Thank you to all of you. Please Enjoy.

Spike sat in a chair around the big conference table on board the Enterprise once again. Upon discovering the remains, he and the other two men had immediately returned to the ship and brought the news to Captain Riker, who had recalled Admiral Picard and Captain Benjamin. Everyone, including the Enterprise's senior staff, now sat at the same conference table, loudly arguing over one another about what action next to take. Spike sat quietly, his eyes closed, feeling like the eye of calm in this storm of raw fear.

"Enough," Picard finally commanded. The Admiral sat at the head of the table with Riker and Worf on his right; Benjamin and Siegel on his left. "We need to decide on a course of action, and this arguing is getting us nowhere. We must remember that we are Starfleet officers and we have a duty to remain calm and rational, even in the face of a situation as dire as this seems. Now, I want suggestions form each of you, in turn."

"We have to go back," Spike said matter-of-factly.

All eyes turned to him. He didn't shift under their stares. For the first time since awakening, he could finally see clearly. The path before him was perfectly visible, and he aimed to walk it. The weight of responsibility rested heavy on his shoulders, but for once, it didn't seem nearly as heavy or cumbersome as it had in the past. This was his purpose here. Unfettered as he was, no Drusilla, no Buffy, no Illyria, he felt like he could give this his all. He would save the universe, and for the first time, he would be a leader, taking charge, and no longer being fate's bitch.

"What do you mean, 'go back'?" Benjamin asked.

"Just what I said," Spike answered, "We need to go back. We need to bring the fight to them."

"It's not that simple," Riker said, "I know that you're eager to face this enemy, but we can't go in, guns blazing."

Spike leaned forward, "Why not?" When Riker didn't immediately have an answer for him, he went on, "I think we should go in, guns blazing. These things have been one step ahead of us since I woke up and I'd wager a fair bit longer. From what I've seen, you pussy foot around forever before you take any action at all. Their counting on that. We need to run in their and rip the bullocks right off of them before they can make another move. Benjamin," Spike turned, addressing the young captain, "You said before that this thing they stole is complicated. You said they could blow themselves up if they got their numbers just a little bit wrong."

Benjamin nodded "Yeah, that's right."

"Could you do it on purpose, get the numbers wrong and go boom?" Spike asked.

Benjamin shifted in his seat, "I'll be honest, Spike. I wasn't one who crunched the numbers. That was Ellison's job. In fact, he was instrumental in its creation. The project was more or less his baby."

An older man with salt and pepper hair spoke up, "Do you think you could get a copy of the plans? I might be able to help if you can." Spike suddenly recognized the man as Parsons, the one who had helped him with the DVD player.

"He has a point, James," Siegel said, "It doesn't need to work, it just needs to fail in the worst way possible."

Benjamin sighed, "That could be just as complicated, though."

"Maybe," Siegel conceded, "But I think it's worth a shot."

"That is, quite possibly, the most illogical thing I have ever heard," Torik said flatly.

Tuvok raised an eyebrow, "Then you have not been around humans for nearly long enough, Lieutenant."

Torik turned to his fellow vulcan, "Commander Siegel is suggesting that we simply 'give it a shot' with a piece of equipment more complex in design and intention than any piece of technology than any of us has any experience with. Not to mention going up against an enemy that we know very little about. We need information, not bravado."

"I do not think it is at all illogical," Tuvok said, "As I understand it, you and the Doctor have learned quite a bit from the corpses left behind during the last attack. Also, I happen to agree with Spike's assessment of our opponents. When an enemy has predicted your strategies with accuracy thus far, the only logical course is to meet them with a move that they will not expect."

Riker, leaning back in his chair and stroking his beard, said, "Not to mention Parsons being one of the most brilliant minds in his field. If anyone could figure that thing out, it's him."

Spike looked to Parsons and saw a small smile of pride.

"Perhaps your pervious encounter with these creatures is causing an irrational fear in you, Torik," Meps said, smirking. Chuckles rippled across the table. When they died out, silence fell over the group. After a moment, Spike stood. "What else have we got?" he asked as he paced around the table, "Any other ideas on how we can deal with these things."

"The bat'leth," Worf said

"Gesundheit" Spike said. Another set of chuckles erupted. Spike could see Worf clenching his jaw as he waited for it to stop.

"I did not sneeze," he said, "The bat'leth is a lethal bladed weapon. We have seen that phasers are useless against these creatures, but given Commander Siegel's success with more…hands on methods, I think that anyone with close combat experience should be utilized."

"That must be what the sword is for," Siegel said

Spike saw everyone's head turn toward Siegel and he suddenly seemed uncomfortable with all the attention. Spike pulled it back to himself, "I gave it to him. There was a note on it saying that it was for the one who was 'more than a man'. I worked out that it was meant for him."

