Author's Notes: No one could explore virtually ALL of creation without at least touching a little bit on the concepts of evolution vs. Intelligent Design. Most students at a forum I watched on television agreed that they would like to be taught both, and then allowed to make up their own mind. So I guess what I'm saying is that I didn't think I would be able to make this story complete without the unique confrontation that takes place in this Chapter. I sincerely respect everyone's right to make up their own mind, so if you disagree with some of the items covered and the stances I take, feel free to blow 'em off. But I hope that EVERYONE who reads this Chapter takes at least a few minutes to think - really think - about some of the things that most of us seem to take for granted these days. Life is truly astonishing, in ALL of its forms!

And yes, the new character in this Chapter is one more tip of my cap to "The Old Man". His feedback provided me with the inspiration for the Captain Hernandez substory, which I believe has become an integral part of making this on-line novel "not just your average Star Trek episode". Thanks Old Man! Take one last bow as we move toward the finale!

Star Trek: Reign Of Terror

Chapter XVI: The Conscience Of The King

U.S.S. Yellowjacket, Location Unknown, Stardate Unknown

As Captain Data watched the shining, bright white light grow steadily closer, the Decker hologram still standing behind him leaned forward so that he too could get a better look outside. This situation is so odd, commented Decker idly. V'Ger has searched through his massive data archive, and still has absolutely no idea what that light might be.

"It is slowing as it approaches," noted Data, glancing briefly down toward the sensor console. "The runabout's scanners are detecting a flat surface area of some kind materializing beneath us. Other than that, the readings are confused. The platform's exact composition is unknown to this vessel's database."

A platform...? Decker trailed off with a slight chuckle. I guess there are still many discoveries to be made beyond the boundaries of our galaxy... even for V'Ger.

Double-checking the newest telemetry, Data nodded with obvious satisfaction. "There is now a durable surface area beneath the Yellowjacket, roughly fifty meters by fifty." He turned toward Decker with an odd, electronically generated expression of puzzlement on his face. "Readings also indicate Earth normal gravity and an oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere forming within the perimeter of the landing surface."

Whoever or whatever is out there obviously knows much about where we originally hail from.

"Stand by, Captain Decker. I am firing our maneuvering thrusters and attempting to land." Data worked steadily at the helm console and carefully lowered the small runabout until its heavy, reinforced nacelles settled comfortably onto the artificial surface that had appeared so suddenly beneath them. Once he was certain that the unknown alloy was capable of holding them reliably, he deactivated the thrusters and placed the vessel's command functions on encrypted standby. In front of them, the bright light continued to penetrate the windows and illuminate the cockpit's interior. An odd pattern of shadows played along the side of the android's face as he stood up and prepared to open the hatch.

May I join you? Decker asked with distinct interest. It has, after all, been quite some time since I last participated in a first contact situation.

Data activated the hatch's opening mechanism and waved toward the slowly opening doorway. "By all means," he responded with a confident nod. "I welcome your company." His thoughts drifted briefly to the possibility of taking along a phaser pistol, but he rejected the idea almost immediately. While linked with the network, he had plenty of protective shielding - along with unlimited additional resources - at his disposal. To take a weapon with him would only risk provoking an unwanted confrontation with whomever or whatever awaited them.

Together the pair of Starfleet representatives stepped cautiously out onto a solid surface they could not see. Except for the dazzling light in front of them and the smaller sources radiating from various points along the Yellowjacket's hull, everything was completely black. As Chief O'Brien and Dr. Bashir had pointed out during the initial trip out of the Milky Way, there was a distinct absence of light in the vast void between galaxies... a darkness so pervasive that not even Data's enhanced vision could pierce it.

I no longer require an oxygen atmosphere in order to survive, pointed out Decker. Do you?

"No," replied Data crisply. "That is an excellent observation. I wonder why Earth normal conditions have been established here, including a breathable atmosphere."

"Perhaps because I need them," snapped a new voice from directly in front of them. "Did that thought ever occur to you so-called rocket scientists?"

Out of the darkness, a frail, elderly man walked slowly but steadily toward them. A soft ivory aura surrounded his body, and the source of the brilliant white light was clearly emanating from a tiny opening in the blackness just behind him. Silhouetted by the intensity of the blazing glare, the old man continued moving closer. The stranger was using a gnarled, polished wooden walking stick and - judging by the appearance of his face and hands - he appeared to be ancient beyond the ability to measure. There were dark brown age spots and countless deep wrinkles along the surface of his face and wisps of thinning white hair on his head. The soft white robes he wore failed to hide his extremely thin and delicate frame. And yet it was apparent this strange, old man retained an unusual poise and self confidence. Despite his vulnerable appearance it was obvious that he was not at all helpless.

