Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.
-=oOo=-
It was almost an hour later before Faile got up and pulled away. "Sorry for leaving you alone."
"I'm fine. You get well."
"This area is monitored. Should you need anything, simply ask," said Faile.
"Thanks."
She handed him her com badge then walked into and dissolved into the Great Link.
Arjin sighed and then walked over to join Worf.
"This is going to be awhile," he said softly.
"You car for her," he said.
"I believe I do. I don't know if it will work, but I'm still going to try."
"She is a proud warrior."
"That she is. Their minds were so vile. It hurt them so much to go through them. Deanna and Rowan will slowly heal in each others arms, but I can't share with her on that level. I don't know if I'm good enough to help her Worf."
"Then you must focus on getting stronger."
"Your right. Your absolutely correct. That area over there is barren. Want to help me improve my self defense?"
Worf nodded and they walked over. A Vorta beamed down. "I am here should you need anything."
"I would like staves, water, and towels," said Worf.
"We may need to use one of your restrooms a couple times too," said Arjin.
"Of course. I will beam you up whenever needed. I will bring the rest for now."
A Jem'Hadar beamed down. They turned to him.
"Can I help you?" asked Worf.
"You are learning to defend a Founder. I will help."
"I will take all the help I can get," said Arjin.
-=oOo=-
Faile looked at Arjin's battered form after she came out and reformed. "What happened to you?" she asked in wonder.
"Worf and Emata'Klan gave me a few self defense lessons. Weyoun patched up my wounds a couple times."
Faile turned to the Jem'Hadar.
"He is no Jem'Hadar, but he has the pride of one. He has improved a little."
"Good work. How long was I in the link?"
"Forty seven hours Founder."
"Not surprised. I, no we, need to go. Please arrange for us to be returned to our ship."
"A ship is ready now."
"Then beam us up and let's get started. Continue to conceal this location. I trust them, but they simply do not need to know."
"I understand and obey."
-=oOo=-
Faile return to DS9. The Enterprise and the Defiant were gone. Four of the Jem'Hadar ships were gone. The Elder was using the quarters next to her normal ones. She knocked on the door.
"Enter."
She walked in.
"Are you well? Is there any more information from the link?" asked the Elder.
"I am mostly well. There is nothing urgent that is new. Here?"
"Wwo of our ships are guarding Vulcan. Another two were sent to guard a Romulan colony, but nothing else of note."
"They are freeing up some of their ships to deal with it themselves then," said Faile.
"Yes."
"Do you mind if I wait till tomorrow to share with you the remaining details. There is something I wish to consider more before sharing with you," said Faile.
"I do not."
"Rest well Elder."
"Rest well Faile."
-=oOo=-
Faile pressed to request entrance to Jadzia's room. An unfamiliar man appeared at the door. "Is Jadzia here?" she asked without pause.
Jadzia came out wearing a towel. "Sorry, I didn't know you were coming."
"If this is not an appropriate time," said Faile.
The man said, "I have to go. It's been fun, but I will win our next match."
"You keep saying that."
"I will win," he insisted.
"Sure you will. Now get going. I want to see what Faile has to tell me."
After he was gone Faile asked, "Sports?"
"Do you really want an answer to that?" asked Jadzia.
"Not really. Your private life is your own. I learn more than I intend most days anyway."
"But yes, mostly sports," said Jadzia in amusement.
"I don't blush. Wrong species. I suppose I could fake it, but it would take an effort."
"Your no fun."
"I think I may care for Arjin and he told Worf that he cares for me. It's not as if we can't hear in the link. They offered to make him a changeling. He tried so hard to get stronger for me. I pretended not to know, but eventually he will find out. What do I do?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Rowan and Deanna are not unbiased. They have known me longer. You were meant to honestly evaluate him."
"If he becomes a changeling he will never become a joined Trill."
"I don't know if he wants that."
"Is there a reason he should become like you?" asked Jadzia.
"It would be quite nice at night," she said with fond voice.
"You do know that it is quite nice at night for us solids too right?"
"We have tried kissing. That is pleasant. He also has held me when I regenerate several times while I kept us in a light merge. That was also pleasant, but more for me I think than him."
"I'd say your doing fine. You can mention it, but I urge you not to make any final decisions till your both sure, and it is likely far too soon for that. Most people have several relationships in their lives. In the mean time have fun. I mean, you can't get pregnant can you?"
"Um, I never fully duplicated that stuff. It wasn't necessary."
"Dare I ask what is required?"
"I can figure most of it out. I have well learned quite a bit."
"If I let you figure it out from me, will you never mention it to anyone?" asked Jadzia.
"I'm a telepath that gets involved in way too many deep merges. How well do you think that is going to go?" asked Faile.
"I'll allow it, if you at least try to keep it private."
"Deal."
"And you have to share with me the memory of one kiss," added Jadzia.a
"I'm not doing that."
"I'm kidding. Now what do I have to do?"
"Maybe take a bath, if you were?" asked Faile.
Jadzia grinned then said, "Alright. Are you joining me?"
"If you wish."
-=oOo=-
"You look chipper," said Julian the next morning to Jadzia from across the table in sick bay.
"That friend of mine I mentioned came by," said Jadzia.
