Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.
-=oOo=-
"You want to do what?" snapped Riker.
"I myself would just make sure such people were killed. They insist on doing it personally," said Faile.
"And you insist on going?" asked Riker to Jadzia.
"Even if we can bring it to parity, they will insist on fighting one on one. They still may die. I will probablay have to finish it," said Jadzia softly.
"I can't authorize murder," said Riker.
"I know. The best I can promise is to try to stun anyone that remains alive. The Klingon Empire will kill the Albino when we turned them over. They will probably kill them all," said Jadzia softly.
"I need your word Jadzia. If you can bring them in alive, you must do so. I'll have to talk to Jean-Luc to figure out how we are going to handle the prisoners and this mess. I'm not asking you to avoid killing if there is a life at risk, but if there is not, you will try."
"Agreed."
"And me?" asked Faile.
"I'd prefer you not be in direct danger. Can you stay on Calliope? We don't intend to play fair after all."
"I have no problem with that. I am willing to help remove a killer of children, but not to take risks that would jeopardize my greater duty to my people."
"Is there anything else?" asked Riker.
"Off the record?" asked Faile.
"Fine."
"I may have peeked, just to be sure of the situation. Koloth was at least sober. The Albino got in contact with him. That is how he knows. They did not expect to survive or win. They now have hope."
"The Klingon ship is bound to cloak to get in. We can presumably use a short hop with you assisting, if your willing," said Riker.
"Of course. I will not avoid a tactical advantage. Why exactly do you not have cloaking devices? I could see it if it was an unheard of technology, but both the Romulans and the Klingons have it. I find it unlikely you have not figured it out by one method or another. For that matter, we know how to build them," said Faile.
"We can't get the Klingons and the Romulans to agree to us developing them. We signed a treaty," said Riker.
"You need to solve this," said Faile.
"Let me talk to Jean-Luc and maybe a couple admirals. I'll do it now. There won't be a delay. I just want to push that a bit more," said Riker.
"I may be able to do something to further even the odds as well," said Jadzia.
-=oOo=-
"Take us in Faile," said Riker.
"Thirty seconds to destination," said Faile, who was leading the merge between her and the Rowan. Arjin insisting on being there to watch over them with a phaser.
The time ticked away. Koloth's ship was already there and being fired upon.
"Open fire. Target to disable," said Riker.
Phasers begin lancing out of Calliope.
"Jadzia, Faile, Rowan, begin," commanded Riker.
"Activating scattering field. This should disable directed energy weapons on the planet. You better tell the Klingons that they can't beam down yet," said Jadzia.
"Open a com channel."
"Beginning to stock our Cargo bay with Klingons without weapons," said Rowan.
"What do you want?" complained Kang.
"Energy weapons are being disabled on the planet. We are collecting the others. It will be a few minutes, then we will open a hole to beam down, or we could sweep them up with the rest and end this," said Riker.
"No, we will have our battle!"
"Very well. They will be ready for you," said Riker.
"Good."
-=oOo=-
Jadzia cried as she got word of her friends death. They did finish it, but did not survive their wounds. Her friends were beamed to their old ship, where she carefully prepared their bodies. The rest were beamed into another room. Jadzia and Faile beamed over to their ship and with the Calliope made the journey to the Klingon home world.
Jadzia opened a connection and demanded to speak to Gowron. A few minutes later she got her request. "What do you want Federation? Why are you aboard one of our ships?"
"I return with your honored dead. Kang, Koloth, and Kor died less than one day ago, extracting their revenge for the Blood Oath. Their bodies lie aboard this ship. The traitor's bodies are also here, far from the others. The rest will stand Federation trial using the records we seized. They will almost certainly be found guilty and turned over to you for final disposition. I recorded the final battle. My friends died with honor."
Gowron screamed.
"Explain please," asked Faile softly.
"He tells the heavens that warriors are arriving," said Jadzia softly.
Gowron finished. "We thank you for your efforts, but there is no need for this trial. Please drop your shields and leave and bring us the rest of the traitors. We will take it from here."
"I demand to attend the last right of my friends. I was once Curzon Dax. As the one that brought them back, I have that right. As for the rest, you may of course send representatives to aid the persecution for the trial."
"Very well. It will be tomorrow. Return to your ship now."
"Agreed."
-=oOo=-
"They would have killed all the others, without even checking," said Faile softly. The Rowan gave her a quick hug, then let go. Arjin opened his arms a bit, and she took the offer of sheltering in them. He remained quiet and held her only loosely. It seemed all she wanted.
"It is said that the only thing sadder than a battle lost is a battle won. The trials will be controversial. The end probably won't change, but we at least kept our ethical standards as best we could," said Rowan.
"It's not enough," said Faile.
"It never is. Justice does not undo the damage of all the lives that group destroyed. It is just the best we have," said Riker.
-=oOo=-
Gary Seven boarded Calliope with Faile, Laura, and Arjin. They headed to the Cardassian border towards the neutral zone between Cardassian territory and Federation. Kira was also there.
"You know what you will find. The information seems certain," said Gary to those on the bridge while they proceeded under warp.
"I know. I just don't know how to solve it," said Riker.
"Your plan is about as good as any. Collect the ones that have been using your shield of protection to attack the Cardassians, try, and imprison them. Invite the Cardassians, to the trial, but watch them," said Gary.
"It isn't that any of us disagree, or have a better idea. We just wish we did," said Laura.
Their first trip gathered them a group of mixed Bajorans and Cardassians they stored at DS9. They also found and captured a Vulcan and several others that were aiding the now named Maquis on the Bajoran side.
-=oOo=-
A week later they approached a Xepolite Free Trader ship they suspected of carrying weapons for the Cardassians in the demilitarized zone.
"Well then you believe wrong commander. My ship is carrying wheat husks, nothing more."
"Your not going anywhere until we search your ship," said Riker.
"Federation Starship approaching. It's Cal Hudson's ship," said Jadzia.
"Order them to halt," said Riker.
"Ship entering warp," said Jadzia.
Laura and Faile's reserves around their necks flared white as both linked and focused near instantly.
"That works. The Xepolite ship is disabled. It looks like there is a leak in their starboard nacelle."
"Those engineering classes paid off it seems. Thanks you two. Now connect me to Ben's ship," said Riker.
"Commander Riker," greeted Cal Hudson.
