are quite effective. I am told that he was taken care of within three days of his arrival."

Sisko observed, "That was before you even left. If I remember correctly, you were on the planet for five days."

"Yes. I didn't see the remains, but I am told they were handled like all discarded waste," Harry said with equanimity.

The Admirals decided to let that go and return to his own concerns. "How long until you know if you would be able to provide an active map?"

Harry considered it. "Two days at most. I'll put Selene on it to do the calculations."

Krim said, "We will need to begin loading Griffon in five days or less."

Harry nodded and said to Gardner. "If necessary, I will come back to do the map if it's possible. It might take more work to prepare than time before the mission. I'd like to be there on the first launch using Griffon." He looked at Krim. "How long until you are loaded and ready to warp out?"

Krim replied, "We have to stop at two more worlds to pick up supplies and residents in addition to what we are loading from Earth. We will leave Sol within two days of the loading being starting."

James said, "That isn't for this meeting."

Harry asked, "Until I know if it's possible, is there anything else to discuss?"

Sisko stood up. "Mr. O'Brien?"

"I'll tell him to expect your call to ask for his help. I'll authorize it if he wishes to assist you." Krim said.

Harry echoed his agreement. "I'll be going back to Bruce to begin work. I'll have Selene Lovegwood, my researcher, contact you directly for the information she needs, Admiral Gardner. Expect a 24-hour wait until she reviews the material before she makes the request."

Gardner asked, "Why not just take the information on the Starbase immediately?"

Harry shrugged. "I'm not an expert on Runes and Wards which are the basis for the active maps. I only get by on brute forcing it. Selene will be able to give a more accurate report on the required information. Until she reviews it, we won't know what's needed. Better to wait until she makes the formal request."

James said, "We'll require the information be kept secure."

Harry almost rolled his eyes. "Lt. Jessica Simpson is a member of Starfleet and keeps Federation tech secure on my ship. She'll make the request for Ms. Lovegwood and then ensure the information is kept secure. Will that work?"

Gardner and James looked at each other. Gardners said, "That's fine."

William and Charles had also stood up. "Sir Harry? Captain Krim? Would my son's presence interfere on your mission? He was heavily involved in the work to get your ship operating and he can report on your success."

Harry shrugged. "Fine by me. Aldos? Would you mind a royal visitor? He'll see things more directly on Griffon."

Krim said, "We'd love to have you along, Prince William."

William did roll his eyes. "William or Mr. Windsor is fine. Only Sir Harry cares about the Prince thing really."