DISCLAIMER: The following is fan fiction utilizing events and characters from the "Star Trek" television series. It is fan fiction only... there is NO intent here to collect income or infringe on the trademarks, copyrights, or patented work of others. Please DO NOT use this material for anything other than pure reading enjoyment. If you have been missing at least occasional new "Star Trek" episodes in your life, this is the place to come.

Star Trek: Reign Of Terror

Chapter XI: The Enterprise Incident

Deep Space Nine, Commander's Office, Stardate 48251.2

Benjamin Sisko awoke with a start, his command instincts warning him instantly that something was not quite right. He was lying on the bed in his quarters, having permitted himself a brief catnap before returning to Ops. Early on in his career he had tried what most cadets often felt was best - long term avoidance of sleep. But the Commander had observed firsthand over the years just how much a person's good judgment could suffer from a prolonged period without proper rest. Most of his colleagues who chose that option ended up addicted to stimulants... or worse. Ever since several of his best friends had gone through long periods of rehabilitation, he had made it a priority to take the time necessary to refresh both body and mind with regular sleep intervals. He didn't always get as much rest as his body preferred, but Sisko made certain that he got at least some.

The Comm-badge attached to his uniform tunic chirped for attention a second time, and the Commander realized abruptly just what had awakened him. Reaching across the bed he touched the badge lightly. "Sisko here," he replied while still struggling to dissolve the final remnants of his recent slumber.

"Commander, you'd better get up to Ops right away," suggested Kira Nerys. "The Enterprise has arrived and Captain Picard would like to speak with you."

"Acknowledged," replied Sisko tersely, groaning with frustration as soon as the transmission terminated. Rising from the bed he quickly donned the heavy jacket that comprised the upper part of his uniform. He glanced out the window and visually verified that a sleek, streamlined Galaxy-Class starship was indeed parked alongside one of the upper docking pylons. Sighing heavily as he accepted the inevitability of the unexpected situation, the Commander double tapped his communicator - the precise, preset signal that the internal 29th century enhancements within the device were waiting for. "Sisko to Ducane," he said, utilizing his usual, deep baritone. "Come in please."

It took a bit longer than he expected to connect through time and space, but his colleague from the future finally responded. "Ducane here," said the familiar voice. "What can I do for you Commander?"

"The Enterprise has shown up... here," stated Sisko informatively. "Which means the real Lt. Commander Data is also here and we have a problem."

"I am already aware of the situation Commander," Ducane informed him.

"How?"

"Your holographic counterpart contacted me the moment they docked," chuckled the Relativity Commander. "Fortunately, he doesn't require sleep and appears to have retained your initiative."

Sisko's anxiety did not decrease upon hearing the news. "Odo and Eddington will both be eager to..."

"I suggest that you ignore your security personnel for the moment and proceed directly to Ops Commander," suggested Ducane. "According to our latest analysis of the constantly shifting timeline, there was an 83% chance that the Enterprise would eventually show up there... our Mr. Data currently does not plan to return unless he has no other option. I sincerely believe that you will find matters are already reasonably under control. Since Captain Data is currently here in the Gamma Quadrant with me, there is absolutely no danger of a double sighting. However, I am sending Jess Ingram to your location, and she will assist you with the successful resolution of this potential problem."

"The Gamma Quadrant... what the devil are you doing over there?"

"It's a long story," said Ducane honestly. "We're almost finished here providing support to the Captain, and once we're done I'm under orders to bring the Relativity directly to you. We'll remain cloaked and on standby to help keep matters under control until the situation there returns to normal."

"I'm not certain I know what normal is any longer," growled Sisko irritably as he moved toward the small bedroom exit. "Can I have my Doctor and my Chief of Operations back yet?"

There was a pause before Ducane responded. "Negative. The Captain is busy addressing matters in the Gamma Quadrant and needs to conduct a follow up investigation. He would like your two specialists to remain with him and the Yellowjacket until he is satisfied that the situation here also returns to normal."

"Wonderful," Sisko decided disappointedly as the doors sealing his quarters snapped briskly open. "I'm on my way to Ops now... please keep me informed if anything further develops."

"We will," promised Ducane. "And we've got a surprise for you once we arrive. With assistance provided from your crew, Captain Data was able to rescue all of the people missing from your sector. They will be returned to the Alpha Quadrant in short order."

"That's the best news I've heard in quite some time," admitted Sisko.

