CHAPTER 503

LT CDR HOTCHNER'S QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

The doorbell beeped and Hotchner looked up from his desk. "Come in."

Leonaidas stepped in and Hotchner stood up. "Good morning, Commander."

Leonaidas nodded, "Good morning, Hotch. What are you up to today?"

Hotchner grabbed a tablet and said, "I'm reviewing the files of the Ambassador's staff and that of the crew of T'Pal." He handed the tablet over to Leonaidas.

Leonaidas took the tablet and started reading it. "What have you found out?

"Ambassador Nucatola has been to Organia before numerous times. Since she was appointed by the President and confirmed, she has been on the scheduled Organian-Klingon conferences and has been largely apologetic. She has been extremely concessionary. She also has an interest in the Captain."

"How so?"

Hotchner stated, "One key concession was in an agreement to a Klingon demand not to use tractor beams to push asteroids into ships or vice versa."

Leonaidas nodded, "Rules of war now. That limitation was added a few years ago."

Hotchner raised an eyebrow. "Yes. I was curious as to how that ever became an issue. This is something that has been difficult to track down. The Klingons first raised it as an issue on Stardate 6635.4. They complained it was an uncivilized way to fight."

Leonaidas said, "Combatants had been pushing one another into asteroids for a long time."

"Particularly tenders." There was a short silence.

Leonaidas said evenly, "Go ahead Hotch, give me everything you have."

Hotchner summed up, "True, combatants had been pushing one another into asteroids. Starfleet intercepts from communications reveal that about Stardate 6625 a Klingon task force was destroyed in a particularly humiliating way."

"How humiliating?"

"Very. The crew on the only Klingon ship to survive was executed for cowardice. The Klingon computer records supposedly showed that one of the ships involved extensively used asteroids and tractors in the attack." Hotchner added, "Also, the Enterprise was listed as one of the ships."

Leonaidas added, "Go on."

"As you said, asteroids and tractors were a favored tactic among tenders, in particular, Derf class tenders."

Leonaidas' eyes narrowed, "You have more, don't you."

"Yes. Ambassador Nucatola had researched the background for this, and while I cannot find out what happened, I can surmise what happened. The Enterprise has certain dates classified in its logs." Hotchner started.

"Not unusual for a front-line Heavy Cruiser."

"Indeed. However, a notable ship like the Enterprise inflicting large amounts of damage would not be unusual, therefore I expect another ship was involved. A Derf-class tender. Specifically, the Wolverine."

Leonaidas handed the tablet back to Hotchner. "Why the Wolverine?"

"During the time that Ambassador Nucatola was on Organia meeting with the Klingons, they made a request for Starfleet records. They requested operational data on a Derf class vessel that was involved in rescuing the Enterprise on Stardate 6615 in system PKX-2671. Based on Starfleet data, the only Derf class vessel that was in the area was the Wolverine. I cannot confirm that because the Wolverine's logs are classified during that time period. That may be confirmation but…."

Leonaidas held up his hand. "Just a minute, Hotch. Why are you pursuing this?"

"The Captain requires complete information to get good advice."

Leonaidas nodded, "But you seem bent on digging into the Captain's past. What is up with that? Do you suspect the Captain is covering up something wrong?"

Hotchner raised an eyebrow almost in alarm. "It was not my intent to suggest that the Captain has done something wrong. I was merely trying to figure out what the interest was in the Captain by Ambassador Nucatola."

"And the pressing of the other ship incidents at yesterday's briefing…."

Hotchner stated, "We have three senior staff that were on the Wolverine. It was a chance to find out the truth of what happened."

Leonaidas looked at Hotchner, "You see, Hotch, the way you put that, it sounds like you suspect that the Captain is covering up something."

Hotchner nodded, "Yes, I can see what you mean, my apologies. That was not my intent. I have high confidence in the Captain and trust that he is a good ship's commander. He would not violate rules or act dishonorably. I hope I have not offended him."

Leonaidas shook his head. "No, you have not. You already know his logs are classified for the time period. He cannot even acknowledge that he knows something. Do not press him on that because he cannot talk about it."

"Most people would make a denial, or say they are under orders not to talk."