"Oh did he. You weren't this chipper the last time he came by."
"Maybe he improved his serve."
Julian rolled his eyes. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather play tennis? I'm quite good at tennis."
"No challenge," said Jadzia dryly.
"You are amazing, you know that?" asked Julian.
"Are you trying to butter me up?"
"No, I've asked myself what it would take to have a shot at winning your heart..."
"And what answer did you come up with?" asked Jadzia curiously.
"Oh no. You'll not get my secret plan from me, then I would stand no chance."
Jadzia took his right hand in both of hers.
"No peeking," said Julian.
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"What was that far?" asked Julian in surprise.
"You do care for me."
"I never said otherwise."
"No, you are truly worried I will end lonely, that with all my experience I might be the most lonely of all."
"Am I wrong?" asked Julian.
"You looked up the numbers."
"I did. Few Trill with symbionts as experiences as yours find family. They usually do harder and harder assignments with more and more challenges until..."
"Until they are killed. I'm not a fool Julian. I know the risks."
"I know, and I just wanted you to know I'm here. I doubt I can understand more than a fraction of what you have gone through, but I'm here."
"As what Julian?"
"I didn't make any conditions. In truth I probably... Nevermind."
"I already know Julian."
"Know what?"
"Your genetic enhancements weren't your choice and I don't care at all."
"The Federation does. They consider it a serious crime what was done to me. They wouldn't be thrilled if I..."
"Reproduced? You think I care about that?"
"No, I was just feeling sorry for myself. I'm in no way ready for such things, but to know that well."
"You are not illegal Julian. If they found out there would be an investigation but they wouldn't blame you, and they won't find out from me," said Jadzia.
"Thanks. I didn't mean to ruin both our day."
"You did not."
"Was he really good?"
"Are you jealous?"
"Can I answer that without getting in trouble?" asked Julian.
"If you don't answer that you will be in trouble," said Jadzia.
"Yes, I'm jealous as heck."
"I don't love him, but no that doesn't mean we are going to do such things," said Jadzia.
"It doesn't?" Julian covered his mouth. "Forget I said that."
"Not forgotten." Jadzia smiled.
"Tomorrow same time?" asked Julian hopefully.
Jadzia nodded.
"I'm doomed."
"But you are enjoying it."
"Are you saying I have a chance?" asked Julian.
"I'd have told you if you had no chance, but you have read the numbers. We are all a bit damaged, those of us who have lived so many lives. We are put together from so many pieces that don't always fit. You won't be able to heal me if that is your dream."
"I know, and while I'd like to help, that is not the reason I'm doing this, or at least I don't think it is." Julian took Jadzia's hands in his and opened his mind to her. She returned the favor. It was nothing deep but the brief kiss between them was all the more precious for it."
"Telepathy really is cheating," said Jadzia.
"I'm not complaining," said Julian.
"Go take a cold shower."
"They don't help," complained Julian.
Jadzia laughed, thinking back to last night. That thought Julian was not getting, not if she could help it. She just hoped she helped Faile enough, though she expected it would be a few more nights. She smiled and walked out, Julian watching her the whole way.
"I am so doomed, though it should be fun," said Julian softly.
-=oOo=-
The Enterprise warped out at Earth with a fleet of a mix of thirty other ships, including Romulan, Klingon, Vulcan, and a mix of other random ships.
"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard to all the people of Earth. We have proof of a systemic capture of key Earth positions by an invasive species that burrow into humanoid bodies. These are not like the Trill who share equally. These burrow in, rip knowledge from their counterparts and then destroy their minds. Many of the ships with us had such crew with them. We found and destroyed the invaders, leaving proof for the remaining members of their crew. We are now making available all the relevant information. You may wander, well what about Earth?"
"Members of this group have spent the last month under cloak finding them and eliminating them. We regret the need to do this in secretly, but the alternative was to be ordered to fire on our own men and women and that I refuse to do, if there is any other way. Did we find them all? I hope we did, but we will continue to search until we are sure. They are quite easy to detect with a simple tricorder scan, at least once you remove a recent update that filtered their detection out. Again, the crises is we believe over. Review the information, but do not panic. The press of Earth are welcome to send a delegation to the Enterprise to ask questions, but the answers are likely already in the information provided."
Picard signaled for the connection to drop.
"It won't be that easy you know," said Deanna from her old seat for a time.
"I know. We made the best we could of this dog's dish, but there will be repercussions that echo down the ages. Of that I have no doubt."
"There is an incoming communication request from Gowron's ship," said Wesley.
"On screen."
"We will talk about your use of cloaking technology."
"Have I ever not acted honorably? Was this use not honorable?" asked Picard directly.
"There will be no more."
"Why? What's the point? We still have a whole civilization of Borg that will eventually decide they need to get to assimilating us. Are you really so insistent that we leave weapons on the table we might need?" asked Picard.
"Your group did well enough."
"And if they are killed? There is not that many and it will be a long time before that changes in any significant way."
"We nearly lost control at the end of that battle. We are not unbeatable," said Deanna.
"We will talk. The Borg will die. We need to get on with the killing," said Gowron.