"Your life signs clearly register as humanoid," pointed out Data after utilzing a hastily opened tricorder to scan the newcomer. "Who are you?"

"I am someone who doesn't come out very often any more," the stranger replied curtly. "Not very often at all, in fact. However, I don't consider it just another ordinary day when I wake up and discover one of your starships flying through my front yard." He stopped in front of Data, curiously giving the android a complete and all-inclusive once over. "A sentient, artificial life form," he said with a distinct note of appreciation. "What a truly astonishing achievement you are... it is an honor to meet you sir."

"I am Data, Captain of the Timeship Relativity," replied the android Captain helpfully, extending a hand. "And I feel it only fair to point out to you that the Yellowjacket is a smaller scout vessel... not a starship. In fact, it is known throughout Starfleet as a runabout."

"Whatever." The strange newcomer continued studying him for a minute longer and then decided to graciously accept Data's offer of friendship. Nevertheless, the aged, wizened stranger still manage to chuckle delightedly at the Captain's precise manner and efforts at clarification. "It is a pleasure to meet you Data. You can call me David if it helps to speed along our conversation," he added with a wide grin. "I don't have the opportunity to visit with folks very often anymore... I'm afraid it's too long a journey and I'm just not that curious these days."

The android studied the man who had referred to himself as David carefully. "Who are you?" he asked with growing interest. "What are you doing this far away from galaxies and superclusters? Do you live in this area? Are you aware that there is a powerful, dangerous entity living nearby?"

"One question at a time please, android Captain." The elderly man folded his arms slowly in front of him and continued to smile coyly. "Who do you believe that I am Data?" he asked. "Think about all that you have learned over the years, and let's have your best guess. Who do you think that I might be?"

Data took the stranger's advice and thought about the question carefully for several seconds before answering. "Many cultures - including numerous groups on my creator's home world - speculate regularly in their historical texts about an Intelligent Designer." With his interest piqued, this time it was the android who meticulously examined David up and down using his electronically charged vision. "Could you perhaps be the Intelligent Designer whom many still believe exists?"

David laughed heartily, bending over at the waist and reaching out a friendly hand to clap Data lightly on his left shoulder. "I might be," he admitted with yet another amused chuckle. "However, if you are familiar with the content within those historical texts, then you should already realize that you don't get to know the answer to that question... not yet anyway."

"Why the obfuscation?" inquired the android curiously.

"If I am who you seem to think that I am then I have the right to answer your question however I choose to," David countered smoothly, smiling wryly. The wrinkles along both sides of his face crinkled in response to his expression. "And if I am not the Intelligent Designer..." he shrugged indifferently. "Perhaps there is no such being. Has your computerized brain considered that possibility?"

Data nodded. "I have considered the matter on many occasions during my lifetime, and remain convinced that there is indeed an Intelligent Designer." He waved a hand at the vast darkness surrounding them. "I sincerely believe that someone created all of this, and everything surrounding it."

"As you should," David said with a firm nod.

"Whether that being still exists or not... that question has remained unanswered since the beginning of everything. Perhaps you can resolve the matter."

What makes you so certain of your conclusion Data? asked the Decker hologram. If this person is just another life form and not in fact the Intelligent Designer, then how can either of you possibly say with such certainty that there is in fact a Creator of all things?

David pointed a long, slender finger directly toward Decker. "You are the last one I would expect to take such a stance," he replied sharply. "Aren't you the very same entity that was originally created by a previously unprecedented blending of human consciousness and technology?"

I am.

"And wasn't the original, simplistic technology that inspired what you are now designed and constructed by humanity?"

It was.

In his left hand David continued to hold firmly onto his walking stick. With his right he thoughtfully stroked his clean-shaven chin. "I suppose you could be right Captain Decker," he mused. "Perhaps the abundant, almost limitless biological life scattered throughout this universe developed in the same manner as your technology and starships - by random chance. A bit of lightning here, an unplanned fire there, and slowly over time things began to take shape. Elements of metal no doubt combined during those naturally caused fires to form alloys and - over a period of thousands of years - even electronic circuits could have evolved. Perhaps life forms simply formed and steadily grew more complex in the same manner... prodded by that same randomness. The process involved would be very similar to the development of the computers you regularly use and the vessels your people fly through space."

Data shook his head negatively. "Our starships and the electronic devices aboard them were designed and built," he replied, correcting David's statement immediately. "All of them required complex planning and meticulous attention to detail in order to make them functional and capable of supporting biological life while they travel through and explore space. The creation of miniaturized electronics is a very painstaking and delicate process..."