Leonaidas thought quickly on how best to handle the next statement. "Think about our orders on classifying the rescue of the Excalibur. We are not even to acknowledge that we know something happened. We know the Captain's under orders to be quiet because his logs are classified. He may be under orders that he cannot even acknowledge being under classified orders." An idea occurred to Leonaidas. "Hotch, what is your analysis of the orders to be classified?"

Hotchner's eyebrows furrowed as he started thinking. "I never thought that our orders to keep the rescue of the Excalibur classified were logical. Rather, it should be widely disseminated. The Klingons are a serious threat and the Organians are not stopping them, every starship and civilian craft should know to give any Klingon due concern. I find it inconsistent that Starfleet ordered the suppression of information that indicates Klingon aggression, therefore the order must be coming from higher up."

Leonaidas was thinking too, "How far up?"

"The President or the Starfleet oversight committee."

Leonaidas asked, "What would their purpose be in classifying Organian inability?"

Hotchner stated, "To mislead the public into thinking that we are safe, that would reduce the need for an armed Starfleet. And that points to….."

Leonaidas mused, "Senator Jameson. Hotch, remember what I said, don't press the Captain again on areas you know he can't talk about. If it were up to him, he would tell us all what he knows. It is others that are stopping him from informing us. See you at the drills later." Hotchner nodded and Leonaidas walked out and down the hallway deep in thought. Everything keeps coming back to Jameson. And Jameson's agenda is seriously harming the Federation. And now an Ambassador that has proven herself to be appeasing to Klingons is going to meet with Klingons. No good can come out of this deal.

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

Octavian was having breakfast with Jacobs. It initially started as a short Bible study, Octavian took this very seriously. Dr. Mallard kept watch over the Captain's health. Commander Bauer kept watch over the Captain's security, and also his weapon's training. Jareau was essentially the Captain's secretary, only more. Octavian saw his responsibility as watching after the Captain's spirit. Lately, they had been working through Proverbs, which was always good to review.

"So, Josh, we can use these passages to not only identify the fool, but what kind of fool they are. Are they a mocker, a scorner, one full of themselves, the proud, or the slothful? There is more to it than that, but I have had psychologists say that this is a good diagnostic tool."

Jacobs finished his juice. "We may need it soon. What do you know about Captain Broderick?"

"Not much, beyond what was said at the meeting yesterday."

Jacobs was musing, then started chuckling. "How would you like to command a Starship for a while?"

"I'm not certified."

Jacobs shook his head, "It is for the upcoming drill. I need a commander for the T'Pal. You would be in command down in the secondary Bridge."

Octavian said, "Your opinion of Broderick is that low?"

Jacobs shrugged, "Wasn't it Sun Tzu that said something to the effect of 'Never underestimate an opponent, never overestimate an ally?"

Octavian shrugged, "Nope, it was the Marines."

Jacobs laughed, "You guys were good Combatology students. I do not want a good commander for the simulated T'Pal."

Octavian chuckled, "Well, if you want incompetent, I can give you that. I basically know 'more power' and 'shoot'. But that is it." Octavian stood up. "Who's my FO?"

Jacobs stood as well, "Your fellow Brit, the newly minted Lt JG Hornblower."

Octavian said, "You should make him the Captain."

"I will for the second drill. This first one I just want an incompetent Captain, no offense meant." Octavian smiled his agreement. "The next one I want is an uncooperative one."

Octavian smiled, "My chance for glory! Wait, who is going to be flying the ship in the meantime?"

"Now you are thinking like a Captain. Leo is going to be in auxiliary control minding the ship. It is not a full bridge, but good enough. Besides, it gives the officers practice controlling the ship from auxiliary control, which is good practice in itself. Report to the Secondary Bridge, Captain Ian!" The two shook hands.

"Aye aye sir! Avast! Me Hearties! Any of you scallywags not doing your best, I'll keelhaul you!" The two had a good laugh then went to the Bridge.

On the Bridge, Leonaidas reported, "Simulation parameters programmed."

Jacobs nodded, "Very well. We'll start when you and Captain Octavian get to your respective Bridges."

Leonaidas looked at Octavian, who gave a Pirate's smile and an, "AAarrrggh!"

Leonaidas smiled and stepped up to the turbolift. "Ok, Blackbeard, let's go."