"Perhaps. Certainly we cannot win this war purely by waiting, though I will point out that if we are not ready and we fail, then that is worse. I suggest we begin with forming an Alliance. I want a strike force that uses our best people and technology. I intend to win this war. We win or we die."
"Agreed, though I refuse to work with Cardassian scum."
"I'm fine with that."
"You are certain their abomination is dealt with?" asked Gowron.
"Yes."
"We are leaving. Contact us when you are ready to begin."
"Agreed, and thanks for the help."
The screen went blank and then it showed the Klingons going into warp.
-=oOo=-
Faile, Arjin, Riker, Doctor Selar, Neela, Worf, Rowan, and Deanna beamed down to near the front of Starfleet Intelligence.
"It seems like this almost started this way," said Riker in amusement. He then glanced at Faile, Rowan, and Deanna who nodded subtly.
"Let's get moving."
As they walked on either side Starfleet personnel formed up on either side and saluted.
Behind them a similar number from the Enterprise beamed down and they wall walked in to a long line of proud Starfleet personnel.
Admiral T'Lara and Admiral Robert DeSoto met them at the entrance.
"We greatly apologize for your past reception. Come, we have much to discuss," said Admiral T'Lara.
-=oOo=-
They entered a secure Starfleet Operations conference room.
Admiral T'Lara turned to face Faile. "May I inquire if there is a proper way to address you?"
"Faile is the name I have chosen. Please address me so."
"Very well Faile. First, are there any problems between our two quadrants that need to be addressed? You may speak freely this conversation is not being recorded and all matters here are considered top secret unless otherwise stated."
"If the current status quo continues of our rule remaining unquestioned in the Gamma quadrant while the rule of those here remains unquestioned in this quadrant, then we will likely have no issues. This is the reason our ships who came to help kept defensive positions. If necessary, we would have done more, but we will not seek to disrupt this side of the quadrant as long as you do the same."
"Thank you. That was as reported, but I had to verify it."
Faile nodded.
Admiral DeSoto said, "You should note, that within reason, we do not restrict freedom of movement. Should people from your side of the passage choose to come, and obey our laws, we will treat them as any other. We will, however, not go to your side. I can further state that anyone guilty of crimes that are mutually agreed upon by both sides we will extradite to your side, provided the maximum penalty is not in excess of what we would impose. The opposite is also true."
"If we let people through the passage it indicates that we generally see no harm in it. We failed to give you advance notice of the Skrreean. That was a mistake. In hindsight, we have made several mistakes with them. I am glad they are doing well. If they require additional help, I am authorized to provide some resources."
"They are doing fine. They are hard workers. I appreciate the offer, but there is no current need. If we had a need of other resources, would you be open to trade?" asked Admiral DeSoto.
"You can always ask. We can always say no, as can you. We are not against trade. Some already exists. If it is of sufficient importance you may contact me directly and I will assist. That should probably not be a frequent occurrence. We would honestly like to get back to the job we were doing."
"Understood. I'll make sure if a request is made it does not waste your time, particularly if it something we can do ourselves."
"Thank you. I did not wish to be rude. The Elder keeps threatening to make me our leader. I do not particularly wish this, but will likely be required to take that role one day, if I live long enough."
"I understand."
Doctor Selar spoke next. She asked, "Are you fully recovered of the trauma of examining one of them? I tried beginning a meld with one, but broke off quickly. I am not fully recovered."
"Be with someone. It helps. No, I have not fully recovered, but thanks to my friend Arjin and my family in the Great Link I am mostly there."
"We are the same," said Deanna softly.
"Does anyone have an objection if I order an additional two weeks vacation to the crew of both ships? You may of course use that time as you please. Additional time is available via medical, should you require it," said Admiral T'Lara.
"We appreciate that Admiral," said Picard.
"Consider it done."
"For myself, I would appreciate at least one mission to put this behind us more," said Faile.
"We can take the vacation when people want to," said RIker.
She nodded.
"Do you have any missions you would wish?" asked Admiral T'Lara.
"Healing, not killing," said Deanna softly.
"You can have your pick of missions. I saw one a couple hours ago where a colony at the edge of Federation Space needed doctors badly. I already sent the Yamato who is heading out at Warp 9. You however, have a unique method of propulsion, and they are two weeks out. It would be three weeks from here with Warp Drive," said Admiral DeSoto.
Riker turned to Picard, who turned to Beverly.
"Of course I'll go. Get us back to the Enterprise so we can gather more people and lets get going now people," said Beverly.
RIker smiled as first Beverly then they vanished.
"Send them that mission and send an update to the Yamato that they are getting further help," said Admiral DeSoto.
Admiral T'Lara turned to Jean-Luc. "Will you present them with their medals?"
"I'd be glad to, though unless there is need, I won't also take the Enterprise there."
"There is not. The Yamato was more than enough. Time was the only factor they could not erase," said Admiral DeSoto.
"I will arrange for suitable medical staff to be beamed aboard the Enterprise for the interim. The newest class just graduated. We would appreciate you and your crews evaluations. A few can remain on the Enterprise if you wish, but most need transferred to other ships," said Admiral T'Lara.