"Exactly!" shouted David triumphantly, pointing this time toward the android. "The ancient texts from those many cultures that you mentioned earlier may not always be entirely accurate from a historical standpoint, but that is because they were recorded by men and women who lived in those early civilizations... prior to their development and understanding of modern science. The people who wrote down their observations in those long ago days did so from a primitive point of view. And yet almost unanimously each and every one of them declares that biological life was created. On Earth many of those documents state specifically that God created man in his own image." He paused for a moment, long enough to place a hand alongside Data's cheek and feel the android's simulated skin. "If God did indeed create man in his own image..."

"...then man - in the form of Dr. Noonien Soong - created me in his own image," Data said, his expression somewhat amazed by the sudden, illuminating thought. The android glanced toward the wizened, elderly gentleman standing in front of him. "Is there in fact an Intelligent Designer? Are you the entity who created this universe, in all of its magnificent detail?"

"Data, have you ever seen a giraffe... or a zebra for that matter?" wondered David in response. "Have you ever conducted a really thorough examination of the complex, precise DNA patterns that are needed in order to generate the proper shape, appearance, and content of those animals? What about a human being and the sentient mind that shapes each individual into a unique person?" He cackled gleefully as he watched the android's constantly changing electronic expression. "Talk about your amazing coincidences... if your computers and starships cannot evolve naturally, then what in the blazes could make anyone believe that something as complicated as biological life could? Are you telling me that - all of this time now - non-believers have continually wasted time advocating theories of random chance and evolution simply because life is biological and not technical? How can they possibly have any doubts whatsoever?"

"What you say does make sense," agreed Data. "But it has remained unproven."

"Be it technology or biological life, I think that those who advocate the development of such intricate, complexity using only theories of evolution and random chance are in fact taking a miraculous leap that borders on the ridiculous. The non-believers would claim that those of faith are setting themselves up for inevitable disappointment. I, however, submit to you that the reverse is true. It is in fact the non-believers who - in the end - are unrealistic and somewhat lacking in clarity of thought." David's eyes flashed with intensity for a moment before his mood calmed somewhat. "But none of us get to know all the answers... at least not in this life. And that is how things should be."

"Why would an Intelligent Designer choose not to reveal himself?"

"Perhaps he is no longer around. Perhaps his lifespan, like that of most biological life forms, is a limited one. Or perhaps... perhaps he simply does not wish to," answered David insistently. "Perhaps he actually wants a little bit of evolution thrown into the mix. Perhaps he wants people to learn from the mistakes they make - historically that has always proven to be the very best teacher. And maybe, just maybe, he wants people to look up into the sky and wonder 'what if'...?"

There was a brief pause as Data's android thoughts merged almost completely with Decker's via their shared link. The two of them instantly accessed the resources of the subspace network and reviewed more information in the space of several seconds than a thousand humanoids could have searched through during the passage of several years. "We do not discuss this subject much in our blending of cultures," admitted the android Captain. "There are a variety of different faiths - and many non-believers as well. We individuals usually keep our own beliefs private in deference to others around us. This is especially true for those of us who choose to serve in Starfleet. To do otherwise all too often risks offending those who are easily provoked by views that differ greatly from their own. The concept of an Intelligent Designer has always been a controversial one. Some are more open minded than others."

"That is indeed too bad," decided David. "What a gift life is Captain; what a remarkable achievement each and every birth has been and continues to be. Especially the creation of your own android race," the old man chuckled, studying Data's carefully shaped facial contours intently. "Noonien Soong, the scientist who constructed the first Data-Class androids worked very long and hard at his task with persistent, loving care. So what in blazes makes you think that the being responsible for the creation of humanoids and other life forms in this universe would feel or act any differently?"

"I do not know for certain that there was only one Intelligent Designer... as I pointed out, beliefs differ considerably on this matter, nor has their ever been the discovery of any conclusive proof." Data watched David continue to chuckle with obvious amusement while he responded to the old man's speculations. "Many Earth cultures believe that there is one true God. That is why I had hoped that you might in fact be Him. Such a discovery would allow all of humanity to finally resolve many unanswered questions."

I don't mean to interrupt, but WHY are we even having this discussion? wondered Decker curiously. Are there not MORE important matters pending? His holographic image shifted position so that he could more closely observe the old man standing near Data. Why are YOU here sir? Why have you chosen to contact us?

The old man cast a wary glance in Decker's direction. "I am here," he stated very deliberately, "because I want to know precisely what you two are planning to do to the fabric of this universe. And, more specifically, I want to know exactly how you plan to handle the matter of the Overseer and what shape your end game with him will look like."