Deep Space Nine, Cargo Bay Two, Stardate 48251.3

Dressed in a 24th century Starfleet uniform, Lt. Jessica Ingram materialized inside one of Deep Space Nine's partially stocked cargo bays. Immediately she flipped open her tricorder and began scanning the space station, noticing as she did so that a great deal of the gravitational equipment temporarily seized from the docked ships had already been relocated aboard the station. Much of it had been stacked and organized in the large area of space surrounding her. With all of the extra personnel still busy working in and around the station, it had been difficult for Ducane to find an abandoned spot for her to appear. Patiently, the two of them had been waiting for an opportunity to present itself, and eventually they had succeeded. But on-duty personnel would no doubt soon be back to work in the well stocked cargo bay.

Like the Yellowjacket, Ingram's tricorder appeared at first glance to be a 24th century design but actually contained significant additional 29th century technology. She easily made use of its capabilities and accessed the guest manifest stored within the Ops main computer and verified that only Captain Picard and Commander Riker had boarded the station... so far. Swiftly Jessica pinpointed an external trio of Starfleet workers assigned to the upper docking pylon nearest the Enterprise.

The three men were busily working with welding tools to install a new phaser array and - as usual - had temporarily rerouted some of the main power used by the pylon's docking systems in order to avoid frying themselves during the process. Using her tricorder to interface with the new weapons system she randomly scrambled its software hopelessly beyond repair, making certain that there was no detectable pattern to the temporary sabotage. She knew Data-Class androids extremely well, and it didn't take much to make them extremely curious. With luck, she hoped fervently that she had done enough damage to intrigue an android without also making him suspicious.

If he hadn't come aboard Deep Space Nine along with his Captain, then she figured that the most likely location of Lt. Commander Data would be the bridge of the Enterprise. Closing her tricorder to temporarily shut down its electronic functions, she exited from the cargo bay and smiled sweetly, blending in easily with the people passing by in the crowded, adjoining corridor.

Kira was the first person in Ops to receive the bad news. "The entire programming database for this phaser array has been scrambled," signaled the Starfleet Lieutenant in charge of the installation. "I was certain that we had shut down all power from your fusion reactors prior to connecting the new hardware, but it looks like we must have touched something live. The entire storage unit will have to be wiped and its programming reloaded."

"That's the way things work out sometimes, Lieutenant," replied Major Kira coolly. "Your crews are still well ahead of Starfleet's projected schedule. Considering that most of you are working outside the station in a zero gravity environment, I would classify this as a minor setback. Unfortunately we've had these types of problems before with the considerable output generated by our reactors, and I'm certain we'll have them again." Her eyes were fixed on the monitor in front of her and its close up display of the docking pylon, where three men in EVA space suits crowded around the area containing the damaged equipment.

"At least I didn't cook one of my men in the process," growled the Lieutenant. "Although I respectfully request permission to move on to our next assignment... we can come back to fix this array later. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a copy of the software along with us."

"Permission granted," acknowledged Kira with a smile. "I'll log it as one of today's problems, and a backup crew will be along eventually to remedy the situation."

"Thanks Major!" the Lieutenant replied gratefully, his voice crackling from mild distortion even across the short transmission distance from pylon to Ops. "We've got a full day ahead of us."

Jadzia Dax smiled at her colleague. "New day, new laundry list," she commented idly.

Kira shrugged her shoulders dismissively. "Considering how many phaser arrays and photon launchers these people were assigned to install, I'm astonished that they've made as much progress as they have. This station's power systems aren't exactly known for their reliability, after all."

"I'm receiving an incoming hail from the Enterprise," noted Dax. "It's Lt. Commander Data."

"Go ahead Commander," said Kira cheerfully. "This is Major Kira Nerys in Ops."

"Forgive me for interrupting your busy morning," the android began apologetically. "I have been monitoring all communications in the immediate vicinity and have therefore heard about your problem with the phaser array. If you upload the software files needed by the Lieutenant's work crew directly to me, I will conduct a brief EVA mission of my own and resolve that problem for you. Utilizing my unique ability to interface with Starfleet hardware, I can have the unit back up and operating within an hour."

Kira was tempted to decline the offer, but cast a wary glance first in Jadzia's direction. "He is offering to knock one of the many problems off our list for us," Dax pointed out. "And unlike the rest of his crew, Data doesn't require shore leave. Without Chief O'Brien around, I say we take him up on that offer."

"Stand by to receive our upload," Kira responded after evaluating Dax's advice. "And thanks much for the assist, Commander."

"You are most welcome."

The Major found herself mildly amused by Data's infamous, overly polite android nature. "I see that you decided to bring the entire Enterprise crew along with you this time," she commented casually.