"I'm well aware of the Enterprise's riches when it comes to personnel. Riker is running too light of a crew, even for the Defiant. I may suggest a couple for him, or at least one. As to our own personnel, well all medical personnel decisions I leave in Doctor Crusher's hands," said Picard.
"That is fine."
"Is there anything else you need?" asked Admiral DeSoto.
"You are familiar with my rough plan to create an Alliance to defeat the Borg?"
"We are."
"Just help me keep that on track please."
"We will do our best," said Admiral T'Lara. Admiral DeSoto also nodded.
-=oOo=-
"How are we doing?" asked Riker softly over an hour later.
"They are a very great distance away. We will be returning to normal space in a few minutes and then go rest," said Rowan.
"I still wish we could figure that out without directly making you do the propulsion. The energy required is not that high. We could double our time and not use you as glorified Warp engines," said Riker.
"You will get no objections from me. This is exhausting," said Faile.
"Or any of us," added Deanna.
"Want some help down to the kitchen or your rooms?" asked Riker.
"Actually yes," said Deanna.
"Lieutenant Arjin. You are relived. Neela can take the con," said Worf.
"That is not necessary," said Faile.
"If he can help you at all recover, that helps the ship. That is simple crew management," said Worf gruffly.
"That it is," agreed Riker.
Faile smiled as Arjin helped her while Riker and Neela helped Rowan and Deanna.
After they were off the bridge Worf engaged at Warp nine and then opened the various Stafleet crew files. He wasn't the only one who thought they needed a few more. Riker and Doctor Selar returned shortly afterward.
"Good Idea Worf. I'll do my own look. Doctor Selar, you should probably do the same, though I ask that Rowan and the others are checked by, before they resume what they were doing."
"I'll send a message to Beverly and have her take care of it and then attend to the personnel task." Five minutes later she added, "There is a list of recent medical graduates from Starfleet that was just added temporarily to the Enterprise. Captain Picard suggests I pick at least one, though he adds that he will send along his own recommendations if something occurs that warrants making one."
"That works, though your not limited to recent graduates. If you can make a case, I'll back you. We are intended to be fast nimble response. Having more than you for medical, well I probably should have already gotten that done, but your CMO, so I leave that to you."
"I understand."
Riker turned to Worf. "The same goes for security, though in your case we can afford to be a bit picky. Worf, I want, if possible, security personnel with other useful skills."
"What kind of skills?"
"You know the kinds of missions we had on the Enterprise. Find people that can multitask. We have limited space and might need to hall some cargo. I won't necessarily turn down pure security personnel, but if we can get some additional skills I think we should."
"I understand. If is the same reason Rowan and the others spend so much time trying to broaden their skills."
"Yes it is."
-=oOo=-
"Crusher to Captain Riker."
"Riker here."
"I'm denying them permission to resume what they are doing for at least several more hours."
"Understood. Are they okay?"
"They are healthy, just exhausted. Faile is actually more so, but only time will help her recover. Food has little value for her. Deanna and Rowan have apparently been chugging medical grade recovery drinks without telling anyone."
"I was aware and monitoring the situation, including their use of the replicator. You will find notes in my files," said Doctor Selar.
"I don't like it, but their level of use is within permissible limits," said Crusher.
"You and Doctor Selar overrule me in these circumstances. Is there an action I should be taking?" asked Riker.
"No, I'll talk to them. As long as Doctor Selar is monitoring, it's okay, just not great. Dang it Will. Haven't they figured out how to do this without them carrying us?"
"They have not and you know the mission."
"I understand and I stand by the delay."
"Then we will continue at warp until they are ready."
After Beverly went back to work Riker turned to Doctor Selar and asked, "Did you arrange for Doctor Crusher to do their checks so she would yell at them?"
"I have noted that Doctor Crushers ability to get patients to listen to recommendations is somewhat better than my own."
Riker laughed. "Well played."
The doctor nodded and resumed her work.
-=oOo=-
They arrive at Xaran VI late the next morning. Faile, Deanna, and Rowan were again exhausted. They were ordered on mandatory rest for the first forty eight hours. The doctors and everyone else swiftly got to work. They had made it here twelve days before the others and would, in the end, save hundreds of lives. It never seemed enough.
They stayed an additional an additional week after the Yamato took over and then the CMO of the Yamato ordered them all for a mandatory two week vacation somewhere before returning to work. Everyone had been doing eighteen hour days and they were all exhausted, but also better. Saving lives was so much better than ending them.
-=oOo=-
"Where too now?" asked Faile.
"I have no plans. We are on vacation. We can return to DS9, or go, well, really anywhere," said Riker.
"I have an idea. We are at the rim of Federation space, are we not?" asked Rowan.
"Pretty much," said Riker.
"If the three of us extend our senses and minds away from the ship in a direction that hasn't been searched, while you proceed on warp drive into unknown space, we might find something of interest."
"You want to go looking for trouble?" asked Riker curiously.
Deanna, Arjin, and Faile smiled.
"I certainly have no objection, beyond not exceeding Warp six, if there is not need," said Neela.
"Nor I," said Worf.
Riker turned to the doctor.
"I have no objections, provided their abilities are used in more moderate amounts."
"Trust us, we don't press things because its fun. It really isn't," said Rowan.