"Indeed," said Data. "Do you plan to assist us?"

"No," David responded. "But you are not leaving my presence until I am satisfied that you have answered all of my questions on this matter." He did not state specifically one way or another just how he intended to restrain them from leaving the vicinity if they chose to try. Instead, David left that issue unanswered... at least for the moment.

Data studied the weathered, wrinkled face of the elderly man for a moment, carefully sizing him up based on the little that he and Decker had learned during their short conversation. Then he held up a hand and tapped his Comm-badge. "Computer," he stated briskly. "Lock transporter targeting scanners onto the data padd that I left sitting on the helm console and beam it directly to me here."

"Acknowledged."

Several centimeters above his outstretched hand the small electronic padd materialized in a shimmer of glowing green energy. David began cackling hysterically with laughter as he watched the padd drop the rest of the way into Data's open palm. "Do the two of you take turns being in charge?" he asked with genuine interest and obvious amusement, stifling another laugh. "Out of a sense of fairness, does the computer on board your ship ever get to order you around?"

Activating the padd's data screen, Data hesitated briefly. "I guess I never thought about it that way. Starfleet considers me to be a fully sentient, artificial life form and an individual being. The same cannot be said of the Yellowjacket's computer, whose limited personality is based primarily upon 24th century technology." He handed over the data padd, which David accepted and instantly began studying.

The old man continued laughing. "I've got my own ways of learning things, Captain Data. Therefore I already know that - although the computer on your ship may be based on 24th century technology - there are other components of your vessel that are significantly more advanced." He shifted his sparkling eyes to study Decker. "And then there is the matter of that Preserver subspace network, a realm whose resources have made you much more powerful than you ever should have been in your lifetime."

The android shrugged his shoulders. "If you know about the Overseer, then I am certain you are also familiar with the existence of temporal anomalies and the subsequent necessary evils of time travel. I consider myself fortunate to have discovered the existence of the Preserver race in the distant future and their network. Without their assistance, even the advanced resources available in my own century would never be enough to successfully combat this alien. I would have no choice but to try and kill him, or at least damage him significantly. And I have decided conclusively that I do not wish to do that."

David returned the padd to Data after examining its information for less than thirty seconds. "Your solution is an admirable one," he decided, with new respect obvious in his chosen tone of voice. "Believe it or not Captain Data, I sincerely like this plan of yours. Keeping things simple is almost always the best choice... the universe gets complex and intertwined all on its own soon enough without help from anyone else." Peering closer at the android, the corner of one side of his mouth curled upward. "I am curious... what made you decide with such fierce determination not to kill it?"

"Starfleet officers prioritize violence as their last option," Data replied truthfully. "There are many different varieties of sentient life, and that is taking into account only those beings who exist within the confines of my home galaxy. On many occasions, we have actually gone well out of our way to accommodate other aliens very different from ourselves - allowing them to thrive when we could instead have destroyed them. The Overseer is indeed very old and very different from any alien we have ever encountered. In my command experience, killing him should be the last option we use to protect ourselves... only if all others fail. The places he has visited and what he has learned over countless centuries could teach us a lot."

And yet the Overseer is not completely aware of what he is doing, pointed out Decker. The creature has learned how to communicate with and manipulate sentient beings living in galactic star systems, but it has no emotions. As was the case with V'Ger before it merged with Lt. Ilia and me, the Overseer cannot possibly understand the pain and oppression caused by his actions. I am still somewhat surprised that it has not simply wiped out all life forms standing in its way, but it apparently has logically concluded that it can reap greater benefits by enslaving them.

David nodded in complete agreement. "Ilia tempted V'Ger, since it captured enough of her humanoid essence to sense the emotional being that she originally was. That is one of the major reasons it decided to lure you closer in the hopes that you would merge with it."

"My first duty is to force the Overseer to withdraw its unwanted presence from our galaxy. If possible I would seek to drive it completely out of our universe and back into subspace," continued Data. "If this being wishes to establish some sort of permanent presence in our space, then we have a right to expect that the creature will have to first negotiate an agreement with us. This is, after all, our home."

David nodded with approval as the android spoke. "That is why you chose this two step plan of yours instead of simply sucking away all of its gravitons?"

"Affirmative." Data's thumb touched a button on the data padd and the information listed on its small screen vanished. "The creature is so large and pervasive in most of the realities around us... it would be virtually impossible to attack it only with anti-graviton technology. The Overseer has made certain over the passage of countless eons to establish a very large presence in each universe. We are extremely fortunate that he is just now penetrating our galaxy. With the experience the alien has gained governing the populations in mirror universes, it would not take him long at all to begin tyrannizing our people. This is a powerful enemy we could never hope to stand against."