There was a brief pause while Data - knowing nothing of his 29th century counterpart's earlier arrival and thereby completely puzzled by her statement - tried to analyze what he deemed to be her odd humanoid attempt at 'small talk'. "Yes, my crewmates generally go where I go," he answered hesitantly.

Jessica Ingram had seated herself at one of the private, two-person tables near Quark's bar and was quietly sipping at one of the Ferengi's bright red, fruitier concoctions. Using a small, sophisticated receiver concealed in her right ear, she was also monitoring the local communications traffic. When she heard Lt. Commander Data officially offer his assistance to Major Kira she cheered silently. Gotcha! She thought triumphantly to herself. I definitely know how Data-Class androids think... even the original. In fact, I could probably teach a comprehensive seminar in positronic psychology by now!

She carefully surveyed the customers seated around her to make certain that no one was watching, and then reached inside her pocket and activated the 29th century Comm-badge concealed there. She was also keeping an eye on the Sisko hologram, which had chosen to project an alternate image of a male Yridian. It was a perfect choice really, since the species boasted a considerable number of free traders and its people were commonly seen frequenting Deep Space Nine. Most in the commercial merchant business simply could not resist the many attractions available at Quark's bar... especially his many Dabo girls.

"You're all set," Ingram stated softly but surely in the general direction of her communicator. "Lt. Commander Data will not be returning to this station any time soon, unless of course the Enterprise is ordered back here. You have one hour to interact with security before the original Data completes the EVA 'assignment' I created for him."

The Sisko hologram sent back a silent vibration through the Comm-badge to acknowledge receipt of her signal, and then hastily left the Promenade. One of the many Ferengi working for Quark stopped by briefly - just long enough to leer distastefully at Ingram and refill her drink. Jessica nodded gratefully toward him, keeping most of her attention focused on the crowded Promenade. She almost laughed out loud mere moments later when the Sisko hologram came walking back out into the crowd looking very much like Lt. Commander Data from the starship Enterprise. He cast a quick, confident glance in her direction before moving directly toward the security office. Inside she could see Michael Eddington still busy discussing matters with Constable Odo. The holographic simulation of Data paused briefly in the doorway and was quickly invited in.

So far so good, decided Ingram silently.

The Relativity Lieutenant double-tapped the Comm-badge concealed in her pocket and carefully whispered the word "Sisko". Leaning back and taking another sip of her beverage Ingram adjusted the small receiver in her ear to directly access the real Benjamin Sisko's Comm-badge. He was in the middle of a meeting with Captain Picard, after all, and she needed to know what was going on in there.

Deep Space Nine, Conference Room, Stardate 48251.3

Jean-Luc Picard studied the impassive, confident face of Commander Sisko curiously. As had been his case during his first visit to Deep Space Nine, he knew very little about the man in charge of the Cardassian space station. The Admiralty of Starfleet Command, however, had a lot of faith in Sisko and that was one of the primary reasons why the Enterprise had specifically been diverted from its normal patrol route and ordered to provide direct assistance. News of the alien penetration through subspace was spreading rapidly, and Starfleet Intelligence officials felt the need to act quickly in order to avoid a massive, public panic.

"Have you managed yet to communicate with this alien?" asked Commander Riker curiously. He was sitting to the left of Picard, leaning back in his chair so that he could relax his broad shouldered, muscular body. "What does it want with us, besides our deck plating and graviton-based generators?"

"We don't know for certain," Sisko replied thoughtfully, although he hesitated to speculate. "This alien is unlike anything we've ever encountered. It appears to have no physical body and is capable of breaking through subspace wherever and whenever it chooses to. Whether it lives within subspace or somewhere else..." He shrugged indifferently. "We have managed to interact with it both verbally and telepathically on several occasions. Usually the conversation is one way - the creature presents its demands and then attempts to use force against whoever it is speaking with unless they comply."

"Well, your recent lockdown on merchant traffic in this sector has proven to be an extremely effective tactic," Picard nodded approvingly. "There have been no further attacks in the surrounding territory, and no additional missing persons have been reported over the past twenty-four hours. You have definitely gotten your opponent's attention, and that will likely put your crew's safety in jeopardy."

"Deep Space Nine has undeniably become the primary focus of the alien's attention," agreed Sisko. "My staff can vouch for that... we're still busy repairing several of the consoles in Ops after its most recent attempt to speak with us."