"I'm sorry to say this Cal, but you are ordered to return to Starbase 735 where you will stand trial."
"On what grounds?"
"You know the charges Cal."
"I suppose I do. I can't win against you, can I Will?"
"No, though you could cause innocent deaths. Please do not try."
"Very well. We will comply."
"They are entering warp. Destination looks right," said Jadzia.
"Hopefully it is. Let's check this trader's ship now. I half hope we just disabled a grain ship."
"We have not," said Faile softly.
"At least we now have proof," said Kira.
"We are going to be at this for awhile, shutting this mess down," said Riker.
"Almost certainly," agreed Gary.
-=oOo=-
Gary walked in to his appointment with Councilor Troi.
"How can I help you?"
Gary sat down before asking, "Are you satisfied with your work here?"
"That almost sounds like your considering offering me a job," said Troi with amusement.
"And if I was, well you and your wife and others, if they want."
"Really?" she asked.
"I think our record speaks for itself. I know the Federation hasn't always agreed with our actions, but we are certainly not your enemy."
"I honestly don't know what to say. There is so much to do here."
"The job offer has no time limit. We are content to wait."
"You've been in communication with your people."
"Yes, I managed to rig something up. It's glacially slow, but does the job."
"I'm glad." Deanna held her head. "Hold on." She let herself slip into a merge with herself, her wife, and all her children and then a minute later it was gone.
"Tam needs our help."
"The one in the Rowan's universe?"
"Yes."
"We don't normally slip between dimensions, but I can certainly go."
"Good, and as to the rest, it is an intriguing possibility. You will have to tell us more sometime."
Gary smiled and nodded.
"We are going right to the ship. Would you like me to transport you?"
Gary nodded. Deanna took his hand and they vanished, only to reappear on the bridge.
"Alright everyone. We may end up transferring to Gomtuu, but if possible we'd like to bring our own. Everybody stand by to do whatever we need to do. Tam and Gomtuu should be arriving within the next fifteen minutes," said Riker
"If necessary, I do know a few tricks. I could rig something to get us there or back, provided the path is clear," said Gary.
"That is good to hear. About how long would that kind of thing take, if it was needed?"
"Maybe four days one way. Something more robust is a minimum of a couple weeks, and that is with help. I won't build it without need, but if there is, I'll help."
"Understood."
Ten minutes later Gomtuu appeared out of nowhere. Deanna held her head on the bridge.
"Slow down Tam. We will help," she said out loud for the benefit of everyone else.
A couple minutes later Deanna said, "I'm fine. We are fine. Tam needs to learn to pace his thoughts. I have our mission. He wants us to protect some new allies of theirs. They have another battle to return to."
"Are we enough?" asked RIker.
"From what I can tell, yes."
"And you support this?" asked Riker.
"Yes."
"Good enough for me. I'll want details though. You can tell him we are ready to follow."
Gomtuu spun in front of them, creating a rift in space.
"Not the best way to do that, but it works. Go through slowly with shields down, and power down your warp core," said Gary.
"Why down?" asked Riker.
"Might cascade and cause damage on exit."
"Do it," said Riker.
"Powering down warp reactor," said Jadzia. Then a bit later she added, "Warp reactor is idle."
"Taking us in," said Arjin.
"I am getting astrometrics data from Gomtuu," said Jadzia as they moved through the gate.
They slid through the rift in space. The ship began to shake. Several people including Riker were knocked out of their chairs.
"Keep shields down," said Gary.
"Tam also instructed that," said Deanna.
Riker climbed back to his seat as did the Rowan. "How much longer?"
"Fifteen seconds," said Jadzia.
They made it through.
"Damage report," said Riker
"Minimal, though we do seem to have energy fluxes all throughout the nacelles. It's good they were powered down. I'd not have liked to see it if they weren't," said Jadzia.
"Warp drive isn't particularly compatible with dimensional crossings. Not much you can do about it, other than cross with it powered down," said Gary.
"I take it you use something else?" asked Riker.
"Yes, but I definitely can't share the tech."
"Understood. Get us on course for our destination."
"I have the data here from Jadzia. Setting course for the planet Clarf and engaging impulse drives. Estimated time, well, months," said Arjin.
Gomtuu swiftly exited the system.
"You will have warp drive, well, when the Chief says you will. He didn't want to give an estimate. He is still assessing. Permission to go help?" asked Jadzia.
"Go ahead."
"If there is no objection Faile and myself will go as well," said the Rowan.
"Might as well," said Riker.
"I doubt you need my help. You know your systems better than I know them. That much is certain," said Gary.
"I want tactical on the situation. Deanna, please brief us," said Riker.
"The Mrdini are an alien species with one eye. They are generally nice, helpful, and such. Good allies. They would be admitted into the Federation in no time. We are going to their home world Clarf which is being targeted by four near moon sized Hive ships. They are basically hollowed out asteroids, or moons packed with missiles and these bug like aliens that want to kill all the humans and Mrdini, and have attacked the Mrdini for centuries."
"Moon sized?" asked Riker.
"Fortunately, their weapons are not comparable. The Mrdini have a plan they think will work, but Will, they sacrifice thousands to stop them every time. When they saw those like Rowan destroy them without massive loss, it was a dream come true."
"How long till they get to their target?" asked RIker.
"About six hours."
"Time at maximum warp?"
"Four hours," said Arjin.
"Chief, I need the warp drive up within an hour or soon, if remotely possible. We have a four hour journey."
"Understood. We think it will be about thirty minutes, but we are not certain."
"Take the time you have to take, but we have right now around two hours extra time, and we aren't certain we have that."
"We will get it in time. I just want to make sure we have fixed the damage before we energize it."
"Got it."
-=oOo=-
"I can probably work with them to, well, make it less damaging. Not now though. When there is time," said Gary.
"Thanks."
"How are we at weapons? Can you run a diagnostic on weapons and shields?"
"Doing so now. Board is currently green. Running diagnostics," said Laura.
"So, how did they stop these ships or whatever they are?"
"They crash their own ships deep into it and get the job done," said Deanna grimly.
"Okay we are not using that plan. How about one were we precisely target the torpedoes with your help?"
"That is our current plan. I'm chatting with Rowan, since she has found out the limits of her technical training. Faile seems to be surprisingly knowledgeable on warp mechanics though," said Deanna.