"So you've decided to kick it in the teeth and get its attention," grinned David.

"Captain Janeway - another colleague of mine - suggested that I first needed to come up with a 'bargaining chip' of some sort. Without one, she did not believe that any sort of diplomatic negotiation could ever hope to succeed. Both parties who work to hammer out any agreement need to be willing to keep their end of the bargain... otherwise it is meaningless. Far too many leaders in our history have discovered firsthand that negotiations cannot truly lead to an advantageous outcome unless both sides are willing to comply with the concessions they agree to make. Although the use of force is never desirable and its use frowned upon by many, a realistic assessment of most situations like this one often reveal that its use is a necessary tool. Without it, the status quo prevails and positive change cannot be successfully implemented."

David's amusement faded somewhat and he looked suddenly at Captain Data with newfound respect. He was, however, not completely finished poking fun at the android. "This Captain Janeway you speak of... she wasn't human either, was she?" He waved both hands frantically in the air around him for emphasis. "Is everybody a computerized brain in your society, or are there actually a few people in that galaxy you come from?"

"Janeway was a hologram," admitted the android. "However, I feel it only fair to point out that her holographic matrix is based on a very real person."

David harrumphed loudly. "In any case, I agree with your assessment of the situation - direct negotiations with this Overseer would never work without the 'bargaining chip' this Janeway spoke of." He cast a wary glance at the android. "What made you decide to implement the second stage of your plan, even with so many risks involved?"

"Risk is our business," Data told him. "That is why we are out here exploring space, developing its resources and working to make it safer for our people. We want to encounter new life forms and new civilizations, and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to interact with them. Additionally, I would point out that my positronic mind is able to do numerous calculations and provide me with very reliable estimates. In this case, most of the computer models I constructed strongly predict a favorable outcome."

A majority of the Overseer's presence exists OUTSIDE of any universe, chimed in Decker. With physical laws so different from our own - or even the complete lack thereof - how could ANY creature hope to interact meaningfully with tinier, emotional life forms in our time and space? He turned and regarded Data thoughtfully. Despite the computer models you have used to predict positive results, there does remain a risk of dire consequences once you actually implement this plan. The Overseer is used to bullying everyone he encounters, and may not respond in the manner that you predict he will.

Data heard Decker's words, but chose not to respond to his warning. Instead he thumbed the data padd, reactivating its screen and used the device to call up a smaller version of his multiverse map. The details of the significantly reduced image on the tiny display were still visible, but much harder to discern. Nevertheless, he handed the padd back to David and allowed him to examine the graphic more closely.

"There are tens of thousands of alternate universes surrounding this one," the android stated factually. "I have been able to confirm that much using Preserver sensor technology. All of these appear to be connected together via the subspace also depicted on the diagram. During many documented, historical crossovers between these realms, the United Federation of Planets that I represent has discovered many parallel realities. Some of these appear to be virtually identical duplicates of our own, while others are significantly different from this universe."

David smiled and nodded slowly. "And yet," he observed with what appeared to be growing admiration, "only you have managed to catch my attention Data. Only this version of Starfleet has detected the Overseer's presence and acted soon enough to have any reasonable chance of stopping him. You are the lone representative from any of those realities to ever venture this far out. The Preservers and the Federation - here in this particular realm - are forming a binding coalition that spans all of time and space itself. There are indeed thousands of other universes out there, but none of their populations have yet sent explorers so far away from home. All of them may benefit from the knowledge that you gain here... they will benefit because you recognized the problem and you chose to act."

"I also command an entire Timeship, with a crew of trained experts," Data informed him. "Their assistance was crucial to detecting the problem early, as was the information I obtained from the Preserver's subspace computer database."

And yet you left them behind, Decker reminded him.

"If I fail, someone needs to be in a position to try again," argued Data in response.

"I have confidence in you Data, and believe that the 'ripples' you are creating in this particular pond will radiate steadily outward," predicted David. "Once the subspace network connections that link this universe's resources with those in other alternate realities are updated with your findings, I expect that many others will choose to act as you have. At least those cultures that remain in a position to defend themselves."

"Some of them will be violent... they will try and kill the Overseer," warned Data. "Not all cultures are peaceful ones, even within my home galaxy."

"I will deal with those," David replied sternly. "You do not need to worry about any reality other than your own." He took a deep breath and tugged at the folds on the front of his robe. "It is time for me to be on my way," he decided suddenly. "Is there anything else that you would like to ask me before I leave?"