"You're going to have to communicate more directly with the alien if you expect to accomplish anything significant," pointed out Picard. "Admiral Nechayev has ordered the Enterprise to provide all necessary assistance to you regarding this matter, but from what I've read in your report it doesn't sound as though you're doing much of anything to contact it." The Captain held up his hands and waved them somewhat helplessly. "You're not simply waiting around for another attack, are you?"

"No," snapped Sisko instantly. "I most definitely am not Captain." Normally his subconscious would have returned immediately to the Wolf 359 incident and the battle against the Borg, but on this day the Commander found his thoughts more refreshingly focused on the matter at hand. Over the years he had gradually learned to deal with the residual anger and other emotions created by the traumatic encounter. He was pleased to discover that not even the presence of Jean-Luc Picard could trigger a resurgence of those old emotions. "You will note in my report that we encountered a Zygopterran insectoid on Denali Prime, which has proven to be our best lead so far. I left a team in the region to follow up on the creature and its determination to steal our Delacon-G. Once they report in I expect to know more. I have also ordered my Ops staff to begin working on a way to add an anti-graviton field into our shield matrix."

Again Picard nodded approvingly. "Once you've completed a prototype, we can send the design schematics to anyone in the region who has been visited by this... alien being. I'll have my Chief Engineer work with your people... he's quite an innovator with technology developed on the fly."

"It would be an interesting experiment to try leaving a deliberate gap in that field," suggested Riker. "If we could force the creature to appear in a secured location of our choosing, it might be possible to communicate more effectively with it." Looking toward the room's viewscreen, he studied a detailed sensor graphic of a subspace rupture and the graviton tendril extending out of it. "Although how the devil we're supposed to negotiate with something like that..."

"The creature manipulates gravitons whenever it shows itself," Sisko informed them. "It craves them, since their use is the only way it can rupture subspace and appear in our universe. It also has a very specific agenda, and has been able to interact directly with people living in this area and arrange for the shipment and delivery of a great deal of equipment. It can make people rich if they successfully provide the things that it wants, or punish them at its whim when they fail. In all probability, the alien is merely seeking to perpetuate its own existence. But its methods have so far indicated to me that there is the distinct possibility that the creature possesses a much larger, dangerous plan. It certainly does not understand the sanctity of life in the same manner we do."

"It understands more than you think it does," Picard decided wryly. "The alien knows how to take advantage of greedy merchants, and that in exchange for wealth they will give it anything it wants. It has obviously learned how to keep a low profile to avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement" He studied Sisko curiously. "Why aren't you more worried about this situation Commander?" the Captain asked inquisitively. "If I were in charge of this station - and responsible for the safety of all of the people living aboard it - I would have my men searching every nook and cranny and busily looking for clues. I would actively seek out people who have already met with this alien in order to learn precisely how to more effectively contact and interact with it. Have you attempted yet to track the creature's movement through subspace?"

"My security team is top notch," Sisko replied firmly. "Once we have an anti-graviton enhancement added to our shield grid, we will be able to take Commander Riker up on his suggestion and communicate with the alien on our terms. In the interim I have chosen to let my people conduct their own investigation as they see fit." He waved a hand toward the star lit windows behind them. "Do not forget, we have a major weapons upgrade in progress. There are currently more Bajorans and humans on board this station than at any time in our short history here. That's a lot of innocent people in the way if we get into another shooting war."

"What more can you tell us about this team you left behind on Denali Prime?" Picard leaned forward intently. "What have they learned about all of this?"

The Commander had thought about this precise situation quite a bit since Captain Data's initial arrival. He had already made up his mind to keep the 29th century android's secret, but at the same time Sisko was not prepared to lie to seasoned Starfleet officers. Such a move could land him in a brig somewhere rather quickly and potentially spoil an otherwise promising career. However, even though he had already thought the matter through meticulously, he still chose his next words very carefully. The business that he had become involved in was a most complicated matter, and one wrong sentence could easily wind the entire situation into a twisted, tangled mess.

"I have not heard back from them yet," the Commander admitted reluctantly.

"If you're not in regular communication with them, how do you know they are succeeding... that they don't require additional help?" wondered Picard. "How can you possibly monitor their mission from here, Commander?"

"I have many contacts within the demilitarized zone and in the surrounding area... people who regularly keep me informed as to what is going on there," replied Sisko forcefully, conveniently leaving out the fact that at least some of those allies were officers from Starfleet's future. "I trust those people to let me know if my team gets in any trouble, and we have the Defiant at our disposal in case we need to provide additional support." He returned Picard's steady gaze honestly, without the slightest hesitation or trace of doubt in his chosen tone of voice. "Everything that can be done is currently taking place, both here on Deep Space Nine and there... within the demilitarized zone."