"Good, I want a backup plan to get you, and the others to safety, if everything somehow goes to heck. You are ordered not to go down with the ship. Save our children. Save me too if you can, but I'm last."
"Understood. I'll have one of our children keep a mental lock on Clarf. We should be able to port there, if not very elegantly. We will be ready."
"Make sure you also keep track of these new allies. We want to get there before they get desperate, but save who you can when you can."
"Of course."
Ten minutes later Chief O'Brien told them from engineering, "Your clear for a max of warp 1. We want to test this and ramp in stages."
"Arjin engage at Warp 1."
"Stop!" shouted O'Brien.
"Stopping," said Arjin.
"We just blew two power couplings. We do have spares. We are working on it."
"I'll go down and try to help," said Gary.
"Thanks."
Twenty minutes later they were running at warp 1. Twenty minutes after that they were at warp eight point five.
-=oOo=-
They emerged to see an assembled Armada of Mrdini ships. They were considerably bigger than Calliope.
"Mom, Diana is here," cheered Laura.
"Good. Can she communicate with these people?"
"She can. She is asking if I can come down to help with the defense directly, or possibly all of us. They have some very big reactors."
"How about half? I'll let you decide, but we might need help as well."
"Diana says if you have any masks, you should bring them. The air is still pretty bad on Clarf. She has been trying to help by launching ships for them, but she is still only one person."
"I'll show you where they are, and replicate what we can," said Julian.
-=oOo=-
"The Diana merge is ready. We have the entire potential of the largest reactor on Clarf at our disposal."
"The Faile merge is ready," said Faile over the com system.
"Is everyone good with this? Faile and Diana haven't done this before, I don't think," said Riker.
"We have experience of people that have. We are good," said Diana.
"Understood. Okay, we are going to try to start tearing apart the leading one. Diana, I want your group to divert any missiles they launch ideally back to someplace useful, but at least to avoid us or any friendlies."
"Got it."
"Faile, do you have positions for any of the torpedoes yet? We really can't afford to waste them."
"Partial only. Suggest beginning with beam weapons."
"Understood."
Calliope began to slice into the massive ship with phasers. The hits were devastating, but over a relatively small area.
"I am having to limit phaser duration to what we can sustain, which is around ten percent of the time," said Jadzia.
"Is there anything anyone can do to increase that?"
"Not without major updates no," said Jadzia.
"Status on allies?"
"We are asking them to hang back and shoot from a safe distance, though in about thirty minutes, they are liable to get more desperate," said Diana.
"Hopefully we will have the first destroyed by then. The others are a bit farther off."
"They understand."
"We have a targeting solution. Permission to deploy ten quantum torpedoes?" asked Faile.
"Granted," said Riker.
"All of the engines on the hive ship are now powered down. There is critical damage," said Jadzia.
"We are going to push it onto a course for the star, but it will take awhile. It is heavy," said the Diana merge.
"Good. Faile can you keep the missiles off us and them for the next one while they work?"
"We are splitting up to separately handle missiles," said the Rowan.
"Understood."
They other three were beyond exhausting, but between them and Gomtuu they managed it. They ended up exhausting their entire supply of torpedoes and taking damage that was going to take weeks to fix, but they came through the invasion with no deaths either Human or Mrdini.
When they were done everyone, including two very senior MrDini's, Gary, Diana, Laura, Faile and the rest met in Calliope's conference room.
The tallest Mrdini spoke, his expression radiating happiness though his one large eye was a little odd to see. He was covered in white fur. He spoke in a series of clicks and whistles that it seemed the universal translator had figured out.
"On behalf of all Mrdini everywhere we want to thank Diana's friends and family for coming to our aid. Many Mrdini lives were saved today."
"Your welcome. I will try to get a second ship available that can also come through, should this happen again," said Riker.
"Is it possible to trade for some of your weapons?" asked the Mrdini.
"Not without Federation approval I'm afraid. Our rules there are very strict. A ship where we keep control is far more likely," said Riker.
"I'll stay and help them out for awhile, that is, if they wouldn't mind," said Gary.
"We will appreciate any help you can give. If there is anyway we can repay this debt, please tell us."
Gary turned towards Deanna and the Rowan. "My offer stands. I will give you two the device I made to talk with my people."
"Offer?" asked Riker.
"Gary offered us the ability to work for who he works for," said the Rowan softly.
"It's a good offer. Your more than welcome to take it you know," said Riker.
"Perhaps one day," said Diana.
"One day I might as well, if it is open to others."
"Your more than welcome. We look for ethics and judgment first of all. We can teach the rest, if need be," said Gary
"I would like some raw materials, starting with copper, and a few other things if possible. It would make making repairs far easier," said Miles.
"Whatever we have is yours," said the elder.
"Thanks," said O'Brien.
"How are you doing Diana?" asked Riker.
"I'm fine. I miss Jeff, but they have a greater need right now."
"I could stay and help out here for awhile, if you want," offered Laura.
"I was hoping both you and Diana could help with the mission planned for my people first. After that, if you need additional help, I will volunteer," said Faile.
"We should be fine for at least several months. Attacks do not occur that often," said the elder.
"That works," said Diana.
"I will be staying regardless. I do know how to build some relatively efficient air scrubbers and help in other ways," said Gary.
"That I can authorize. Let's find what we have in our database and get you a copy of the designs," said Riker.
"Our thanks," said the elder.
The other elder spoke. "I do not know if this is appropriate to ask or not, but would you have any worlds where you are from a Mrdini colony might flourish? We are hard workers."
"They don't have Warp drive. None of them do. Gomtuu has something like it, but its not the kind of thing they can give out," said Diana.
"First, we probably do, but then you have to deal with our universe's headaches, which are not better. Second, we need to return, but we can come back sometime and help you find additional worlds here that presumably you can setup towers between," said Riker.
"I can honestly probably take care of it if you want. I know I don't have a ship, but I'll send a message requesting one. I dislike making demands I don't have to make, since my employers do not have unlimited resources, but this is clearly part of my job and appropriate," said Gary.
Riker glanced over at Faile. "Would you estimate one of our shuttles is clearly worse or clearly better than what Gary had?"
"Worse. I wouldn't consider it an issue, provided he is willing to keep control of it, and you trust him," said Faile.
Riker turned to Gary.
"I could use it for now, then pass it to Diana later when I get my own," said Gary.