The android Captain nodded and pointed to his padd and its impressive diagram of the multiverse. "I have also noticed that - extending from the outer periphery of the universe bubbles I have charted - there are subspace strands stretching all the way to the edges of this diagram. The distance is astonishingly far; much farther than even Preserver sensors can measure. Where precisely do those pathways lead to and what specifically can be found at the other end?"

David shook his head with wonder and laughed loudly. "One step at a time Captain Data," he said with a confident, wide smile. "You don't get to know that yet, either." He nodded respectfully toward the Decker hologram and then bowed toward Data. "I consider this meeting to be a great honor - it isn't often that I have the opportunity to meet representatives from such a peaceful, well mannered civilization," he told them.

"What will you do to those who would kill the Overseer?"

Holding up his well worn walking stick, David shook it emphatically. "I'm afraid I still have a bit of a temper. Usually when I run into the more violent, aggressive types I inevitably end up having to knock some sense into them. After that I let my son visit with them for awhile, since he always seems to have a much cooler head in those types of situations." The unusual stranger extended a hand of friendship, very similar to Data's original act. "Good bye Data... it has been a pleasure."

"I enjoyed meeting you too, David."

Together, the Decker hologram and Data watched as the elderly gentleman turned back toward the brightly shining white light still blazing behind him. Slowly but surely he retreated away from them, walking in small, carefully measured steps. His body gradually turned transparent and then faded away entirely. A few seconds later, the small hole in space closed up and took the brightly shining light source along with them. Surrounding them, the sudden return of the darkness reigned and only the nearby Yellowjacket's still illuminated running lights provided them with any sense of direction.

Who was he? wondered Decker. I agree with him that you and I must appear to him as unusual traveling partners. But what kind of life form was that?

"I do not know," Data replied truthfully. "However, I hope that someday I have the honor of speaking with him again."

Deep Space Nine, Alpha Quadrant, Stardate 48255.4

Lt. Commander Michael Eddington leaned casually against the side of Quark's bar and watched two scantily clad Dabo girls walk smoothly past his position. An attractive, dark-haired beauty caught his eye and smiled mischievously, but Eddington was not in the mood for games today. On his side of the cosmos he was considered to be quite the ladies man, and yet here on board this particular Deep Space Nine he had many more important things to do. Sipping at his non-alcoholic drink carefully, he flashed Quark an oily smile. "I am sure that you of all people are pleased that Commander Sisko has finally decided to lift the lockdown," he speculated.

"Yes, I have to say that for once I'm glad to see such a large Starfleet presence," replied the Ferengi with a satisfied grin. "With the Enterprise and all of the other starships patrolling this sector, that creature has suddenly become afraid to poke its nose out and continue meddling in our affairs. That outcome can only be good for business."

"That's not exactly the way I heard it," noted Eddington. "I thought the acquisition rule stated that 'war is good for business'. Those starships are here to maintain order, not the other way around."

"Well, there is also a rule indicating that 'peace is good for business,'" stated Quark informatively. "The Ferengi mind finds a way to have things both ways." He set two large frosty mugs on the counter and began filling them with a pale, orange colored ale. Once the frothing white foam began to run down the sides of each mug, he carefully set them on a platter and shoved it toward a nearby waiter. The small Ferengi picked up the carrying platter and moved off into the crowd with his completed beverage order.

Eddington watched all of the new civilian faces in the surrounding crowd curiously, recognizing more of them than he had expected to. "Where did all of these people come from?" he asked, suddenly very interested. "I knew that commercial merchant traffic was slowly returning to normal, but I never expected to see so many people coming through here so soon."

"Most of these people are from the cargo ships originally trapped here, and are still in the process of relocating refugees from Denali Prime," acknowledged Quark. "Once they heard that the station lockdown had been lifted, this was an obvious transfer point for most of them."

"Really." Eddington took one last sip from his glass and then shoved it toward the bartender. "I'll see you later Quark," he promised amiably. "I have some business to attend to."

"Stop by any time you like," the Ferengi called after his trim, receding figure, already retreating into the crowd. "Especially if you keep tipping like you have been lately!"

The lone, commercial freighter Captain had finally finished up his morning's work and decided to stop by the Promenade for a quick lunch. Despite the large crowd, he managed to find a small table for two and sat down alone. Isolating himself had become a regular habit since his father's death on one of the planets located within the notorious, always dangerous demilitarized zone that divided Cardassian space from Federation territory. But he wasn't concerned about things like proper social graces any longer or with making new friends... only with insuring that his small, one vessel business made a decent profit.