The only regret Sisko truly had was his failure to bring Lt. Dax and Major Kira into the meeting. Even so, his decision to exclude them remained solid and he refused to second guess himself. There was simply too much risk of them mentioning the earlier visit of a Data-Class android to the space station. In fact, the Commander was completely convinced that Captain Data's carefully thought out plan was in grave danger of completely unraveling so long as the Enterprise remained in the immediate vicinity of Deep Space Nine.

"I'm not certain that I concur with your assessment of this situation Commander," Picard stated firmly.

"I would be surprised if you did, and am always open to suggestions." Sisko shrugged his broad shoulders and smiled. "I am also well aware that you outrank me Captain, and that you command a powerful, mobile starship. If Starfleet decides that you should take over the investigation of this matter - which is currently an internal Deep Space Nine affair - then I will certainly yield to your authority... albeit rather reluctantly."

"I don't think that will be necessary," the Captain mused thoughtfully. "However, we should at least..."

In front of them, the viewscreen bleeped suddenly for attention and switched instantaneously to a visual of Major Kira. "Ops to Sisko," Kira stated with her usual vigor. "I don't mean to interrupt your meeting Commander, but we've just received an incoming transmission from the governor of Denali Prime. Apparently, he wants to lodge an immediate, formal complaint with Starfleet Command."

"Oh?" the Commander replied curiously. "Why would he want to do that?"

"It seems as though over three thousand people suddenly appeared out of nowhere within Azimuth city limits," she reported with a light chuckle. "Somehow the Alpha Quadrant civilians who were abducted in recent weeks have all been returned to us. For now they're all stuck on Denali Prime, and our good friend the Governor has a definite refugee problem on his hands."

"Thank you for the report Major. We'll add this item to our discussion. Please keep us apprised of any further developments."

"Aye sir." The viewscreen darkened instantly as Kira terminated the transmission.

Sisko swiveled back to face Picard. "I believe I have just heard from my team in the demilitarized zone Captain Picard, even if they didn't send me an actual message. They have just succeeded with one of their primary mission objectives, and those rescued people present at most a minor problem that I believe you can help me deal with."

"The Enterprise is a big ship, but even we can't carry over three thousand passengers," Riker objected almost instantly. "We'll have to recruit additional vessels... quite a few of them in fact."

"Why not use the ships currently docked here at Deep Space Nine?" suggested Sisko. "I've spoken with many of the Captains in the past day or so, and a majority of them are bored with the inactivity. If we can convince them to temporarily transfer their regular cargo here, then their ships would be perfect for a rescue operation." He smiled confidently. "That will allow our work crews to complete their work on the station's weapons upgrades and allow me more time to attempt a diplomatic resolution, all while we continue to deny our mysterious assailant access to the equipment that it so desperately wants."

Picard massaged the tip of his chin thoughtfully. "Under the circumstances, prudence would seem to dictate that any rescue effort should be accompanied by a military escort," he admitted. "Although if the Enterprise leaves this area - even on a temporary basis - then Deep Space Nine would still be vulnerable and exposed to this alien's attacks."

"No it wouldn't be," declared Sisko firmly. "My Science Officer expects to have the anti-graviton enhancement to our shield grid in place within hours. And in addition to the arsenal we have available to us on board the Defiant, over sixty percent of our new weapons systems are already on-line and operational. If your starship can part with a few dozen photon torpedoes to add to the complement already in our arsenal, we will be perfectly capable of defending ourselves from anything except an all out assault."

"What about the Dominion?" wondered Riker curiously. "Do they play a part in any of this?"

"For now the Dominion appears quite content to stay on their side of the wormhole, and the Jem'Hadar who serve them have made it clear with the destruction of the Odyssey that they intend to drive our people back to this side. As each day passes we see more and more of our colonists packing their bags and returning to the Alpha Quadrant. In addition to being brutal, the Jem'Hadar can also be extremely intimidating." He folded the fingers of both hands together and set them on the table. "We have investigated the possibility, and I am convinced that they are not involved in this matter."

Captain Picard paused thoughtfully, silently reviewing all available options. "We have clear orders from Starfleet to patrol this area until the crisis is resolved," he pointed out. "So I don't see any problem with using the Enterprise to coordinate the relocation of those abducted people." He held up a stern finger in warning. "But if you should find out anything new regarding this creature and its ability to attack ships and planets, I expect to be updated immediately."