"I'll approve that. Shuttles are not that restricted. You are not authorized to let anyone take it apart or study it, but you had your own ship destroyed rather than have us study it, so I think we are safe," said Riker.
Gary nodded.
"If you need further help, just ask. I mainly want to get Calliope back in shape and then we need to go to the Gamma quadrant."
"I wish you luck, and for what it is worth, I think it is the right decision, and so do my employers."
"I think you should do it anyway, the MrDini settlers I mean," piped up Diana.
"Not that I am unsympathetic, but why? There is a lot going on, and more settlers is a larger number of people to defend against the Borg and other threats," said Riker.
The two elder Mrdini also looked on with interest.
"They are inherently telepathic, not like us, but they are. If you sleep near them you can share images and things in dreams. They are also tireless workers and very dedicated. They are good people. They would, in my opinion, without a doubt, be a direct benefit to the Federation and sooner than later."
The Rowan and Deanna looked on their daughter proudly.
"They aren't warp capable," noted Riker.
"You know that's a garbage argument. They have had space travel for nearly a thousand years. Their interaction with those like me have given them the ability to move at beyond warp speeds, even if we are helping them do it. Give them what they need and they will not disappoint you," said Diana.
"We promise we will work hard, if given the opportunity," said the elder.
"Okay, how about after we get back from the Gamma quadrant, you take a small group with you to Earth to speak directly to the Senate. I can probably get Captain Picard to take you and give you every chance, but you and your friends will have to be the one that makes your case," said Riker.
"Agreed," said Diana. Deanna and the Rowan smiled, clearly proud of their daughter. Gary also nodded in approval.
Gary helped O'Brien, Dax, and the Rowan who was helping complete the repairs and make updates that should, mostly, prevent damage caused by dimensional transfers. He also made a sealed box that resisted scanning. If they needed to come back they were to connect it to their main deflector dish. It was, unfortunately, one use only.
-=oOo=-
Calliope returned to DS9. Odo connected to them as soon as they came within range.
"Is everything okay?" asked Riker.
"Everything is status quo. Dividing the three other shifts into eight hour shifts worked well enough with you gone. One Ensign Melora Pazlar is here from Starfleet."
"I should have met her," said Julian.
"Emergencies wait for no one. Did you handle it?" asked Odo.
"We did. The ship still needs considerable repairs, but we probably saved twenty or thirty thousands lives, or more," said Riker.
"Good. Well, I'm going to go regenerate. Welcome back." The connection dropped.
"Odo has such a charming wit," said Faile in amusement.
"I'm sure he is just glad to have us back," said Riker.
"So, who is Ensign Melora?" asked Deanna.
"She is an Elaysian. She can barely stand normal gravity, even with assistance devices," said Julian quietly.
"Let me know if there is anything I can do," said Riker.
"I will."
Deanna turned to Faile. "Would you mind maybe joining Julian in seeing the Ensign?"
Faile blinked. "No, but why me?"
"I think I recall her file. Call it a hunch. I'm fairly sure I'd be seen as a second troublesome doctor trying to fix her. I just think you would have better luck."
"She is argumentative. Does not want any help. I've talked with her on subspace several times," said Julian.
"I could not fly, until the Rowan helped me, now I can fly two different ways," said Faile.
"I wouldn't expect miracles, unless there is some chance she has some latent telekinetic talent. Can you use that to help walk?" asked Julian.
"Maybe," said Rowan.
"If she has any potential, which we don't know yet," added Deanna.
"She does," said Diana.
"Do we have another who is snooping? Remember your training," said Rowan.
"I wasn't reading thoughts, merely getting a general feel for things," defended Diana.
"That's my story too," said Faile with an amused smile.
Diana sighed, though the smile ruined it.
"Please go help Julian and be careful. People can become quite hostile even with the little you do," said Rowan.
"I'll be careful."
"I'm going to get a priority request going for our replacement weapons. I doubt Starbase 735 has that many in stock, but I'll get them," said Jadzia.
"Good," said Riker.
"I half want a new ship, but I'm not sure we are getting one. This ship, for as much as we have upgraded it, is still a generation old," said O'Brien.
"I'm going to try and get us something. If nothing else I want something else here if we have to go someplace," said Riker.
"There was the work on the Defiant class. I think they shelved it, but a prototype was constructed that might be salvageable," said O'Brien.
"I'd prefer something proven. That is actually one thing nice about this ship. It may be older, but it is solid. We don't have enough staff here to keep up with the repairs as is. Still, I'll see what I can do," added Riker.
"Thanks. Another idea would be to get another one of this class. At least we could have two identical, which does reduce the effort to maintain," added O'Brien.
Riker nodded then added, "Okay, Diana, please work with Kira to get quarters for the Mrdini. Also you need to make sure they understand the rules and that the universal translator works for your group."
"Thanks again."
"I'm doing my job. You convinced me, that I was thinking short term. Never forget to stand up for what you believe in Diana," said Riker.
"I won't."
-=oOo=-
Faile asked Julian to return to his office. She wanted to meet this Melora without assistance. She found her in the Klingon restaurant eating food she would never eat, or even try. She didn't need to eat, and when she did it was for enjoyment, not whatever this was. The worms were alive.
"Mind if I sit here?" asked Faile, who had shifted her apparent clothing to an off white Chinese dress.
"No, feel free."
Melora was absently reading a data pad as she eat. The large male Klingon chef came back and asked for her order.
"Sorry, I honestly have no interest in Klingon food."
"That is not why I am here. The rumor is you helped Kang and the others die with their enemies hearts in their stomachs."
Melora grimaced at hearing that.
"I was involved, as were many," said Faile.
He sat down. "I wish to know the tale. Will you tell it?"
"Alright, but our part was not worthy of song. I will, however, describe their final battle, which certainly is."
"Excellent."
Melora seemed quite interested in the very brief description of their abilities, and more than a little appalled at how vicious their last battle was.
"That was excellent. That tail will live on for a century. You can mark my words for it, if not longer. Three old warriors and their one final grand battle against the Albino and his minions."
Faile nodded. "I admit, I was impressed with their determination. I hope when I die I do so with a fraction of their nobility."
"That is all we can hope for. You have free food here, if you ever decide you do wish to partake."
"Will not happen, but I appreciate the offer."
The klingon laughed and walked back to his counter.
"All that stuff you talked about. Is that real?"