The doctor nodded.
Riker nodded and turned to Deanna. He said, "You may have to help me come up with an exercise in creative writing in how this is a vacation. Do you have any objections? This is a medical question based on your expertise."
"No, as long as we are careful, take our time and say limit our travel to Warp one, which I know we can monitor fairly stress free."
"That will do. Arjin set a course. Somewhere we haven't been. Somewhere no one has ever been and engage at warp one. Add the cloak while your at it."
"Aye sir. Engaging at warp one. Cloak is activated."
-=oOo=-
They had been traveling four days when they sensed it. What exactly it was, they were not entirely sure. They diverted course.
"She is alive," said Deanna a few minutes later.
"I'm detecting something about the size of a person at extreme range. We are two minutes out."
"Drop out of warp to intercept," said Riker.
"She is within viewer range now," said Arjin.
"On screen." A few seconds later he added, "Increase magnification."
"Am my eyes deceiving me, or am I looking at a young woman with blue hair and some kind of armor just drifting in space?" asked Riker.
"Entity reads as probably an android," said Neela.
"Deanna?" asked Riker.
"She is sentient, but clearly passed out. We need to beam her aboard."
"Agreed. Use the transporters. At least get an entry scan," said Riker.
"Beaming now," said Worf.
She appeared on the flight deck. Deana was the first to touch her, with the others covering. She quickly pulled back.
"Is there a problem?" asked Riker.
"Her body is immensely low on energy. She pulled some from me. It isn't a problem. I was just shocked. I'll give her a bit more."
"Be careful," said Rowan.
"I will."
Deanna bent over and gently cupped her face. Her well was soon flaring as she quickly emptied the contents of it into the rather attractive blue haired android. Her eyes flicked open.
"I am Kosmos. Where am I?"
"We found you beyond explored Federation space. We have done nothing but give you some energy," said Riker.
"That is appreciated. I must save Shion."
"If you can explain, we can try to help, but we are going to need some details," said Riker.
"I will upload the data into your computer system. Stand by."
Kosmos seemed to zone out as the computer screens rapidly filled with data. She then began to narrate. "A dimensional shift has been detected. This ship has a compatible drive system. I require it to make the return trip to save Shion."
"Your not taking this ship anywhere till you explain," said Riker.
"Incorrect. Priority to protect Shion overrides secondary functions. Apologies."
"She means no harm," said Deanna.
Will looked around, uncertain what to do.
Deanna nodded uncertainly.
"Drawing energy from ship reactors. Initializing dimension drive. Drive will not respond to commands."
"Our locks won't allow that to operate the drive unless we permit it. Please stop and explain," said Riker.
"There is no time," said Kosmos.
The Rowan walked forward. "Will you permit me to touch your thoughts. Somehow they seem quite like our own and I need to understand."
"You may take any actions if you agree to help Shion."
"If we can do so and have a reasonable chance to come safely back, we will most probably do it," said Riker.
"Proceed," said Kosmos.
The Rowan gently cupped Kosmos's face in her hand and then leaned her head to hers. She was like that for almost ten minutes before she pulled back.
"Now help me get to Shion."
Rowan nodded.
"Alright get us underway," said Riker.
"Unlocking the dimensional drive and entering the dimensional sea along the course Kosmos provided," said Arjin.
Rowan turned to Kosmos. "You have been through so much."
"How can we help?" asked Faile.
"We need to funnel energy into her from the ships reactor. She can't use its energy directly for what she calls the Hilbert effect, to aid her battles, but the energy from Deanna's well she can use. I also want to refill her well before we get there if we can," said Rowan.
"Agreed," added RIker.
The three came together and first helped Deanna recharge her well, and then slowly over the course of the next three hours fully recharged the android. Riker composed a report to be sent as soon as they returned. It took them several hours to emerge in Shion's universe.
"I cannot find Shion from the present location. Please initiate a search routine with the specifications I will provide," said Kosmos.
"Alright," said Riker.
-=oOo=-
It took them nearly a month to find Kosmos's master. The ship they found looked to be an advanced destroyer of some kind.
"Open hailing frequencies," said Riker.
A slightly overweight graying brown haired woman sat in the center seat of the bridge of the destroyer.
"Shion. What has happened to you?" asked Kosmos in worry.
"I got old Kosmos. I got old. It happens to humans. Where have you been? You saved us, or at least enough that we could finish the job, and then we could not find you. I searched for over three years Kosmos. I really tried. It has been thirty four years Kosmos."
"I was found in the wrong dimension. A temporal displacement appears to have also occurred. My internal time base does not show any point where I was fully offline. I have clear diagnostics dating back to my first activation, though I was well below active threshold for a period of forty seven days."
"I'm just glad your okay Kosmos. Now, who is it you brought with you?"
"These are the crew of the Defiant. This is Will, Deana, Rowan, Faile, Arjin, Neela, Worf, and Doctor Selar." She pointed to each in turn.
"I would like to thank you all for returning Kosmos to us," said Shion warmly.
"All part of the job. We are glad everything turned out well," said Riker.
"You are of course welcome to stay as long as you wish. We will see to all your needs. In the meantime, would you all consider joining me for a dinner in honor of Kosmos's return. I also need to check her over to make sure she requires no repairs," said Shion.