CAFÉ LOUVRE

PARIS, EARTH

The Klingon functionary was having a meal with Eli Gold. Gold loved this café, it was only a hundred years old, set up to be able to entertain various aliens with Earth culture. Strangely enough, the Klingons also liked this café too. It wasn't for the paintings, it was the only Earth dining that had live Gakh.

Most of the lunch was typical political fare. Now it was onto the real business. The Klingon took out a small pen-like object and twisted it on. It made a small, high-pitched, continuous chirping sound. Gold took out a similar object as well and turned it on. They were devices meant to inhibit eavesdropping. Gold started, "I have the data you wanted and will give it on the handshake. You have my information?"

The Klingon said, "Of course. The Klingon statements and positions for the Organian summit. Your Senator will have a two day jump on what your Ambassador will report. Plus, a little bit for you. Through our intermediaries you now will have a shoreline townhouse on your pleasure planet of Raiza."

Gold smiled. "Thank you very much. All the paperwork is on the chip?"

The Klingon said, "Yes, the Klingon Empire wants to reward you for your continued help. You are truly a man of peace and you are helping keep the peace between our two peoples."

The two stood and shook hands the Klingon style, gripping the forearm. This also made it virtually impossible to see that datachips were exchanged. Gold turned and left.

KLINGON EMBASSY

PARIS, EARTH

The Klingon functionary returned to the embassy and reported to the Ambassador. Gorkon took the chip and replied, "Any problem in getting this?"

"No Ambassador." Gorkon took the chip and inserted it into his computer. In a short time, he was looking at what he wanted. The Functionary asked, "Is it what the High Command wanted?"

Gorkon nodded, "Yes, it is. This is the complete flight plan for several starships, most importantly the Excalibur. It also has some operational data on the Excalibur."

"I thought their battleship was a failure. That exercise Starfleet did with it earlier this year proved that the Excalibur is not as formidable as it should be."

Gorkon shook his head. "I'm not so sure." He tapped a few buttons and a starmap of the sector came up. Another button push overlaid the Excalibur's flight plan.

The functionary looked. "We need to keep Mr. Gold on the payroll, as humans put it. This information is extraordinary. Having an inside to the Starfleet oversight committee is a tremendous intelligence coup."

Gorkon ignored the comment. "The Excalibur's first action was here, at Starbase 5, where it lost a wargame against a heavy cruiser escorting a convoy. Shortly after that, it was engaged by renegade Klingons here."

The functionary nodded. "Yes, where Kang basically rescued it."

Gorkon shook his head, "Not so, a heavy cruiser rescued it, they were fighting a D7S and a bird of prey. Kang stopped the fighting."

"Why? They are Human trash."

Gorkon turned and looked thoughtfully. "Be careful, you underestimate humans. They have progressed in two hundred years from discovering warp drive to our equals. A process that took us a thousand years." Gorkon turned and looked back at the map. "Besides, Kang did us a tremendous favor. He uncovered the existence of the Black Fleet. The operation on Stardate 7706 was unauthorized by the Klingon High council. We have a problem, there is an organization among these renegade Klingons. We will deal with that later. I have new tasking for you."

The functionary asked, "What is it Ambassador?"

Gorkon pointed at the map. "I want to know the ships that have come into contact with the Excalibur. Most importantly, the one that rescued it on Stardate 7706. I also want to know the extent of the damage. One of your earlier reports merely said 'extensive' and that they lost half the crew. I want to know how much damage it sustained."

"Why sir?"

"It will tell us exactly how tough that ship is. The specifications tell us only part of the story, not how it will behave in battle. Also, the ship lost half its crew. Who are the replacements?" Gorkon thought for a minute. "Kang met the rescuer of the Excalibur, didn't he?"

The functionary nodded. He tapped on his datapad and recalled the data. "It was the Wisconsin."

"Why does that sound familiar?" Gorkon wondered aloud.

"We have had our spies investigate that ship extensively a few months ago for the High Command. It also was the ship that rescued Kang from a Black Fleet Operation last month. They also cooperated with Kang in rescuing his wife."

Gorkon nodded. "I remember now. While you work our operatives in collecting that data, I also want you to provide me with a complete report on the Wisconsin. That ship has popped up twice in the last year, it will not be the last."

"Ambassador, a question?"

Gorkon turned from the map. "Go ahead."

"I am puzzled by your behavior. You act very human around the humans, you are a noted warrior, and here you are heavily involved in spying. I do not understand you."