"Yes, and unless I'm very much mistaken, you have some kinetic talent, which I'd bet, with training would help you considerably."
"You are lying."
"I am not, but the choice is yours. I'm not the best teacher, and we need to return to my home soon, but I could probably give you a few lessons."
"Prove it. Julian will know if you are lying."
"Sure."
-=oOo=-
"Is there a problem?" asked Julian as Melora wheeled in to the infirmary, with Faile following.
"She didn't believe me when I said she likely has kinetic talent. It's not as if I offered her a miracle cure overnight. It will likely take months or more to get anything useful out of it. Moving yourself is not easy," said Faile.
"But you can do it. Show her."
"Alright." Faile jumped just slightly and floated in the air.
"That's impossible in this gravity," said Melora.
"Nope. I could show you, if you want?"
"Do it."
"Be careful," cautioned Julian.
Faile touched down and then Melora was just floating in air.
"It's not the same. You have control," said Melora.
"Well yes. If you want control you have to learn a very great deal."
"Show me how, please?" asked the young woman.
"Sure. Would you mind if we go to the Romulan restaurant?"
"I tried there. She said I wasn't interesting enough."
"Sela has a thing against cooking. Don't worry, she likes me."
"She runs a restaurant and she has a thing against cooking?" asked Melora in surprise.
"Yes."
"How strange."
-=oOo=-
That night Melora held up a small bead from her hair. It floated in her hand uncertainly. She knew how hard it would be to get good enough to help her walking, but she also knew it was possible and just being able to even lift a third of her weight when she needed to would be an immense help.
The next day she was surprised to see these strange white and gray furry bipeds at the table in Sela's restaurant. She wheeled her chair in.
"Do you mind?" asked Melora softly to Sela.
"I am curious. Next time it would be nice if they would bring me, but I take it this pair is from when they went to help that other universe," said Sela.
"Diana's friends saved our home," said the slightly grayer one on the left.
"Do you know what you want to eat?" asked Sela.
"We do not know if your food is our food," said the other.
"I think he means they don't know if the food we eat is safe for them," said Melora.
"That is a quite valid concern." She pressed on a console on the wall. "Will Diana Troi please contact me. We need to know what your friends eat."
Diana appeared about a meter from her.
"The door is preferred you know," said Sela.
"Sorry, bad habit. Can I take a look at your menu? I'm honestly not sure how to go about this."
"I only have the one meal prepared. Perhaps we should consult the doctor," said Sela.
"I agree," said the Ensign. She tapped her com badge. "Julian, are you available?"
"I am. I was about to get lunch."
"Could you come to Sela's restaurant? There are two aliens here we are uncertain about their diets."
"It's probably fine, but I'll be there shortly."
The doctor quickly checked her meal. He then checked her other meals. They too all fine, though no alcohol was to be given.
At the end of the meal Melora again started levitating her hair bead. The Mrdini saw it first and chirped and clicked excitedly in what was apparently not translatable.
Diana walked over and said, "Your coming along well. Who is your teacher?"
"I've only had a couple lessons from Faile so far."
"Well, I'm here and we have time. Want another?"
"Yes please."
"Can you fly too?" asked Melora.
Diana blinked.
"I think they can all fly now," added Melora.
"It seems my family is holding out on me. I will have to inquire, but for now, I can teach you a lesson."
Melora smiled even as Sela replicated a couple dozen colorful marbles and set them on the table.
"Ooh, multitasking challenge. Let me try," said Diana as half a dozen, then another four started moving in circles and then geometric shapes above the table.
"Way to make me feel inadequate," added Melora.
"Your fine. You've have had two lessons. I've had way way more, and I can't seem to go above ten. Contrary to popular belief minds are terrible at multitasking."
"You don't look terrible. I can do three," said Sela.
"Well sit down, you can practice too."
"I might manage one," said Julian.
"Slacker," snickered Diana.
They soon drew an audience, much to Sela's annoyance. It didn't stop their practice. A half dozen Bajoran's that had been at the ceremony came in, though usually after replicating their own marbles.
Celeste and Piper came in a bit into it, followed by the Faile, then Rowan and Deanna.
"Having fun Diana?" asked Celeste. Rom walked in.
"You bet, though multitasking is a pain. I'm at eleven, barely."
"I have an idea," said Piper.
"Oh? Do tell," asked Diana. You could tell even talking to her sister was severely taxing her focus on top of everything else.
"Dodgeball," said Piper.
Her marbles dropped. She sighed and grabbed them mentally before they hit the ground and stacked them in the tray.
"I agree. That sounds like an excellent idea," said Rowan.
"Agreed. It is a good in between ground between flying and this," said Faile.
"You have to teach me to fly. Please," said Diana.
"I can if you wish," said Faile.
"Sure sounds fun, and if not I'll nag my family till they do. Jeff is going to be so jealous, well right up till I show him at least," said Diana.
One of the Bajoran women walked over to Sela. "Say is there any chance I could work here? I'd work hard to learn the recipes. I promise I'm a good cook."
"You do know there is a larger shop available," said Deanna. Privately she said, "You could setup a private area there for those who wish to talk privately."
"Interesting," she replied privately.
Out loud she said, "It would have to make enough to pay for your salary, and maybe another. Food costs may be an issue eventually. Romulus is more or less paying for everything here, but if the quantity goes up, you have to pay at least actual costs. Right now ships are coming anyway, so it won't be much. If I do eventually leave, the cost can be significant. I do not want to see our traditional meals replicated, and you will have to cook them to at least meet my standards, and sustain at least those standards. Oh and I don't want to deal with the aggravation of managing things too much, so you will have to do that too, so maybe three people. Do you think you can organize enough staff and do all the rest?"
"Yes, either or or my friend could do the management bit. We will figure out the rest," said the Bajoran woman.
"I'll give it a try."
"Commander Riker just gave the go ahead for using the empty store, and a reasonable amount of station resources getting it ready. He also mentioned various legitimate federation traders who could ship the food," said Deanna.
"The Ferengi would be willing to help," offered Rom.
"Pass, though I may consider the ones Commander Riker mentions," said Sela.
"Then we can do it?" asked the woman.
"Yes, but you need to do most of the work. I'll want a private area made up as well. I'll help, but long term I do not plan to be here forever," said Sela.