"Interesting," Tuvok said, "How did you reach such a conclusion?"

Spike, having completed a circuit of the table, plopped back into his chair, "Wasn't that hard. Mr. Sunshine over there," he indicated Torik, "called him a cyborg. I thought that might make him the one I was looking for, so I asked him."

Siegel picked up the story, "He asked me if I considered myself 'more than a man'. My mom told me when I was younger that my skeleton made me more than a man. She said it so I wouldn't be afraid of the surgeries that I had to go through."

"What about Captain Hits-a-lot over here?" Spike aimed a finger at Benjamin.

"Says that man who gave me the first black eye I've had in years," the young captain answered, "Besides, I have no weapons training. I don't really think my fists are going to do a lot against these things."

Siegel rolled his eyes, "James, you hit harder than anybody I know."

"Except you," Benjamin said smoothly.

"Actually, Captain," Parsons said, leaning forward, "If this crazy plan that I can see forming is actually going to work, we're going to need you. I'll need your help with the device, and I have no practical combat experience."

Worf leaned forward on an elbow, "Does anyone else have any hand to hand or close combat training?"

Meps slowly raised her hand. When Worf looked her way, she put her hand back down and said, "It wasn't actually as Rajda, but one of my other hosts was a member of Alpha Squad during the Dominion War." Spike caught the significance of the statement in the impressed looks of several of the people around the table.

"I had hand to hand combat training in my youth on Vulcan," Tuvok said, "As all vulcan youth have."

All eyes turned to Torik, who nodded, "Indeed, but none of that matters. Without a way onto the ship, or even knowing where it is, we can't put any of these plans into action."

"I think we can safely assume that the ship, or whatever is the source of these things, is also the source of the unusual readings that are emanating from the Neutral Zone." Meps said.

"I agree," Riker chimed in, "But it still leaves us without a way on, and vulnerable once there."

"I believe I can help with that, Captain," the Doctor said, speaking for the first time, "I think I have developed a way fool the creatures' senses. While working on Captain Benjamin's eye, which is based on my design to replace Seven's borg implant, I inadvertently set it so that it couldn't detect my grouped photons."

"I don't understand, Doctor," Riker said.

He leaned forward to make his point, "I became, in essence, invisible to his left eye."

"I don't see how that helps our current situation," Picard said, "Do you intend to somehow reset all of these creatures' eyes."

"Actually Admiral, I believe I can create a device similar to my mobile emitter that could disguise the crew by grouping photons around them that their eyes wouldn't be able to detect." The Doctor sat back with a self satisfied smile. Spike also smiled, impressed by his ingenuity.

"Excellent," Riker said, "Mr. Torik, I want you to study the sensor readings from when the creatures were transporting over. See if you can learn anything that we can use. Captain Benjamin, request the plans for the Jumper Drive from Starfleet Command. Parsons, as soon as we have them, get to work on those calculations. Meps, I know most of the training you received during your time in Alpha Squad is classified, but I want you to gather any other crew members who have any combat experience or training and teach them what you can. I want to be ready in case we are boarded and I imagine your combat experience dwarfs us all. Tuvok, I'd like you to help the Doctor with his research regarding these new borg. Apart from the Admiral, you know more than anyone alive about how they operate. I believe your experience would be invaluable."

"Very well, Captain." Tuvok said flatly.

Riker turned his attention to the vampire, "Spike, I want you to look through that bag of tricks of yours and see if you have anything else in there that will help. If you're right, and I think you are, you were sent here for a reason. I think that trunk is a big part of that reason and I want to be damn sure that we don't miss out on anything that will help."

"Number One," Picard said. Riker turned to face him, so Spike surmised it must be a nickname. Picard continued, "I need to report to Starfleet Command, but as your commanding officer, I am ordering you to depart for the Neutral Zone at once."

"Yes Sir," Riker said. He turned to address the crew, "You all have your orders. Dismissed."

Everyone stood and began filing for the door. Spike stretched, realizing just how long a day it had been and just how tired he was. Seeing Riker and Worf still sitting in their chairs having a quiet discussion with Picard, he walked over and leaned on the back of the Admiral's chair.

"Do any of you blokes know where I could get some shuteye?" he asked, "Been a bloody long day and even the undead need beauty sleep."

"Oh, I'm sorry Spike," Riker said, pinching the bridge of his nose, "It's been a long day for all of us." Looking up again, he called out, "Meps!" The redhead, having not quite gotten out of the room, turned at the sound of her name. Riker waved her over and she obliged.

"Would you find some quarters for Spike?" Riker asked, "I believe most of the VIP rooms on deck fifteen are open."