"May I join you?" asked Michael Eddington smoothly, appearing suddenly from out of the crowd. Without waiting for an answer he seated himself at the only other chair and smiled wryly - his expression actually looked more like a confident leer. The Starfleet security officer held a data padd in his right hand and he tapped the table with its metal edge repeatedly, continuing to study the face of the man sitting opposite him. In particular his eyes focused on the freighter Captain's forehead, just above his left eye. "Nice tattoo... did you get it on Earth?"

The Captain sensed great danger - his natural instincts were honed and reliable. "I'm rather busy," he replied tersely. "I just wanted a quick bite to eat, and then I'm returning to my ship."

Eddington thumbed the data padd and chuckled. "My name is Michael Eddington. Yours is Chakotay," he stated professionally, reading information from the device's screen. "Your ancestry is Native American on Earth... specifically the Mayan culture. My background check shows very clearly that you used to be in Starfleet - in fact you were an instructor for awhile in their Advanced Tactical Training division. Was it your father's death that put you over the top... was that the final straw that convinced you to seek revenge against the Cardassians for their repeated attacks on your father's colony?"

Denying nothing, Chakotay continued to eat. "What do you mean?" he asked finally.

The Lt. Commander leaned forward across the table and smiled wickedly. "I mean that your merchant business on that wreck of a ship you fly is in fact a total sham," he snapped in reply. "I know that you secretly work for the Maquis and that you have many contacts within their organization. Although your primary job is a legitimate effort to raise funds by shipping commercial cargo, you secretly command a Maquis vessel on the side... during their increasingly organized attacks on the Cardassians."

Chakotay carefully set down his eating utensils and wiped his mouth with a napkin. His eyes flashed upward and met Eddington's confidently, but there was obvious anxiety in his expression. "If you have proof of those claims, then arrest me," he snapped harshly. "Otherwise get out of here and leave me alone. It takes a lot of work to keep that small vessel of mine flying and moving around enough cargo to turn a small profit. Not everyone who joins Starfleet likes what they find there, and not everyone who leaves automatically joins the Maquis. Wherever you've gotten your information from, it's inaccurate."

"I am not here to arrest you," insisted Eddington, watching the freighter glance at him with both surprise and suspicion. "I want you to use those contacts of yours to arrange something for me."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Lt. Commander," stated Chakotay with growing anger. "If you have data proving that I am in fact a member of this Maquis organization, then why wouldn't you arrest me? I know more than a little bit about Deep Space Nine, and you're the senior Starfleet Security Officer here. So what in creation are you trying to accomplish here?"

Eddington shoved the padd across the table. "I have all the information that I need to make an arrest right now," he stated coolly. "But what I'm really after is an opportunity to eventually leave Starfleet myself and join your organization." He shrugged his shoulders. "I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that I have burned a few bridges here and sooner or later I will have to step down anyway. I need a place to go and disappear for awhile. Therefore, I'm willing to help your organization out and even work hard for it in return for a new start."

The padd bleeped as Chakotay picked it up and glanced curiously at the information listed there. "You expect me to believe that a Lt. Commander - the person in charge of all of Starfleet security on this station - wants to join the Maquis?" He tossed the padd casually back on the table. "Starfleet is always looking for ways to sneak undercover operatives into the demilitarized zone. Obviously, you have come to the conclusion that I am some sort of a fool."

"No, I think that you're highly intelligent and will take a great deal of convincing," Eddington responded. "I wouldn't trust you either if you believed me without concrete proof. And the first batch of what will convince you of my sincerity has currently been transferred into your ship's cargo bay."

Chakotay's expression grew suddenly apprehensive. "I already have a cargo Eddington," he pointed out. "And I really need that cargo in order to turn a profit. If I don't make money..."

"...if you don't make money, you can't help the Maquis buy weapons," chuckled Eddington, folding the fingers of both hands together and setting them on the table surface next to the data padd. "That's why I took the liberty - on this occasion - of eliminating your middle men."

For the first time since the unwelcome discussion had started, Chakotay felt his interest piqued. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.

"Right now there are fifty micro-torpedoes - the kind used by Starfleet runabouts and fighters - loaded into your cargo bay," declared Eddington in a soft, carefully lowered tone of voice. "I have also made certain there is enough anti-matter on board to make all of those devices extremely deadly to Cardassians." His eyes never left Chakotay's as he worked very hard to convince the other man that he was indeed sincere. "I am certain you realize just how difficult it is to obtain those kinds of weapons."

"How are you getting them?" asked Chakotay suspiciously. "The disappearance of that kind of sizeable inventory always leaves an audit trail... or if deleted a gap of some kind in accounting records..."