"Are you really setting up a larger restaurant that does not make a profit, but just spends all the money paying people and for supplies?" asked Rom in clear unbelieving surprise.
Sela smiled then said with a straight face, "Actually it is my plan to drive you out of business. I bet you thought the Romulan Empire was only out to conquer militarily. No, we are expanding our horizons. We will own control of all commerce."
Rom passed out. The Rowan caught him with telekinesis before he hit the deck.
"He actually believed you I think," said Rowan in amusement.
"In all actuality Sela is not here to make money but to improve relations between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. Profit is not her motive," said Deanna.
"That means we can make good money," said the Bajoran woman who approached her.
"Yes, I'm here for the benefit of the Romulan Empire. Nothing has changed there," sent Sela to Deanna.
"Details. You are still helping more than just your Empire," replied Deanna mentally.
Jadzia walked in.
"If you say so," she parried mentally.
"So dodgeball?" asked Diana.
"The shops are too small. We will have to figure that out," said Rowan.
"Well thanks to all the Federation tech we imported, the obsolete reactor and the area to process ore is redundant. All of it can be gutted. We can build a large rec center down there," said Jadzia.
"That sounds like a plan. I'll help if there is time before we go," said Diana.
-=oOo=-
Diana and Faile were in the bowels of the station. The techs under chief O'Brien were detaching the now redundant parts of the station and they were using station power to port them to the Bajoran moon that had a use for them. They were two and a half hours into their four hour shift and just beginning to disconnect an old Cardassian computer that was missed in the original replacements when the doors all closed and locked.
They then heard, "Unauthorized tempering with critical systems. Initiating counterinsurgency program level 3."
"The reactor is powering on, and we have already disconnected and gutted cooling. It is going to overload," said Miles.
"Time?" asked Faile.
"Twenty minutes maybe. It will become dangerous to be in here in about five."
"How do we turn it off without it doing something else stupid?" asked Diana.
"I'm just glad we removed all the other Cardassian computers, or the whole station might be trying to kill us. Either way, if one or both of you can I guess link with me I can help you find what has to be disabled. Remove or break the right components and the reaction will stop."
Faile and Diana did so. Three minutes later the reactor powered down.
"Tampering detected. Now instituting counterinsurgency program level 4."
Gas shot out the vents. They ported to the bridge.
"What happened?" asked Riker.
"A rogue computer down there tried to blow the reactor on us in some counterinsurgency program. Then it tried releasing gas of some kind," said Miles
"There was one left?" asked Riker in annoyance.
"Not for long. I assume you don't mind if we port the computer off the station. We might break it a bit," said Diana.
"Be my guess. That area is sealed. Even if you breach the hull its fixable," said Miles.
"Done," said Faile.
Miles walked over to a station, logged in, and blew the computer to pieces.
"A bit overkill, don't you think?" asked Riker with a smile.
"No. If I'd had my way I'd have destroyed them rather than turning them over to Starfleet intel. Hate that garbage."
"There is considerable gas where we were. That must be removed," said Diana.
"I'm going to beam it into space. We will lose some air, but can't be helped at this point," said Miles.
"You three need to go to medical. Who knows what that gas was," said Riker.
"Let me clear out the gas and we will go. I don't want someone going in there getting killed."
Riker tapped his com badge. "Riker to Odo."
"Odo here."
"I need you to get a team down to where they were working. A computer where they were working tried to kill them with gas. Wear masks. Make sure the area is safe, secure, and sealed. Miles is going to beam the gas out of the station, but I want you to make sure no one is hurt."
"Understood. I'll also do a search for more leftover Cardassian garbage."
"Thanks."
-=oOo=-
"A tiny bit of the gas is in your system Faile. I do not detect any remaining in Diana or Miles," said Julian.
"I can purge it when I regenerate. I'm going to go do so now."
"Can I have someone sit with you, just to be sure your are safe?" asked Julian.
"I'll bug someone. Don't worry about it."
"Alright.."
-=oOo=-
"You know I was considering bugging Arjin, but your more than welcome to come in. I assure you my regeneration is not interesting," said Faile.
"Alright."
"Computer secure door from entry without my authorization," said Faile.
"I'm trapped," joked Diana.
"I figured you would not need a door."
"Are you awake or asleep when you regenerate?"
"I can be awake. Did you want to chat?"
"Sure, why not."
Diana sat in a chair as Faile changed to her liquid form and slipped into an ornate rune covered silver bowl.
"That still seems so strange to me," thought Diana.
"It just is."
"It's great to be able to take so many shapes."
"I certainly treasure it. So care to tell me about your boyfriend?"
"Fiance, mentally replied Diana."
"Do your parents know?"
"Yes, I told them last night, but they suspected before then. They half thought I'd be pregnant by now."
"We aren't like that. Technically we do not have an assigned gender, though we usually pick a form we like and stick with it. Some do not take the time to perfect features and end up looking kind of like Odo."
"It's not the physical act I treasure the most. Jeff is amazing and his body is nice to look at, but our minds. It is hard to describe, and that isn't something I'll share. It's too private."
"Understandable. The Great Link itself. I have no idea if it is similar or not, but it is beyond remarkable. Some of the merges I've had are close, not like this. This is just talking without using spoken words."
"I'm still worried about the other universe. The attacking race seems to be operating a lot on instinct. We have tried to talk, even succeeded a little with telepathy, but nothing changes. They even fight each other."
"I did say I would help and I meant that, though I'm not sure you would care for Jem'Hadar. Sometimes I wonder if our creation of that species was a good idea, let alone the way we partially control them."
"How do you control them?"
"Their food is also a drug. Everything is fine as long as they get it, but its bad if they don't. We tried without it, but we ended up adding it to maintain control."
"That's horrible," thought Diana.
"Perhaps it is, but I do not know how to fix it without making many things worse. I have tried making some suggestions to be kinder when it didn't matter."
"Well, your more than welcome to ask any of us. I'm not sure we will have better answers, but, well, just talking sometimes helps."
"That's the big one. I do not wish the Dominion to fall. We provide order that is required. Were it to fall, chaos would ensue and more would be hurt."
"Then perhaps your right with the suggestions you have made. Fast change can lead to instability. There is always someone who profits from the status quo that resists."
"I know. I also worry about Odo. I feel like he thinks I should spend more time with him, but he is so boring. I think he and the Elder might get along more. He is also too young to sustain the Link for long."