"I will remain here to watch the ship," said Worf.
"As you wish. I believe we can fit your ship in our cargo bay, probably."
"We have matter transmission. We can easily transport over."
"That has been on my wish list for some time. I have theories. No, I shall resist shop talk. This is a celebration. Someone get me a tablet with our food choices so they know what the options are. As to the rest, we would normally eat in about two hours, if that is suitable."
"That would be fine," said Riker.
"Then I will let you go. Do you know if Kosmos can be sent over. I truly do worry for her."
"I am fine Shion."
"You've said you are fine when you have had limbs blown off Kosmos. Please let me be the one to checks such things."
"As you wish Shion."
The Rowan smiled and Kosmos appeared near Shion.
"That truly is impressive. I thought it would be quite different. Would you not need some kind of subspace field coil array and electronics. We actively monitor local subspace, just in case the Gnosis ever came back. I didn't see a peep. How did you make the transition?"
Riker laughed. "I can see you have much to talk about."
"I have a complete record of the journey if you would like it Shion."
A younger man handed her a tablet. She leaned over and messed with her keyboard for a couple minutes.
"Well, can you fetch this then?" asked Shion.
"That depends. If you figure out something useful, will you tell us?" asked the Rowan in amusement.
Shion's eyes widened. "How could you not understand?"
"That wasn't our transporters," said Riker.
"Now I'm really interested."
"Care to toss it in the air?" asked Faile.
"Alright." Shion did so.
The tablet appeared above Faile's hands. She handed it to Worf who began working with it.
"Could you have fetched it without it separating from my body?" asked Shion.
"Possibly, but the risk seems higher. It is best for items to be separate when moving them," said Faile.
"Ah."
"We should beam over, using the actual transporters. It does seem that we have much to discuss," said Deanna.
"Yes please," said an eager Shion.
"Worf would you do the honors?" asked Riker.
Worf worked with his controls and they soon vanished complete with sparkles and reappearing sparkles.
"Now that is more like what I would predict." She didn't even look up at them. She immediately began looking at the data. "I can't believe I missed this for so long. It is so obvious, and makes way more sense than whatever that other thing was. I bet I could have something built in a week or so."
"A bad transporter can really mess up a person. I haven't committed to helping you yet, since I don't know you, but do not doubt that," said Riker.
"Of that I have no doubt. Still, I do believe this is all quite solvable. Daniels, would you begin work on this? I hate to ask you to skip dinner, but I do wish to figure this out. You already have access to my previous efforts. I think you will recognize my problem fairly soon, but if you check, I believe you will find my analysis as to how to do the phasing to be be in error somewhere near the middle third. I must have made an error that was hidden by another error causing the formal proof to look correct but still be wrong."
"I'll get right on it Shion."
"Thanks."
"Now I'm going to take Kosmos to my lab to begin checking her over. Everyone else, please make our guests feel at home."
"Could I possibly come with you? I'm something of an engineer," said Neela.
"If you wish."
"I would like to as well. I do not actually eat, at least not normally. It does little for me," said Faile.
"Really? How curious? Either way, you are of course welcome to come."
-=oOo=-
"My pod is missing," said Kosmos.
"Sorry, but it has been awhile. Your original pod is back on Second Miltia in a museum, actually, though I can of course retrieve it, or build you a much better one. For now please stand on the sensor pod over there."
Kosmos walked over and stood calmly.
Shion sat down and soon a three dimensional visualization of her systems appeared.
"You are certainly not fine Kosmos, though it seems autorepair is still working and is continuing to refine your systems. It's actually working twelve percent faster than it should. Curious. This was a step I was aiming for, but thought was ultimately impossible. And what is this with your energy. That is all wrong. I do not understand how you are producing this form of energy."
"When Deanna first touched her, she absorbed some of Deanna's energy. It seemed correct, so she gave her more, and then we all gave her a very great deal more. It was drawn from our ship, but shaped through our own power," said Faile.
Shion blinked, then blinked again. "You did the other teleportation, correct?"
"I did the last. Rowan did the first."
"Can you all do that?"
"No, only a small percentage."
"So that is bio energy of some form?" asked Shion.
"My effective capacity is now two hundred and seventy eight percent above previous specifications," said Kosmos proudly.
"Nearly 3x as efficient? Really? No don't answer." She quickly went back to her displays then found the event where they entered this universe. "You are correct. You know I have not been idle Kosmos. I have achieved nearly a seventy percent improvement in the design of Hilbert interfaces. You don't have the upgrades, obviously, but if you did, I'd bet you would be somewhere near..."
"Eight hundred and four percent above stock," finished Kosmos.
"Well yes. The effect is out sized since you would be starting with a far more suitable energy source. I still don't understand how you are producing it."
"She is alive," said Faile simply.
"Well I always thought so."
"No Shion. I am truly alive now. I know that now. The time Rowan shared thoughts with me proved it, but I was alive before that."
"Shared thoughts? Is there no end of surprises today?"
"The others are quite amused," said Faile.
"You're having a secret conversation and I didn't even notice. Would you like a job for the military? I promise the science division pays very well and we have excellent benefits."