Most other Klingons would turn and kill the man asking the question. Spying was considered by some as cowardly. Gorkon turned and smirked, "Didn't Kah'less say 'Know thy enemy?'"

The functionary nodded, "Yes Ambassador."

Gorkon stated, "I like the humans. In many ways, they are like us, especially Starfleet. Truth be known, if Starfleet were running the Federation, I could trust them. I do not trust Federation leadership. We have a spy in the staff of one of their most powerful governmental leaders. The Federation leadership is schizophrenic, untrustworthy." He turned back to the map. "There is war coming, I can see it. Our job is to prepare. We need to know Federation strengths and weaknesses. Is this Federation Battleship a serious threat to us? Could our Battleship engage it with a reasonable chance to succeed? We need to find this out." Another idea came up. "Overlay the movements of the Kah'less."

The functionary pushed a few buttons. The latter parts of the Excalibur's path matched perfectly that of the Kah'less. The functionary said, "How can that be? The Excalibur is tracking the Kah'less from inside the Federation border! They were not supposed to be able to track the Kah'less after the first week!"

Gorkon's eyes narrowed. "We have a new problem. I need to get this to Ambassador Wak for the Organian meeting. Forward this data and my concern that somehow the Federation is still tracking the Kah'less. Request Wak to get information on this."

The functionary tapped the orders and stopped. Gorkon turned and said, "What is it?"

The functionary said, "We just received notice of the Federation ships going to Organia."

Gorkon motioned his impatience. The functionary continued, "The Ambassador ship is the T'Pal, it's being escorted by the Wisconsin."

Gorkon's eyes narrowed again. "Give me that report on the Wisconsin as soon as possible."

BRIEFING ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

ENROUTE TO RENDEZVOUS WITH T'PAL

The senior staff squeezed into the briefing room for the after- drill report. Jacobs sat down and said, "Thank you all for your work today, it was a full day with two ship-wide drills. Leo, what is your report?"

Leonaidas said, "Well, in an all-out battle, we get our lunch handed to us. The T'Pal simply is not well armed enough. Its shields are decent, but they have a serious lack of power to sustain their shielding. We all knew about that to begin with. The simulated Klingons went after the T'Pal first because that is our center-of-gravity with the Ambassador on Board. Sorry, Pastor."

Octavian smiled, "I have a new appreciation for what Starfleet does. Next time, I want a ship that has actual guns. Sometimes, I thought during that engagement that strapping a phaser rifle to the hull would improve our firepower."

Santini stated, "The Oberth class ship was never meant to get into a fight. I have seen freighters better armed than that class of ship."

Dr. Mallard asked, "If I may ask, what is stopping us from relocating the Ambassador to the Wisconsin?"

Jacobs said, "Nothing, well, the Ambassador for one. We cannot enter the system for the actual meeting, but all other times he could be on here, we will extend an invitation. Any other ideas?"

Lt. Jareau asked, "Would it be better in a serious fight to abandon the T'Pal?"

Jacobs asked, "How about it? How long will it take to beam all 80 people over?"

Santini said, "Two minutes, minimum. I will also need a point or two on engine power for that much transporting."

Agathon added, "And that shield will have to be down."

Leonaidas continued, "Two minutes is forever in combat time."

Jacobs nodded, "Agreed. We will keep that in mind. Dom, tell Chief Frye to prepare for that. Anything else? Remember, we may face combat with the T'Pal in orbit around Organia. I think that will help our odds, assuming the Organians will protect the T'Pal."

"Why should they protect the T'Pal and not us?" Hotchner asked.

"Good point, but if the T'Pal is in orbit around Organia and we are in combat at the waiting point, one thing we probably cannot do is go into the Organian system and 'rescue' them. I would anticipate the Organians would intervene in that case."

Dr. Mallard asked, "Is there any advantage to fighting in a star system?"

Jacobs nodded. "Plenty. For one, cover. Instead of free, open space like we just drilled, a star system is loaded with planets, asteroids, moons, EM-interference areas, and anything else we might be able to use to our advantage. Our worst-case scenario was free-open space, especially against a superior force. I do not think we will be fighting in the Organian star system."

Santini asked, "But, if the Organians aren't going to referee, would you go there?"

Jacobs nodded slowly, "I will consider it. What about weapons?"