"For telepathy simple repetition with care seems to develop the resiliency in most to link at at least a low level even with those without a lot of potential. Of course you can't take it deeper, but you can do that much."
"It's different with us. Too frequent linking before certain age may cause long term issues," sent Faile.
"How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" send Diana.
"Twenty seven, by your years."
"Not that much older then."
"No, though you can't tell a changeling's age by what they morph as."
"Have you cleared the gas?"
"Mostly. It is annoying. I should have it cleared in another ten minutes or so."
"Can I help, by chance?"
"Not really. I can ironically use telekinesis to encourage the gas to leave me, but it is slow going. It wouldn't move at all when I was solid."
"I've heard you can fly, as a bird.."
"I can show you sometime. I'd rather actually fly than share an old memory."
"I'd like that. Think you can give me tips on flying."
"It requires a merge to begin, or at least that is how we learned, so each affects the other."
Diana smiled. "So that is the key. I could probably do that with Jeff."
"I can help you, but I do need to actually rest once I finish clearing the rest of this stuff."
"Sure. Am I distracting you?"
"No. I'm almost done."
"Mind if I replicate a bedroll or something?"
"Your welcome to it."
Diana did so, then curled herself up in the bed. "Let me know where your sure you have it all gone and your sure you are safe."
"I am now I think. There was very little gas in me, so I'm sure it won't bother you, and will be gone in a few minutes, probably."
"Would you care to let me link a bit deeper to be sure?" asked Diana.
"If you like."
They merged and Diana used their combined presence to examine her in fine detail, even though she was still a liquid.
"There is damage," thought Diana.
"Yes, but it will heal. I am going to rest now."
"I'll be here. If you don't mind I'll leave a tiny part of our merge in place in case you need to wake me."
"There is no need."
"Are you sure?"
"You can do so, it is just there is no need."
"Then I'll do so. Pleasant dreams."
"We seldom dream, but I thank you anyway."
-=oOo=-
Faile was surprised when she was alongside Diana in a dream on what she recognized as Clarf. It was rather a fun dream. The Mrdini were also entertaining. By the time she awoke she was sure she was fully healed, though the gas was concerning. She tapped gently on the still active link and determined that Diana was about to wake.
"I'm up," thought Diana.
"I had not meant to wake you."
"You would not have if I had not been nearly there. Do you remember your dreams?"
"The Mrdini we brought back. Was that some of them?"
"Yes, they are clever that way."
"And all of that is because there was a residual link between us?"
"I presume so, though didn't think it was enough for that."
"Curious. Perhaps they can come with us to the Gamma quadrant."
"You think your people might be interested?"
"I have never dreamed before, ever. That was interesting," said Faile.
"Really? Interesting. My bit, if indeed it was relevant, was very little. You could do that easily, as could anyone with even a little ability."
"Thanks. I do not know if it can be repeated, but I appreciated that."
"Wasn't my plan, but I'm glad."
-=oOo=-
"What's this I hear about two dozen Bajorans wanting to help in this plan of ours for the changelings?" asked Riker to Kira at breakfast on the day they were to leave.
"It's pretty simple. I explained the mission. They decided that since they were so blessed, they would help others. I didn't prompt them or anything, if that is what you mean."
"Faile wishes to bring the Mrdini as well. Apparently two nights ago she had her first dream, possibly involving a small link Diana kept to make sure she was alright. The Mrdini were in it. She had one again, without Diana's help, though it seems that Diana ended up in it somehow, as did Laura and Arjin," said Riker.
"Those sound like interesting dreams," noted Kira.
"I didn't get the impression that they turned that way, and I most certainly did not ask. I suppose it doesn't matter. We have the space. Faile is insisting we have no torpedoes on the ship. She volunteered to merge with Deanna deeply enough that we are sure there is no risk she knows about. They just don't want any ships that could cause so much danger to their people that they don't control."
"You'd think they would trust you by now," noted Kira.
"I think Faile does, but once she links with the others they will know what this ship is capable of and her trust does not necessarily get shared."
"Well given that you defeated those massive asteroids full of an invasion force and all that mess, I can see they might be a little concerned," said Kira.
"True. We will stop by Starbase 735 on the way and offload the torpedoes. Sarek wishes to come along as well, and he made his way there."
"I just hope this plan turns out for the best," said Kira.
"It will. Do you mind staying here?"
"Somebody has to. You could be gone for awhile."
"Thanks."
-=oOo=-
Perrin paced the quarters given to them on Starbase 735. "My husband, you do not have to do this."
"It would be illogical to pass up this opportunity."
"You were warned that such a task may kill you."
"If my life can teach so many, the I will, of course, give it. The opportunity to affect the development of the entire galaxy, is not something I will walk away from my wife."
"Stubborn man," muttered Perrin.
"I recall you once listing that as one of my positive qualities."
"Then I am joining you in this."
"You do not have the telepathic potential to do so safely."
"So, if you can die to teach, then why cannot I do the same?"
"I ask you not to do this please," said Sarek.
"No, if you can do this, then so can I. I will not leave you, not even in this."
"Ambassador Sarek," came over the com system.
"I am here."
"Calliope has arrived."
"Thank you. We will be there shortly."
"Confirmed."
"This is not over my husband."
"I know. We will talk on the way."
-=oOo=-
"Coming through the end of the wormhole now," said Jadzia.
"Take up the requested position and send the signal," said Riker.
"Calliope is in position," said Arjin.
"Signal is sent," added Jadzia.
It took about an hour before the Elder met them there in her own Jem'Hadar ship.
Faile walked forward. "Greetings Elder. More have agreed to help than expected and there are developments. Because of the sensitive nature of this mission I have asked and they have agreed to go without key weapons, which were left behind."
"We would still like to take control of their ship and disable all logging of travel before they will be permitted to visit our world. Security is paramount."
Riker turned towards Deanna and the Rowan. They gave small nods.
"Very well, though I would hope one day such measures are not required," said Riker.
"Perhaps, but not today," said the Elder.
-=oOo=-
They arrived after nearly a day of travel where they had no idea where they were going. It was a wanderer world. Two Jem'Hadar remained on the bridge of Calliope while the others were invited to beam down. They had locked down Calliope as much as possible before everyone spent considerable time cleaning themselves. They put on simple white robes and sandals. Sela was also there, though was looking like she was having second thoughts.