"Not for a Lt. Commander in charge of all of Starfleet security on board this station," grinned Eddington. His outright deviousness actually triggered a severe burst of guilt in Chakotay's subconscious. The kind of people the Maquis had to rely upon in order to be successful continued to bother him, and this particular individual's words penetrated all the way to his moral center. At times he sincerely believed that his rebel group had in actuality made a deal with the devil... that they were in a no win situation.

"How do I know you're not setting me up... trying to get at my colleagues?"

"I also have connections with people who work for Section 31. As a former tactical commander yourself, I'm certain you understand completely how easy it is for those people to obtain virtually anything that they want to." He leaned back in his chair with obvious self-assuredness. "You have connections, and I have connections. If we work together, both of us will benefit."

Chakotay remained unconvinced. "How do I know you're not setting me up in an attempt to capture more of my friends?" His demeanor remained very suspicious of the newcomer and he continued to remain extremely distrustful of the unexpected offer. Reaching out he picked up his glass and took a long drink from his Bajoran beer, enjoying the taste of the cold, fermented ale.

"I never expected you would trust me at first glance," Eddington responded casually. "This new arrangement of ours will take some time to develop Captain Chakotay." He waved coolly with one hand. "Now that most of the refugees from Denali Prime have access to Bajor and other ships in the vicinity, your obligation to assist in relocating them has been completed. You can simply continue with your usual cargo run. I think that you'll find those torpedoes will come in handy during the coming months. My Starfleet Intelligence reports indicate that the Cardassians have plans to increase the size of their unofficial military presence in the demilitarized zone. That does not bode well for you or for me. I intend to live there someday soon... safely away from Starfleet."

"Even fifty torpedoes won't last long," noted Chakotay with continued distrust. "Suppose I turn them - and you - over to Commander Sisko and blow the whistle on you?"

"You can do that, but I do not think you will choose to," Eddington decided. "This is a very rare and unique opportunity for you and the organization you represent. I can continue to provide you with all kinds of weapons and tactical information from this posting... anything that your people need. Aside from Commander Sisko and Odo, I have the highest security clearance levels of anyone on this station. I can literally make incriminating evidence against suspected members disappear."

"And all you want in exchange is a place to go and a chance to fight with us?" Chakotay found the offer too incredible to believe, which was exactly why his instincts weren't warning him completely away from the temptation to accept. No one would take such a chance if he wasn't sincere...

"Like me, Chakotay, you understand tactical strategy very well. You must therefore have deduced that I already have several contingency plans ready in case you choose to betray me. I can assure you that I will be a much better ally than an enemy. If you cross me I'll make certain that you burn before I do."

The freighter Captain finished his lunch and pushed his plate aside. "It will take me some time to return. I need to stop off at the Volan colonies, deliver the merchandise that you have made available to us, and then contact the appropriate people. That doesn't happen overnight, and they will be as suspicious of all of this as I am... probably a great deal more so."

"That is why you will be my only link until I leave Deep Space Nine," Eddington assured him. "This does not need to happen quickly. The Bajoran and Federation governments are working closely together now, and industry-sized replicators have been made available to the provisional government here. When I leave, I'm going to take something really big with me... possibly equipment like that."

"Industrial replicators?" Chakotay shook his head. "Those are tougher to obtain than weapons."

"Not when they regularly pass through checkpoints here at Deep Space Nine," said a confident Eddington, tapping the side of his head with one forefinger. "Think about it Chakotay... if your organization had one or two of those, you could make your own phaser couplings and your own photonic torpedoes. All you would need to acquire would be the anti-matter to place inside them, and that particular commodity is very easy to find within the plasma storms of the Badlands."

"We'll speak again the next time I pass through this station," decided Chakotay. "I hope you realize that is all I can promise for now."

"It is all I expect for now, Captain."

"Even so," Chakotay continued, "I'm passing you off to someone else as soon as I can fill them in on the details. You may think you're some sort of traitorous wonder, but I won't be your contact. I can barely stand the sight of you."

"Whatever gets us both what we want, Captain." Eddington turned and vanished back into the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.

Chakotay sat quietly for a few minutes and realized that both of his hands were shaking, reacting to an overload of adrenalin from his close call. He wondered sincerely for a few minutes why he wasn't on his way to a permanent stay on some Federation penal colony, since Michael Eddington had discovered some real, solid evidence that could put him in jail for a very long time. Either his long term plans to oppose the Cardassians had just been dealt a very severe blow...

...or this was the beginning of a solid opportunity to seriously blunt their presence and finally force them to leave the civilian populations living in the DMZ alone.

For good.