Changing the Rules

by Lerris

The Rowan surviving the accident that took her parents was a miracle. Her falling between universes to end up in front of the USS Enterprise was another. Her catching the attention of Q, well that was something else entirely. There were a lot of problems with his plan, not the least of which is he would have to change the rules. Rowan/Trek/Stargate/Doctor Who/Multicross

61. Chapter 61

Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.

-=oOo=-

"Lafiel, I need you to enter the temporary quarters of our guest. It seems Celeste, Ami, and PIper are there as well. If it is a medical emergency I am outside. If not, just make sure they are comfortable," said Julian.

"Alright."

Julian overrode the door access and Lafiel slipped in. She then walked back to let Julian in, who quietly scanned all three, even as Lafiel left to drag in another mattress and blankets, which she and Julian managed to levitate in while Ami ended up in Sara's bed. All four were now covered. They quietly left.

-=oOo=-

"What do you mean Sarah is here? Is she hurt? Is she okay?" asked the Doctor in near panic. Romana, Susan and Rose looked on in concern.

"She is fine, better than fine. She is just changed," said Julian.

"Changed how?" asked Rose suspiciously.

"It looks like those three, without supervision mind you, managed to regress her age near forty years. I have been monitoring it to make sure it is stable, and them. If they were going to attempt this it should have been in sick bay, not on the floor of a bedroom," said Julian in an annoyed tone.

Rose's concern seemed to deepen though she did her best not to show it, and seemed to be trying not to have it.

"I wish to see her," said the Doctor.

"Not until she wakes normally. I have setup active medical scanners in the room they are in. They are fine. Let them sleep," said Julian.

"Well then I want to see their scan data."

"You are not their doctor. I have no compelling reason to release that data to you."

"Relax Doctor. They know what they are doing," said Romana.

"Do they? Age reversal is tricky. So many think they get it and it ends badly," said the Doctor.

"Piper and Celeste have sisters that are healing talents that know the skill. I'm not surprised they figured it out, though this is likely not exactly the same," said Julian.

"You can really reverse aging?" asked Susan.

"It isn't common, and it is not like we can do it for everyone. It may not even work multiple times, but yes," said Julian.

"That is very dangerous knowledge," said the Doctor.

"Are you telling me, someone as old as you doesn't know at least one way?" asked Julian softly.

"No, I know several that are legit. I may even have a very tiny amount of the elixir of life in the Tardis for emergencies. I still want to see her, so I can be sure this isn't going to blow back and kill her."

Julian looked toward Romana who nodded subtly.

"Alright. You and Romana only, and only the sensor data from sick bay. We are not disturbing their rest needlessly," said Julian.

"FIne."

-=oOo=-

The Doctor put on his glasses and began to review the data. His fingers quickly gesturing to move from page to page as he reviewed every detail about her current physical condition.

"It's stabilizing," he muttered.

"Yes, that was my conclusion," said Julian.

"Show me the scan you must have taken when you beamed her up. Their must be data there."

"Alright." Julian manipulated his interface and it showed up on the Doctor's screen.

"She was dying. Weeks maybe. Heart and circulatory system were failing."

"Yes, though I'd say weeks was optimistic. They liked her. She told so many stories. Many of them involved you, but she had adventures after you. She had a full life. They just wanted her to have another one, which seemed to be what she wanted," said Julian.

"Well it looks like she has it. I should have returned and spent time with her. She shouldn't have had to face this alone."

"Your right," said Julian simply.

"I know," said the Doctor sadly.

"Are we done here?" asked Romana.

"Yea. This needs monitored, but I see nothing that concerns me, or at least nothing in Sara that concerns me," said the Doctor.

Romana pulled him to her and hugged him softly, before letting him go.

-=oOo=-

"Sara Jane," said the Doctor softly as she woke up.

"About time you showed up. Thought I was going to..." She trailed off.

"I bullied my way into seeing your medical information. Don't blame them. I know."