"Of course, Sir," Meps nodded and turned to Spike, "This way."

As they exited the conference room, Spike couldn't help but smile at his luck.

Meps and Spike stepped into the turbo lift and she ordered it to deck fifteen. Studying the blonde out of the corner of her eye, she wondered if it could be true. Could a mythical creature from Earth's past be standing next to her? She had to concede the possibility. Her own people had myths about the Annuated, but as a Joined Trill, she knew those myths to be true. But at that point, she had to wonder how much of the earth legends about vampires were true. Most trill, for example, believed the Annuated to be their own species, not at all related to the symbionts. But that was completely false.

The doors opened, showing the port hall of deck fifteen. "This way," she said as she stepped out and walked down the hall. The vampire followed her as she turned a corner and stopped at a door. She punched her access code into the key pad and the door opened, allowing them both to enter.

Inside, Meps waved a hand to the room and asked, "What do you think?"

The blonde looked around and shrugged, "All I really need is a bed and a telly, so I guess I'm set."

"What's a 'telly'?" The word felt strange on her tongue. Meps guessed that it must be one of the few words that the universal translator wasn't able to translate into her native language. Sometimes that happened if there was no equivalent word, like the Ferengi word umox.

"You know, a Television," he answered.

When she shrugged, he rolled his eyes and said, "Never mind. Guess all I really need is a bed."

She nodded and walked over to the replicator, "This is a food replicator. Just tell it what you want and it will make it for you. The bathroom is over there," she pointed to the door, "It has a bath tub and a sonic shower. If you need anything else you can ask the computer."

When he nodded, she addressed the computer, "Assign this room to Spike."

"Acknowledged," the computer said, "This room has been designated for use by Spike."

"There," she said, looking back to the blonde, "Now no one but you will be able to access this room without your express permission. If there isn't anything else, I have a lot of work to do in the morning, so I had better get to my own quarters. Good night, Spike."

She turned and suddenly Spike stood between her and the door. She jumped in surprise. She turned to see the space where he had been empty. Turning back, she caught a lustful glint in his eye that gave her pause. He advanced on her, causing her to take an unconscious step back.

"You know, Pet," he said quietly throw his mischievous smile, "You might not want to leave me alone. I've been frozen solid for the last two hundred years. I could get scared all alone in this dark room with no on to keep me company."

The realization that he was trying to seduce her hit like a phaser blast. Is this what human women found attractive in his time? Not able to help herself, she suddenly started laughing. The hysterics only got worse when she looked at the confused look on his face. Unable to stand up straight, she leaned on him for support while she shook with uncontrolled laughter. After several minutes, she was finally able to calm herself and stood straight again, wiping the tears from her face.

"I'm sorry," she said, "It's just that you've got the wrong girl. All of my previous hosts have been men."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"Just that you've got the wrong girl," she said again, "Good night Spike."

She walked out the door chuckling. She entered the turbo lift, where she ordered it to deck twenty-one. On her way back to her quarters, a thought suddenly occurred to her. She tapped her badge, "Meps to Parsons."

"Parsons here," the Chief Engineer answered.

"Do you know what a," she struggled to remember the exact word, "television is?"

"Yes," he answered, "Ancient Earth technology. It's like a two dimensional, non-interactive holodeck. Why do you ask?"

"Spike was asking for one," she answered.

"I'm not surprised," Parsons said, "He was in need of a DVD player earlier today. I can fix something up for him after my shift."

"Thanks Ed," she said, "Good Night."

"Good Night, Rajda," he said before closing the channel.

Spike stared after the redhead as she left the room, still not sure what had just happened. Shaking his head, he took off his coat and long sleeve red button up. Sitting on the bed, he pulled off his boots and socks. From where he sat, he could see part of the Earth, spinning slowly in the heavens. As he watched, the Earth fell away, sinking deeper into the abyss of space. Suddenly, it shot away at an incredible speed, disappearing in the blink of an eye. A wavy, blue hue began moving past the window. Spike thought it looked as though the spaceship was moving through water.

"Parsons to Spike," a voice said suddenly. Spike wasn't sure how to respond. He looked around, hoping there would be a flashing button that he could press. Nothing immediately jumped out at him.

"Spike, if you can hear me," the voice said, "Just say 'This is Spike' or 'Spike here'."

"Spike here," he said.

"Good," the voice said, "This is Lieutenant Commander Parsons, the Chief Engineer. You remember me from the meeting?"

Spike thought a moment, "I do. You were the one who set up the DVD player for me."

"Yes I am," Parsons said, "Meps mentioned that you need a television. I thought that I might be able to set that up for you when I get off shift."

"Thanks Mate," Spike said, "But what I really need right now is sleep. Think you could set it up tomorrow?"