"Of course," replied Sisko, privately relieved at Picard's decision. "Lt. Dax will provide you with a deployment schedule that we often share when other Federation starships patrol the DMZ. In addition to Denali Prime, it lists the inhabited solar systems that we cannot quickly reach using the Defiant. If you add those areas to your patrol pattern, we can still cover most of this sector."

The three of them stood and nodded respectfully at one another.

"I'll contact Lt. Dax as soon as I return to the bridge and download your schedule," Riker promised.

"Safe journey gentlemen," stated Sisko crisply with deep sincerity. His regret at having to withhold at least some of the truth was genuine. Having walked in Picard's shoes for the past few years, Benjamin Sisko now understood more than ever how much the burden of command could affect a man.

Still seated in Quark's bar on the Promenade, Lt. Ingram casually brushed aside several of her stray blonde locks and continued to sip her fruity cocktail. She was busily recording all of the transmission activity crisscrossing the immediate area surrounding Deep Space Nine. Even so, as soon as the meeting between Sisko, Picard and Riker concluded she retuned the receiver in her ear so that she could hear what was going on in Odo's security office. Her table was situated in a convenient spot that allowed her to easily observe the Constable and Michael Eddington while they conversed with the individual whom they believed to be Lt. Commander Data from the starship Enterprise. As was the case with the real Commander Sisko, the hologram's mobile emitter contained a sophisticated 29th century Comm-badge that permitted her access to eavesdrop.

"...unfortunately my starship obligations have taken priority over my earlier assignment here," the Sisko/Data hologram was telling Odo and Eddington. Mild distortion clouded the voice that sounded exactly like Data's until she finished properly adjusting her receiver. "Captain Picard ordered me to return immediately, so the Yellowjacket and I managed to rendezvous with the Enterprise just prior to its arrival here at Deep Space Nine."

"What about Doctor Bashir and Chief O'Brien?" asked Odo, his tone almost demanding. "If you've been reassigned, then where are they?"

"They are still following up on several leads in the demilitarized zone," replied the holographic Sisko/Data. "There is no need for undue concern, since the Enterprise will remain in the vicinity until this matter has been resolved. I am still assigned to remain in contact and assist you, but will be working now primarily from my starship."

"We need to learn how to communicate more effectively with the alien life form," suggested Eddington. "It is still quite possible that it has never intended to deliberately hurt anyone..."

Odo harrumphed loudly in response, obviously surprised by the Starfleet security Commander's stance on the subject. "The people who are dead would probably disagree with that assessment Commander... if they could," he stated rather bluntly. Eddington bristled noticeably but said nothing.

Again the Ferengi waiter appeared in front of Ingram and once again refilled her tall glass. "Would you like something to eat, hu-mon?" the strange, large-eared creature asked her. "In addition to frosty beverages, we boast the sector's most wonderful menu. It contains many delightful, hot or cold items with which to tempt your palate."

Ingram shook her head and irritably waved him away. The Ferengi shrugged his small shoulders and gave her a sharp-toothed smile. He wandered over to the three aliens at the table behind her, casually checking on their food and beverage status as he completed his circle through the occupied tables. The Relativity Lieutenant continued listening to the conversation in the Security office while opening her tricorder and activating it. Most of Quark's Starfleet customers were usually off duty ones, but the crowd on the Promenade was used to seeing Federation personnel working overtime - especially now with so many upgrades to the station's exterior in progress. She therefore considered the activity to be a low risk action, and sighed with relief now that the 'Data situation' appeared to be under control.

"The situation is under control... at least for the moment," she stated emphatically to herself, keeping her voice low enough so that no one could hear her complain. Her attention became so focused on the task at hand that she didn't even hear the meeting between Odo and Eddington conclude. It was only when the Sisko/Data hologram appeared in front of her and sat down at her table that she glanced up with startled surprise.

"Greetings," the Sisko hologram said in a voice that perfectly matched Data's.

"You shouldn't be here," Ingram snapped sharply at him. "At least not looking like that anyway."

The expression on the hologram's face was dark and serious. "How else can I help?"

"Stay sitting right where you are for another minute and continue shielding me from the crowd," replied Ingram, her attention focused on her tricorder. She continued tapping commands into the small device, and as she did so its electronic whirring steadily increased. "Earlier, I accessed the station's records and noticed that several vessels passed through the wormhole yesterday... on their way back to the Alpha Quadrant. If there are enough residual neutrinos drifting around outside the station, I might be able to create another 'assignment' for the Enterprise Data to handle. Both you and the real Benjamin Sisko have covered for my Captain's activities rather cleverly, but we still face potential problems if Lt. Commander Data shows up here on the station. All someone has to do is ask him the wrong question..."