Lt Cdr Grimm said, "They performed well. I am going to replace all the phaser coils in the next twenty-four hours with new ones. That will give us fresh ones and it will be good practice for damage control. The torpedo crews also are going to be drilling normal loads and manual reloads."

"Good, coordinate with the Bridge on phoning down the targets, in case the datalink goes down. What about sensors?"

Hotchner said, "Not much to drill except on damage control. I do have Lt. Maya working with the rest of the division on sensor techniques. She is also going to stop by the phaser range for practice."

Bauer said surprisingly. "Practice? She is welcome anytime, but what can we do for her?"

"She would like to practice manual aiming. Maya thinks that some old-fashioned target shooting might help her out on the periscope. Treaty prohibits us firing ship's phasers when at the holding point."

Jacobs looked at Bauer, who answered, "Tell Lt Maya she is welcome. The Badgers are going to continue drilling too, sir."

Jacobs asked, "Anything in particular?"

Bauer shook his head, "Just the usual. Until I get information on a particular threat, I will keep focused on the basics."

Jacobs looked around. "Very well. We rendezvous in twenty-four hours. Organia more than a day after that. Plan on drilling your respective divisions and make everything ship-shape twelve hours before we arrive at the Organian system. The last twelve I want people as rested as can be." All nodded in agreement. Jacobs looked at the table, "With that being done, let's get down to dinner."

FINAL FRONTIER STEAKHOUSE

STARBASE 5

Adama walked in and saw Cogley over in a corner. Adama walked over and sat down smiling. "Good evening Sam, how was Earth?"

Cogley shook Adama's hand. "It was good Bill. Busy visit."

Adama sat down and the two men placed their order. Adama asked, "I have not had time to watch the news from Earth. Any reaction yet?"

Cogley nodded. "Jameson acted exactly as I expected. Fortunately, the seeds of good preparation bore fruit and I not only served him with his subpoena, along with a place that he tried to escape to when I showed up. I also gave a couple of interviews to some news reporters that I trust. If Jameson does not follow the subpoena exactly, I have measures ready for that."

Adama chuckled quietly. "You sound like a master strategist. Are you going to be Earthside when the subpoena expires?"

Cogley nodded. "Yes. When he does not comply with the subpoena, I will be there ready with officers of the court. My Earthside office will schedule a press conference for just after the subpoena expires. Between that and my pre-recorded interviews, we should have the news cycle."

Adama did some mental math. "When do you leave?"

Cogley said, "Tomorrow after business hours here. I have some things to tie up, then it is Warp 9 to Earth."

Adama shook his head in amazement. "I wish I had one of those Orion Blockade Runners, it would save me a lot of time when I do my running around. How did you ever get one of those?"

"From Josh, sort of."

"Really?" Adama was bewildered. He had not heard this story. "How did Josh get one?"

Cogley was enjoying this. "You can verify all this with your own records. Back before the treaty, this would be about nine years ago, Josh was in command of the Wolverine. They were doing typical tender missions and came across a Klingon attacking an Orion armed cargo ship. The Orions asked for help, and he did help them out, driving the Klingons away. The Orions were extremely grateful."

"What were they carrying? Slaves?"

Cogley shook his head, "No, Josh made sure of that. This Orion happened to be Craar, one of the more reputable ones. He had all the correct permits, his holds were full of refined dilithium crystals."

Adama raised an eyebrow. "He could buy a small fleet with that."

"Exactly. Craar was eager to show his appreciation to Josh. Josh explained he could not take any gifts. Craar said he would find out how to repay him, it became a matter of honor for Craar. Eventually, he decided that the best way to repay Josh was to give his lawyer a blockade runner."

"I didn't realize you were connected with Josh back then."

Cogley sipped some water. "I have known Josh since his days on the Swordfish. Remember the after-action investigations?"

Adama nodded. "We all remember. The loss of two carriers in one action was huge. Starfleet was ticked off on that loss and wanted to find out why. How did you get involved?"

"Josh is extremely cautious. He thought that he would need to protect himself legally. I was expanding my practice here from Starbase 12 and in town. He retained me."

Adama nodded. "I do not remember much talk about the pilots. It was more focused on the Captain of the surviving carrier."