Faile entered the Great Link with the elder and everyone. She was there for nearly an hour while they debated the offer of everyone going in, including Sarek's wife. In the end they agreed without further comment.
The Elder looked at the assembled people spending a bit more time on the Mrdini, which she seemed quite curious about. She then said, "We have decided to permit this. A path will be made for everyone, though once you are inside the link, your needs will be taken care of by us. Once the process begins we intend to carry it to the end. Should someone be unable to continue they can drop out of the link and they will be preserved as best we can. We do not guarantee everyone will survive this. We have not done this before."
The sea of changelings split down the middle with the telepaths gently floating one person after the next down to the bottom which was only four feet below the surface. They continued to walk out into the mass eventually forming a giant circle, and then the sea of changelings closed around them. The Greater Link was formed.
Consensus was not achieved, not in the first minute, and not in the first hour. All that was agreed was that no one could be let die in the Link, if it was possible to keep them alive, and it was. The Changelings knew how to become solid temporarily or permanently. They considered that their highest punishment, but then all the new ones just considered that normal.
Those with higher level talents were pressed hard, using their talent to do what had not been possible before. In fact everyone that was a prime or better ported to other parts of the mass of changelings that compromised the great link. They were cherished because the link no longer took so longer to ripple new information, one to the next.
Thirty days into this Greater Link Q appeared on the shore.
"That is about enough, don't you think?" he asked.
The elder separated and walked onto the shore.
"You are correct. There is much to learn. We have chosen to make Sarek and his wife like us. The rest are mostly unharmed."
"I know. Does it help?"
"So many choices and possibilities can be understood better now. The ones that came here we call kin. The Mrdini in particular are welcome here. That doesn't mean the future will be without conflict."
"It never does," said Q.
"We will try," offered the Elder.
Q nodded even as the link parted again. He snapped his fingers, and the clothing they had lost was replaced their strength was restored, and they were transported onto the land.
"I intend to gift Riker the basic tech to establish a portal to go back and forth to the other universe, but to limit it to his ship. Feel free to offer the Mrdini a home. You will also handle the other issue?" asked Q.
"We will do what we can, slowly, for the Jem'Hadar. The white will be made less addictive over time. We will do our best to earn their loyalty."
"Fair enough. Are you dissapointed that not many of you got significant telepathy?"
"No. It is always rare it seems, and is rare here. We will cherish those that have. They truly don't want Faile to leave, but she has a promise to keep and things she wishes to do."
The Rowan, Deanna, and their children took to the sky. Faile did as well in her bird form. They didn't fly long, and Diana was the least sure of them, but she too flew. Her now long black hair flowed behind her and her silver eyes were bright with an infectious smile. Hesitantly a dozen other changelings took to the sky in bird forms, showing that Faile was not the only one who mastered it, though it was still an amazingly small number compared to the seeming ocean of them on the planet.
Riker walked over to the Elder. "You know, it might be easier if you took a name," he said amused.
"I do not choose to. I am my people's chosen representative. That will change in time."
"Not if Faile has anything to say about it," he quipped.
"She has less to say than you might think. She is a true patriot, that in some ways reminds me of the feel of your friend Sela. She would have killed you, had different decisions been made, but then so would have I."
Sela walked up. "Did I hear my name being called?"
"I assure you it was mostly positive," said Riker.
"Was there a reason you called my name?" asked Sela.
"We were just discussing how things could have gone, but thankfully haven't. I do have a question though," said Riker.
"Alright."
"Would you like to perhaps spend some time in the Rowan's universe helping there? We would find a ship. I was hoping the elder here would also provide one."
"I can provide my own ship. What is it you want me to do there?"
"Represent our new alliance, or at least what I hope is our new alliance."
"You have my interest," said Sela.
"And my own," said the elder.
"And mine," added in Faile.
"I see only one major enemy there. They are everywhere. I want you to try to find a peaceful resolution to that. I'm not saying be stupid. Do what you have to do, but at least look for peace. I'm hoping Laura and Diana will help you, and maybe Arjin as well, if he wants to, and of course Faile of course. You will no doubt want some of your own as well."
"No doubt. Now, tell me the terms of this treaty," said Sela.
"What do you want?" asked Riker.
"A child, I think."
"A telepath child?" asked the elder.
"Yes."
"Well, you have to talk someone in that universe into it I suppose," mused Riker.
Sela blinked.
"Did you forget, the Rowan came from that universe?" asked Riker.
"I had not considered that. You do realize that I will make this a sub goal of the mission?" asked Sela.
"I try not to get involved in people's private lives. As long as it is all consensual and people know children are the goal. Of course, I might get Starfleet to cough up a ship and crew as well, because..."
"If we are doing it, they will do it just to make sure we don't get an advantage," said Sela dryly.
"I hadn't thought of that," said Riker deadpan.
"You could bring your own ship," suggested Sela.
"I could, but I agreed to take on DS9, and with the wormhole it remains a critical area."
"Yes, you must keep your side of the agreement," said the Elder.
Riker nodded.
"I think we have a plan, though it remains to be seen if we can negotiate the formal treaty," said Sela.
"Just tell them the Federation will get all the benefits if you do not."
"Solids do like to play games," said the Elder.
"So do I," said Faile with amusement.
"How is Odo?" asked the Elder.
"He seems content at his job. I think you should talk to him soon. I fully believe we are a great people and that, while we have made mistakes, we will correct them. He does not feel a part of it all," said Faile.
"Have you linked with him?" asked the elder.
"Only once. He is still quite young."
"I will make the time. Odo is one of us. It is important that he remember that."
"He is one of us too," said Riker.
The elder simply nodded.
"I may stay with Deep Space Nine, at least after my period of service for Diana's help is complete," said Faile.
"We will see that this mission is suitably equipped. Some of the Mrdini may come to our quadrant," said the Elder.
"You may want to consider a colony in their universe," said Riker.
"We already are," said Faile.
"Good. Humans seem to be in both universes. I have no idea if you have a counterpart there."
"I would like to find out," said the Elder.
"Of course. The thing Q promised should work from either side of the wormhole, though I don't know if you end up in the same relative place," said Riker.
"We will find out."
"There are changes required to keep your warp drives from causing problems going through. They have to be powered down and shields off. Well for the method we used before. I assume this one is similar. There were other changes as well to prevent damage."
The elder nodded.