"You mean someone like the Constable?"

Ingram smiled and nodded. "Exactly... he's as suspicious and thorough as his Starfleet file indicates. We've got to keep Lt. Commander Data on the Enterprise if at all possible." Jessica finished compiling her new tricorder program and promptly activated it, linking its output directly into the nearby Galaxy-Class starship's main computer. "This kind of thing is always a bit tricky because I have to manipulate their systems without leaving behind any traces of tampering. With an efficient Starfleet crew on board and a main computer constantly monitoring all shipboard functions, that's an extremely difficult thing to do... even with 29th century technology." She continued working with the tricorder for another few minutes and then smiled with satisfaction. "There... it's done!"

The holographic image of Sisko/Data promptly stood up to leave. "I think it's time for me to get out of here," he decided. "It's quite probable that even during a short visit, others from the Enterprise will no doubt show up on the Promenade."

"If you want to continue monitoring the crowd, by all means do so," Ingram told him. "Just make sure you change your appearance back to the Yridian. That image is undoubtedly your best bet when working undercover."

"Where are you headed?"

"Back to the Relativity," Jessica informed him. "I have to check in with Commander Ducane and give him a current update regarding the situation here." And unfortunately, I also have to let him know that Michael Eddington is quite probably dead, she thought silently to herself, remembering the distinct quantum flux her tricorder had detected in the RNA sequence of the man who had visited with Odo. And that he has undoubtedly been replaced with an alternate Eddington who was transferred over from a mirror universe.

U.S.S. Enterprise, Engineering, Stardate 48251.4

"Commander LaForge, may I please speak with you a moment?" Reginald Barclay paused next to his superior officer, waiting patiently while Geordi carefully studied the readouts on the central computer display. The familiar, constant thrumming of the warp core continually resonated throughout main Engineering and around the two of them, but not quite loud enough to interfere with their normal speaking voices.

"This doesn't look right," LaForge commented idly, sighing with frustration and peering more closely at the statistics listed on the screen in front of him. "In fact, it looks screwed up." He turned toward Lt. Barclay, peering through his electronic visor at the other officer. "What do you need Reg?"

Barclay handed him a data padd. "I would like to officially let you know that the dilithium matrix alignment is... uhm... all screwed up," he stated matter of factly. "Apparently, uhm... there are too many residual neutrinos drifting around outside the ship. They were most likely created by the wormhole traffic through this area."

"I thought we compensated for that," snapped LaForge harshly. He scratched his head with puzzlement and then suddenly remembered the primary reason they had stopped at Deep Space Nine. "Is there any unusual graviton activity in the area?" he asked with growing apprehension. "Are we possibly under attack by the creature that attacked DS9?"

"No," said Barclay confidently, shaking his head negatively. "When we noticed the alignment was out of whack, an alien presence was the first thing we checked for. Everything appears to be normal except for the excess number of neutrinos... Deep Space Nine's hull plating may simply attract them naturally."

"Wonderful," growled LaForge irritably. "Just wonderful."

"If you want, I can contact DS9's main Operations," suggested Barclay. "They're probably used to situations like this. I would imagine ships moving through the area near the wormhole encounter this kind of problem all the time. Their compensation parameters would probably..."

"Belay that... don't call anybody just yet," decided LaForge, tapping his Comm-badge and activating it. "LaForge to Data... are you there Commander?"

"This is Data."

LaForge smiled, somewhat reassured by the sound of his friend's voice. "Data, have you finished with your EVA work on that malfunctioning phaser array yet?"

"Affirmative. I have been back on the bridge for half an hour."

"Excellent. Could you please stop by Engineering for a few minutes and help me recalibrate the dilithium matrix? Apparently a bunch of stray neutrinos from the nearby wormhole have thrown it out of alignment. I don't believe any major ship functions have been affected, but our most recent measurements disagree with Starfleet's preferred tolerances just enough to be really annoying."

"Did you perhaps forget to compensate for the increased neutrinos while we are in the vicinity of Deep Space Nine?"

"No!" declared LaForge firmly and actually sounding more than a little bit defensive. "I did not forget... but they somehow penetrated our navigational shielding anyway and affected our systems."

"I will be down to assist you shortly. Data out."