"There was not much I had to do, it was the easiest case I ever took. Josh and I formed a friendship during that time because he was groundside during the investigation. He has been a client and friend of mine ever since. We have never made it a secret of our friendship, but it is not publicized. It would take a lot of research for Craal to figure out the connection between Josh and I."

Adama nodded. "What about Craal? I do not remember reading anything on him."

"Craal happens to be a relatively successful trader among Orions."

Adama remarked, "That says a lot."

Cogley nodded. "Yes, it does. Craal also has had a lot of trading with the Federation, all of it reputable. The reason you have never heard of him is because he is not a problem. He will not show up on your threat boards. Enough on me, what is up with you?"

Adama thought a bit and shrugged. "You have made a good practice here. I have really enjoyed getting to know you these last few months."

Cogley smiled. "And you too. All I need to know is which client of mine I will bill this dinner to."

The two chuckled. "I do not know. Nothing new on Josh, he is on another mission. This is unclassified, he is going to Organia. Josh is escorting Captain Brodrick, who was the center of the investigation over the loss of the carriers we were talking about earlier."

"Did you assign him that mission?" Cogley had a thoughtful frown on his face.

"No, that came straight from Admiral Nogura. The Captain of the other ship is actually chosen by the diplomatic service. Starfleet chooses the escort vessel. We know about the history between Josh and Captain Broderick. Despite that, Nogura and I both agree that we need our best Captain there to protect the Ambassador. The part I feel bad about is that I keep sending Josh into situations with bad people."

The food arrived and Cogley said, "Excuse me Bill." Adama noticed Cogley say a short, silent prayer. Cogley looked up and resumed the conversation. "Thank you. Why do you feel bad about Josh?"

Adama shifted, "Well, one of my goals after becoming Admiral was to protect my people. I do not feel like I've done that with Josh. I have less power than what I felt I would have."

"Josh does not feel that way. He is very grateful for your leadership. Josh knows what your limits are, and that you have protected him as best that you could. You have seen the files on his career, this is not the first time he's had to work with people that aren't team players. The big point is that you are supporting him greatly with the big picture problem, and that is Jameson." Cogley was known to abruptly change the course of a conversation, and this was no exception. "Ok. I can bill Josh for an hour, who is next on your list?"

Adama smiled, "New Haven Ranch under George still will not sell me food, I must buy it from warehousing agents. My argument to you is I can buy directly from you, save me money, you guys make more profit by cutting out the middleman. Do not worry, I totally understand your point on avoiding government red-tape. I also appreciate your letting me fly those Hueys, it has turned to be very therapeutic."

Cogley laughed. "George tells me you are a good stick for a modern Starfleet officer. Don't worry, I know that you also used to fly Raptors. Also, Charley Waite is very impressed with your ability."

Adama smiled in an off-handed way. "I am always able to take compliments. Anyway, another of your clients, Zur mining just helped us out big-time. I think it is the first time Starbase 5 has ever got a deal for products with one of your clients."

Cogley corrected, "It is a handshake deal, and we are trusting you to get us the replacement nanotube. What is the urgency?"

Adama frowned, "I would love to tell you Sam, but I can't. Security."

"Ok, you've shared some whopper secrets with me, I promise not to be offended." Cogley joked.

Adama shifted uncomfortably, "I know the owners of both do not want to be known, as well as the owner of this steakhouse. I find it interesting, they will not deal with Starfleet directly, but they support us in every other way possible. That characteristic is the same to all the owners. Is it them or you that do not want to deal with the government?"

Cogley smiled, "Are you going to try to get me replaced?"

"No, not you. In fact, if it ever comes up, I would like to retain you." Adama confessed.

Cogley nodded. "Very well, you buy this dinner and we'll call that my retainer."

"Done."

Cogley shifted, "No, it is not me, and it is not entirely my 'phantom owners' as you put it. To put it simply, the owners do not want to ever be accused of any wrongdoing, and my advice to them was to minimize their dealings with the government. During the client interviews, I assess their risk tolerance then tailor my advice accordingly."

"And the 'phantom owners' risk assessment?"

Cogley thought a bit. "Let us call it 'extremely cautious.' They will support Starfleet whenever they can show that there is no net benefit to them, such as this nanotube exchange."

Adama nodded. "I had to try. Well, please relate to the owner of Zur mining that I appreciate their cooperation in system orbital traffic. Other Starbases have rather contentious relations with the local civilian traffic. Not so here."