Faile laughed. "I assure you, I need no job. We could however use more friends. Perhaps once we know each other more, we can see what help we can give you and you might consider doing the same for our group."
"I am not opposed, but I certainly cannot negotiate such a treaty, though I do know those who can," said Shion.
"That would be great. We are still terrified the Borg or some other threat will eventually win one day," said Neela.
"Who are the Borg? Can they cross dimensions? What is their threat level?" Shion was suddenly deadly serious.
"I accessed many of their files Shion. Would you like me to replay their encounter with Borg at their home planet?"
"I like her. She is just as curious as I am," said Faile.
"Your not offended?" asked Shion.
"Oh, I'd be upset had she caused actual harm, but I recognize her as a loyal soldier doing her duty to save lives," said Faile.
"Personally I want to find out what she exploited so I can fix it. I thought those systems were secure. I'm a bit surprised our drive locks stopped her if she got through the others. They are not that much better," said Neela.
"Kosmos can go through that with you before you leave, or I can. That is no problem. I really want to see this."
"Would you like to see it, or would you like to see it through our eyes?" Asked Faile.
"You can do that?" asked Shion softly.
"I can, but I wasn't there at the time, but I'm linked with Deanna and Rowan, who each volunteered to come."
"Are you sure it is safe?" asked Shion.
"Yes, your mind can easily be destroyed or damaged by a strong telepath, but I promise, we know what we are doing, well, Rowan does anyway. I'm still learning. Deanna is really good as well."
"I do not believe it will harm you. It did not me. I wish to see this in this form," said Kosmos.
"Alright."
-=oOo=-
Rowan turned to their hosts. "Could Deanna and I be taken to see Faile and Shion?"
"Of course. Was their something you needed?"
"Would you believe I've been horribly rude and carrying on a second conversation at the same time?"
Her host blinked. He seemed thoughtful for several seconds. "It would explain some of the odd pauses."
"Sorry."
"I'm more curious than upset. Please come with me."
-=oOo=-
"Thanks for bringing them Allen. They are apparently telepaths and were going to show me a threat to their universe."
"I'll do it instead of you."
"Still trying to take all the risks to keep me safe huh?"
Allen blushed.
"Adding one more is not a problem. We will be careful. We promise," said Deanna.
"You will stop, if we ask?" asked Allen.
"Of course. The link can't be dissolved instantly, since that is possibly harmful, but within say probably ten seconds."
"That will be fine," said Shion.
They were suddenly there.
"We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
Shion and Allen shivered as the Borg forced their message on everyone, as the Earth and its warriors prepared to fight, even as the much smaller group took up the ever so precious task. Faile was there as well. She had seen this before, but she would never pass up a chance to be reminded while she was there.
They watched every detail, not even noticing when others had come in. Neela told them what was happening and they waited, though did summon Riker and the others to explain more.
Finally almost two hours after they began it ended. The trio gently parted first Allen, then Shion, and finally Kosmos, before dissolving the rest.
Shion blinked and looked around. "Next time we do that, I'm laying down first."
"I do not have the healing talent, but I am good with metamorphic level manipulation. I could help your back," offered Rowan.
"Sure."
Rowan stepped behind her and gently and then with more force began to ease the muscles in Shion's back.
"Your hired. Just a thousand more minutes of that." Rown smiled and continued.
Allen added, "More seriously, this is a threat the Galaxy Federation must know about. They, for all their skill, were nearly overcome at the end. They are clearly a true class ten. They may not have dimensional drives yet, but that is only a matter of time. One key piece, and it will be just like Shion seeing your transport data. They will have it."
"I agree. Once Shion completes my upgrades, I must return with them and help them eradicate this threat," said Kosmos.
"Your not going alone into battle Kosmos. I lost you once. Never again," said Shion. She then turned to Rowan. "As much as I'd like to let you continue, I am fine now."
Rowan nodded and stepped back.
Shion's stomach grumbled. "Is there any food left?" she asked hopefully.
Riker smiled. "There is a great deal."
"Good." She turned back to Allen. "Take the data from their trip Kosmos saved and start calculating the return trip."
"Your going to go, without first consulting the Federation?" asked Allen.
"We did something similar to come here," said Riker amused.
Shion nodded, then turned to Allen.
"If I go to the Federation, there will be endless debate. If I bring Athena, well, I rather think that will get the required outcome we seek, don't you think?" asked Shion.
"There isn't any Borg in our quadrant, or wasn't when we left. They are in the Delta Quadrant of our universe, so diagonal to our position nearly a half a galaxy away," from where we were.
"That is not a problem," said Kosmos.
"Let's finish our meal. We seem to have a very great deal of work to do," said Shion.
-=oOo=-
They ended up delaying their departure a full four days, while the crew of the Athena compiled a report on what they were doing and why, and Shion finished the upgrades for Kosmos. Shion deliberately delayed sending it until it was certain they would not have time to respond.
Shion turned to the others. "Your friend is welcome to come to the bridge, if he wishes. The cargo bay is not that exiting and our shielding is far better in the main areas," said Shion.
"Mr. Worf, please secure systems and beam here."
"Very well."
Worf appeared beside them.