Barclay frowned and actually looked a bit hurt. "We've all been pretty bored since docking, sir. This Deep Space Nine stop is too quick for any significant shore leave, but just long enough to keep us from starting work on anything major." He waved a hand at all of the talented, gold uniformed people moving back and forth. "We're the engineers, after all, and this is supposed to be our job. We could have that problem fixed for you in less than two hours."

"Data can do it in twenty minutes," LaForge pointed out. "I have every confidence in our team's ability to complete a job, Reg. However, Captain Picard will likely return shortly after his meeting with Commander Sisko is finished and I for one would prefer being able to tell him honestly that his ship is in perfect running order."

"Understood," said Barclay with an understanding smile. On this occasion once again, he found himself grateful to be only an assistant Engineer.

Deep Space Nine, Promenade, Stardate 48251.5

Worf quickly finished off the plate of live gagh that he had been working on for several minutes and smiled with notable satisfaction. "It has truly been a long time since I had a decent Klingon meal," he pointed out.

Next to him, Karg - the restaurant owner - leaned in closer. "More blood pie?"

Instantly Worf raised his plate. "Please," he nodded enthusiastically. "Believe it or not, I can't even remember the last time I had live gagh... even longer since I enjoyed blood pie!"

Karg grinned and promptly refilled Worf's empty dishes. "For an honorable Son of Mogh, the tab for this meal will be picked up by my House," he declared cheerfully. "However, I have heard that the Enterprise will be departing soon. I am therefore surprised that your Captain granted you the opportunity to share even a quick meal with me." He sat down opposite of Worf and dug a large spoon into the remaining, mealy mixture composing the infamous Klingon 'blood pie'.

"Captain Picard is well aware of the clash of cultures that my service to the Federation often causes," noted Worf as he continued enjoying his hearty lunch. "Being among humans on a prolonged basis is a constant challenge for me, and he is well aware of the sacrifices I regularly make to serve aboard his starship. Therefore the Captain often allows me small favors such as this one, especially since I do not ask for them very often."

"Well I for one am glad that your vessel stopped by," decided Karg. "Matters aboard this station have been very unsettling of late. We face an opponent who can appear at any time and at any place. It attacks innocent civilians without provocation and then slinks back into subspace like a Borellian slug worm."

Worf nodded. "I have heard," he admitted.

"Commander Sisko's people are still cleaning up and repairing main Operations," pointed out Karg. "There were innocent, unarmed Bajorans working there when this strange... dark creature attacked."

Putting down his eating utensils, Worf took a moment to scan the faces of the crowd. He noticed Jake Sisko and Nog passing by, giving the Klingon restaurant a very wide berth. The fear and anxiety in their expressions was plainly obvious. "When even children do not feel safe, that is a problem," he growled.

Karg glanced briefly at the pair of youngsters and laughed heartily, his Klingon chuckle booming above the constant, non-stop din permeating every corner of the crowded Promenade. "Those two are scared of me, not any strange, invading alien entity."

"Why would they be afraid of you?" asked Worf curiously, glancing apprehensively up and down the large, bulky frame of the overweight Klingon seated across from him.

"They are afraid that I will give them what I have given you... a free meal!" grinned Karg, folding his arms proudly in front of him and setting them on the table. "When the youngsters become too troublesome here on the Promenade, I give them each a fresh plate of gagh to keep them busy!"

As he imagined non-Klingons eating the live worms, this time it was Worf's laughter that thundered loudly for several moments. "I'm surprised that they even have the courage to show their faces on the Promenade," he commented, clearly amused. "Very few humans can tolerate Klingon food."

"Very few indeed," agreed Karg.

The Enterprise tactical officer found himself unexpectedly caught by surprise as a small hand tugged suddenly on his right forearm. Looking to his right and then downward, Worf noticed the small, petite features of a dark-haired little girl suddenly staring up at him. Her extremely small stature allowed her to move very stealthily through the large crowd.

"Would you like to go to a holosuite and try to best me with a bat'leth?" asked Molly O'Brien curiously in her sweet childlike voice. She had a huge smile on her face and giggled as she spoke the words.

"Molly... O'Brien?" gasped Worf as he instantly recognized her. He leaned over and scooped the youngster up into his arms, and she squealed happily with obvious delight. It had been quite some time since he had seen the child that he personally had delivered into the world.

As soon as he heard the girl speak, Karg leaped to his feet and began intensely searching through the crowd of passers by. "If you will excuse me, Worf Son of Mogh, I have a pair of troublemakers to find." He rubbed his thick fingered hands together expectantly. "I saw Jake Sisko and Nog pass by here earlier, and it appears to me as though they are ready for another free meal!"