"No problem," the man said, "I'll let you know when I've got some free time. Parsons out."

Spike sat in silence once again and tried not to think about how lonely he was. Everyone that he knew was dead and there apparently weren't anymore slayers or vampires or demons in the world. Finally deciding to take his own advice, he removed the rest of his clothes and lay down. His last conscious thought was at how surprisingly comfortable the bed was.

Soft white clouds swirled around him, enveloping him, comforting him, welcoming him. Not sure where he was, he looked around, but everywhere was the same. The only thing he could see were the soft, swirling, puffy clouds all around him. He though he heard a sound, maybe a voice.

"Hello," he shouted, "Is there anyone here? Where am I?"

There it was again. Not really a sound, but a feeling, a sensation of familiarity. The feeling directed his attention toward a figure in the distance that he hadn't seen before. Light seemed to emanate from behind the figure, obscuring their identity. He waited patiently for the figure to get to him. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realized that it wasn't at all like him to show any kind of patience in a situation like this. But he then had to admit to himself that he liked this strange place and wanted to extend his stay for as long as possible.

As the figure got closer, the feeling of familiarity grew. When she finally came into view, he knew why. Tara stood before him, shining white dress flowing around her. She seemed not just happy, but truly blissful.

"Spike," she said, though her mouth hadn't moved.

"Tara," he said, still in awe of how radiant she was, "My god, you're beautiful." He realized as soon as he'd said it how stupid it sounded, but ignored that. He had simply been stating a fact.

"Thank you, Spike," she said wordlessly. She reached up, cupping his cheek in her hand, "You are just as beautiful. In this place we see the true beauty of the soul. Spike, your soul shines with as much light as anyone's. That is the reason you were able to become more than a soulless monster before gaining your soul back. It had been reaching out for decades, trying to bring about its own rebirth."

"The chip," he said, "That's what made it possible. I couldn't be a killer with the chip, so it made it easier for my soul to reach me."

Tara nodded, "That was part of it. The other part was Buffy. She brought out the good in you, and you were finally able to embrace it. Your soul's brilliance is the reason you will always be a warrior for the powers that be. Even with the demon inside you, you still stand as beacon of what is good and right in the universe. I am here to tell you that you will not have to fight the demon forever. One day, you will be free."

That single thought caused emotion to well up within Spike. Just when he thought his chest might burst, he felt tears of joy begin to leak down his face. Freedom from this monster within himself had been something that he didn't think was possible. Without it, he might actually get the chance to peruse some kind of happiness in this life.

Tara reached out and embraced him, bringing his head to her chest. He held on, soaking in the love and contentment she radiated. The only time he'd felt this content was the very few times he and Buffy had slept together. Not had sex, merely slept in each other's arms, quietly offering strength and compassion to one another in the warzone known as Sunnydale.

Tara finally pulled him back, her hands on his shoulders, and he looked at her with sadness, "I'm sorry, Love."

Tara smiled compassionately, "No need to apologize, I understand."

He shook his head, "No, I mean I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry you didn't get a fair shake, I'm sorry I couldn't be there when Will went bonkers, I'm sorry that when she came back, I was moaning and crazy in a basement," he looked up, her image wavering in his watery vision, "I'm sorry I wasn't there more for you and for her. I'm sorry I wasn't there for everybody."

"Spike," he face wrinkled with concern, "You were there when you were needed most. And you are here, now, when I need you most."

He straightened, eye brows knit together. "What's the matter, Love?" he asked, "How can I help?"

She took her hands back and brought them close to her chest, dropping her gaze to the ground. "I don't like to make requests this selfish," she said, speaking with her mouth for the first time, "but if I don't, I will live out the rest of eternity in misery and loneliness." The radiance that had surrounded her before had dimmed a bit. Spike was startled at the transformation. Before she looked angelic, now she looked…mortal.

Spike grabbed her shoulders firmly, "Anything. Name it."

She looked at him pitifully, "Save Willow."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Willow is still alive. I am forbidden from giving too many details, but I can tell you that she is alive and is in terrible danger. When you stop this evil that you are facing, you will have a choice to make. I'm begging you, Spike, choose to save Willow." The pitiful look on her face was almost too much to bear, and Spike drew her into an embrace, putting her head on his shoulder.

"Of course, Tara," he whispered, "I'll do everything I can. I'll get her back."

Spike's eyes popped open to see the dull grey ceiling of his quarters on board the Enterprise. Sitting up quickly, he looked around, not entirely sure what it was he was looking for.

"Spike to Captain Riker," he said urgently.

"Riker here," came a slightly muffled response, "This had better be good, Spike."

"She's alive," he said "Willow's alive!"