Cogley nodded, "I will pass that along. You know, I have never found out if you are married, have a family or anything."

Adama was typically quiet, he did not like talking about it much. "I am a widower. My wife and youngest son got killed in a Klingon raid back during the start of the war. Josh is about my youngest son's age. My older son is commanding a Starfleet light cruiser exploring the other side of the Federation."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Bill."

Adama nodded, "No problem, Sam. You know, I have seen that Bible of yours in your office, the same one that I use to talk with Josh. I never figured a lawyer to be religious."

"You aren't?"

Adama shook his head. "No. Never much use."

Cogley brows furrowed while he thought deeply and prayed about it. "You miss your wife and son?"

It hit Adama like a cold glass of water. "Of course."

Cogley asked, "Tell me about her."

"She went to church. I went politely when I was in port, after she died, I never went back." Adama suddenly had all sorts of memories flood back. "She was the kindest person one could ever meet." Adama was tearing up thinking about her. "I never felt worthy of her."

Cogley was quiet. Adama continued. "It was one of those things, I go out to protect my family, I am on the tip of the spear, but they were the ones that get it. Zack was getting ready to go on his first cruise when Starbase 6 was hit. It is not fair. I got angry that God did that."

Cogley nodded, there was a long silence. Cogley finally broke the silence. "Does it hurt to decode messages in the Bible?"

Adama shook his head, "Not really. Occasionally, Josh uses a verse that I remember hearing when I went to church with my wife. I find myself reading a little at a time here and there."

"Rethinking on being angry at God?"

Adama nodded, "Being angry just kills you faster."

Cogley asked, "So where do you go when you die, Bill?"

Adama blinked. "What do you mean?"

Cogley asked again, "Where do you go? You must go somewhere. Or are you one of the ones that believe you just cease to exist?"

Adama shook his head, "I never thought about it that much. I was prepared to die in the line of duty, not that I wanted to die. I guess after my wife's and son's death, I did not want to think about it." Adama was getting uncomfortable. "Sam, my time's up. I need to get back."

The two stood and Cogley shook his hand, "Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Bill. Let me know if there is anything I can help you out with."

Adama nodded and left. Getting into his vehicle to head back to the base, he kept thinking on how the conversation ended up. Adama never would have guessed that he would be talking about his wife and Zack.

AMBASSADOR'S OFFICE

USS T'PAL

ENROUTE TO RENDEZVOUS WITH WISCONSIN

The doorbell beeped and Ambassador Nucatola said, "Come in."

In stepped Captain Broderick, "Captain! Thanks for coming by. We have some news."

"What is it?" Broderick asked.

"I've been looking into the escort ship."

"The Wisconsin? It's one of their new Enterprise Class ships. Commissioned earlier this year." Broderick proclaimed confidently.

Nucatola leaned back in her chair. "You've heard of it?"

Broderick nodded, "A little. Getting the Oberth class running has been more my focus. Between running you out to Organia for our semi-annual meeting and working out the gremlins for the Oberth class I have not had time to keep up with the Starfleet rumor mill."

Nucatola nodded. "You're right, it's a new Enterprise Class Heavy Cruiser."

"Overkill, especially after all we have worked with here. They might as well park the entire class." Broderick said confidently.

Nucatola asked, "Do you know who is commanding?"

Broderick shook his head. "No, not much use for normal Starfleet."

"Does the name Jacobs sound familiar to you?"

Broderick's eyes narrowed as he thought. "A little, why?"

"The now Captain Jacobs was one of the pilots you rescued from the Swordfish and the Australia."

Broderick's mood soured. "Now I know him. So, Starfleet gave him a ship?"

Nucatola nodded. "Yes, it is his second. He commanded a tender before the Wisconsin."

"A tender? Starfleet must be short for Captains if they are getting someone that just tows buoys. They never offered me a front-line ship after we defeated that task force, and it was made well known to me that I would never get my flag. So, they get a stupid pilot to command a real ship?" Broderick's mood had soured even more.

"It gets even better. Remember that side agreement we made about asteroids?" Nucatola asked. Before Broderick could answer she continued, "It was Jacobs that made the Klingons mad enough to demand that we stop using asteroids to kill ships. I cannot say precisely why, but let us just say that Jacobs used asteroids to kill more than a few Klingons."