Shion sat down. "Bring Athena out of repose. Take us into the dimensional sea. Momo your our navigator. Will you do the honors?"
"Aye mam. Unlocking the dimensional drive and entering the dimensional sea." The outside universe suddenly was no longer there. It was replaced with a green and white nothingness.
"She seems quite young," noted Riker.
"Momo is an artificial lifeform, in many ways similar to Kosmos. She was made shortly before Kosmos was," said Shion.
"Athena will complete its journey is seventy three minutes."
"Excellent work as usual Momo," said Shion.
Momo turned to Faile. "You told Kosmos that she was truly alive."
"Because it was true. I can sense true emotions from you as well. Did you doubt it?" asked Faile curiously.
"I didn't. I know they are programmed in the factory, but their brains are more complex than my own, that plus something I don't understand, but I always kind of believed it," said Shion.
Momo smiled and returned to monitoring her station.
-=oOo=-
They return to their own dimension and ship. Arjin was the first to sit down and log into a console. "There is an incoming communication request for Captain Picard."
"Well that was quick. On screen," said Riker.
"Will, it seems you have had an adventure of some sort. We've been trying to reach you."
"You could say that. I did compose a report, but we were already gone by then," said Riker.
"Was it restful?" he asked curiously.
"We think so," lied Riker.
"Care to fill us in? Why you were completely out of contact?"
"I'd be glad to. Care to join us and our new friends here?"
"Alright. Fortunately, we are about ten minutes from your present position. We were on our way to search. We will see you shortly Captain Riker."
"We will be waiting."
Athena connected right after.
"I take it your people said hello," said Shion who was a bit amused.
"Probably something similar to what your people will say when they track you down. Fortunately, I'm fairly sure Captain Picard still likes me."
"That is always helpful. It never hurts to be a hero either, though that was honestly Kosmos and more than me."
"Incorrect. I would not have been able to do what I did without all your help and support," said Kosmos.
"Too many good people died for me to take any credit," said Shion.
"I understand that," said Riker.
Rowan and Deanna suddenly turned to their left. The invisible necklaces they wore flaring into visibility.
"It seems our family is a bit annoyed with us," said Rowan.
Deanna smiled. "They are volunteering to come all this way in a pod, well several pods. Don't worry we are dissuading them."
"Lwaxana," asked Riker warily.
"My mother is being quite vocal," said Deanna ruefully.
"That must be great, to be able to talk to your family from so far," said Shion.
"Did you ever have children?" asked Faile softly.
"I can't. A bit too much exposure to things that are bad far me I'm afraid."
"I'm sorry to hear that. We have some very talented people. We could possibly be sure."
"If you like, though I do not believe it can be fixed. Either way, I'm too old in any event."
"I can't promise anything, but there is a real chance we can help, though not here, probably," said Rowan.
"I am now quite curious," said Shion softly.
"We should go at once, wherever necessary," said Kosmos.
The Enterprise dropped out of warp.
"We will work on that, but first let me conference in my friend Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise," said Riker.
The bridge of the Enterprise appeared split screen with Shion's ship on both of their screens.
"Won't you introduce us Captain Riker?" asked Jean-Luc.
"Captain Picard, this is Shion and the Crew of the Athena. That blue haired one is Kosmos. We found her on our totally real vacation and ended up heading to go help her find her friend. I know that's Momo up front and that one to the right is Allen. Would you like to do the rest Shion?"
She did so.
Deanna was smiling in amusement.
"And the small detail your leaving out Will?"
"Oh, they are from another dimension, but have a keen interest in seeing the Borg destroyed," said Riker.
"I see. And how did you get to that other dimension?"
"Kosmos really wanted to find her friend," said Rowan.
"They were most helpful," agreed Kosmos.
"You did get our report, right?" asked Riker.
"Just now. Next time send it before you leave."
"I'll try."
Shion blushed furiously.
"So, we were thinking of heading back to DS9," said Will.
"We are eight days away at warp nine."
"Oh, we can get you there in twenty minutes or so, though I will need the updated charts for this universe," said Shion.
"They are way better at it than we are," said Riker.
Q appeared beside him. "I should think so. Their universe was introduced to some rather interesting artifacts long ago and they have been forced to fight using everything they knew for a long time, until Kosmos here managed to help pull off the victory that won the key battle."
"Q, this is Shion and the crew of the Athena," said WIll.
"It is good to meet you Mr. Q," said Shion.
"Just Q is fine. You should take her up on her offer. It will save a rather boring trip."
"Is this your doing Q?" asked Picard.
"Not this time. Their decision to blow off a regular vacation to just explore ended up here. Quite remarkable really. The odds of the rift that was created during the end of that battle blowing her to this time and place are astonishingly small."
"We are considering going to do a test engagement with the Borg. Do you think we can win?" asked Riker.
"You had better not lose. I suggest you wait until you can make a serious effort. I will be extremely annoyed if the Borg get the technology on this ship," said Q.
Riker nodded soberly.
"Still Data may find some comfort in no longer being alone. In many ways he could have been a prototype to those like Momo," said Q.
"Intriguing," said Data.
Momo looked up at her screen curiously, before smiling and nodding.