Broderick shook his head, "Barbaric. Not fighting fair."

Nucatola nodded her head, "I agree, that is why the Federation agreed to the Klingon complaint. We don't want unfair fights; it's just not sporting after all. It is not fair for the Federation to come in and muscle it's way around."

Broderick shook his head. "Jacobs will go the way of the dinosaurs. With the Organians, we might as well park the militaristic starships. I do not know why Starfleet insists on having an escort on these missions to Organia, it is not like something is going to happen. This is just Nogura harassing me a bit. He has had it in for me ever since I rescued those two fighter wings. Thanks for telling me."

Nucatola cautioned, "I don't want you to cause problems."

Broderick stood up and straightened his Class A uniform. "Absolutely not! I know what the standard orders are with this, I am in command of the mission. I will stuff Jacobs behind some asteroid somewhere way outside the Organian do-not-cross line and have him cool his heels."

Nucatola nodded, "That is fine with me, just as long as he stays away from the Klingons. He has already proven belligerent with them in this ship. The man just cannot help getting himself in trouble. I should not be telling you this, but just in the last six months, he has been involved in two scuffles with Klingons already. He blew up a ship orbiting Maghreb, and the High Council wants to renegotiate the Maghreb treaty. The man's a menace."

Broderick waived his hand, "That will be gone soon. After a few more of these visits, Starfleet can concentrate on what we do best, explore. Our cruisers and that Battleship of ours will be obsolete, I have heard that it's not as capable as the designers thought. The Excalibur got into some scrap and got its clock cleaned."

Nucatola shrugged, "I have not heard that. It was probably our fault anyway. How long until we arrive at the rendezvous?"

Broderick looked at the clock. "Just a little over twenty hours from now."

Nucatola had a thought. "Let's make it known who is in charge, can you slow down and arrive late? Enough to make it noticeable?"

Broderick smiled, "Easily, how late?"

"Late enough that you can still make it to Organia on time."

Broderick got a sly grin. "You know that the Wisconsin's cruise speed is rated less than ours."

"They can exceed that for a bit, can't they Bart?"

Broderick nodded. "Yes, they can. I will slow down. Should we let them know?"

Nucatola shook her head. "No, they are here to serve us. They can wait."

TURBOLIFT 1C

ENROUTE TO WEAPONS CONTROL

USS CHRISTOPHER PIKE

Captain Simmons was reading a datapad with data from his Engineer. The engines were showing promise as to both efficiency and overall power. Simmons was going to have his daily briefing on the status of the engines, but first he was going to stop and visit his new weapons officer. Commander Rogers came straight from Admiral Nogura. For someone being stuck in an office for a couple of years, Rogers knew his stuff. The com panel beeped and Simmons pushed it. "Simmons."

His communications officer's voice was on the other side. "Priority message from Starfleet coming in."

"Pipe it down here."

The turbolift stopped and the doors opened. "Message requires immediate authentication."

Simmons could see the bulkhead doors for engineering just down the short corridor. "I'll take it in Weapons Control, I'm almost there."

"Aye aye, sir."

Simmons walked in and Rogers greeted him, "Good morning, Captain."

Simmons, "Good morning, Paul, one moment."

Rogers nodded while Simmons walked to a computer station. Simmons sat down and activated the station. "Computer, recognize Captain Troy Simmons."

The scanner scanned Simmons then the computer said, "Captain Simmons recognized."

Simmons pushed the com button, "Bridge, Simmons. I am ready for the message."

The message flashed up on the screen. Simmons said suddenly, "Conn, this is the Captain!"

"Conn, aye."

"Set course for the Organian system, Federation initial approach point. Warp 7. Engage immediately when set. I will be up in five minutes."

"Conn, aye aye sir."

Simmons pushed another button to conference call the call. "Simmons to Engineering."

"Engineering aye."

Simmons ordered, "Look into sustained Warp 9 flight for.." He checked a couple of figures, "Two days. I know you are going to say you cannot, but give me a best speed run schedule. I want it in five minutes. Let Conn know when we can go to Warp 8. I will be on the bridge."

"Aye aye, sir. I will work it up."

Simmons turned to Rogers, "Paul, start doing drills. I want everyone ready for combat."

Rogers asked, "We will be sharp. We are already there. What's up?"

"A friend is requesting help."