"Why Doctor?"

"Because I'm a coward when it comes to such things."

"You don't want to see us grow old, to be so helpless."

"I could have figured out a way to make you younger. I know a few valid ways, but I made a rule not to manipulate a species like that, and if it got out, well life is hard enough when the old die to make way for the young. In short, I couldn't risk it. They did, and now I feel like the biggest ass ever. Can you forgive me Sara?"

"Doctor I never blamed you for me growing old. I've lived a great life, and honestly had no regrets other than not seeing you one last time."

"You can't return to Earth, or at least not as Sarah Jane. You can come with me if you want."

"I think not Doctor. A different knight rode in on a white horse and saved me this time Doctor. I think I'll see what roads they have to travel, at least if they let me."

"You'll be grand Sarah. It truly has been an honor to know you," said the Doctor.

"You should go. Your girlfriend will get jealous."

"Rose really is great."

"It's okay to love her you know Doctor," said Sara.

"Is it really?"

"It is Doctor. It truly is. Don't waste the time you have been given."

-=oOo=-

Sarah Jane met Captain Riker in the briefing room the next day.

"Welcome Sarah Jane. Where would you like to go?" he asked.

"You know I used to be a reporter. Could I be that again? Maybe tag along, report what can be reported?"

"Alright. I'd prefer all your reports go through the Alliance for final vetting, but we do report general information out. More is not a problem, and I'm fairly sure most would not be redacted. If you like I can review it, but honestly I don't want you to feel I'm limiting what you can report."

"But the Alliance will?"

"They will prevent information getting out that will endanger others or reveal classified technical data. Private relationships are of course off limits. I prefer them not to be discussed even when they are in public. Unless a private relationship affects our ability to do a mission then I generally don't want it in a report or to be reported. Report on our choices, our mistakes, our hopes, our failures. In short, make us better at our jobs and hold us accountable. You can also report to us in person or in private. I give you my word that you will be able to do your job."

"Thank you sir. Is there anything else?"

"In an emergency being on this ship means following orders. There are a lot of people on this ship. Its usually not a big deal. I can't promote you even to Ensign, not without the necessary education. Others have studied and got that education, but that is likely incompatible with your role as reporter. Basically, in an emergency you may be called on to do whatever is needed by whomever needs it. My crew is all good people. They aren't going to ask without reason."

"How often do those occur?" asked Sara.

"Where someone like you would be ordered to do something? To be honest, I don't think one has occurred like that, but no doubt someone needed something in an emergency and ask for help from those near. That could happen. Other than at those times, you will be free to do your job."

"What about missions and going on planets and such?"

"And we are back to a problem. I send people down to planets if they have the training for the conditions and the risk/benefit calculation makes sense. Most of the time it is not nearly that dramatic. Since you would generally be someone who would need protection, its unlikely you will be on away teams until the situation is secure."

"But if I trained and all the rest, but maybe avoided formally enlisting?"

"An away team is a team to do a purpose. There is one chain of command. I'm fairly loose with orders since my people know their jobs. I'm saying it would help. You would go on more, but if you want to go down among the first, you have to be part of the team. On the other hand a lot can be observed from the ship."

"The Doctor always used to get mad at me for running off."

"You understand why now right?" asked Riker.

"I nearly got killed so many times. I was so naive when I was younger."

"That is also my concern. If someone is wandering, they don't have backup and I may have to order more people to risk their lives to save yours."

"I won't endanger lives. I've learned too much to do that again. You can trust me with that. If I go down I'll follow the orders of those down there or I'll return."

"Good enough. It is good to have you aboard." Will reached out to shake her hand again and then left her be.

-=oOo=-

Sara walked back to the bridge a few minutes later. Riker was talking to Faile.

"Do you mind the detour to view this possible world the Doctor provided me? It has no strategic significance and I do have my own ship," said Faile.

"Sometimes with all these emergencies, I think people forget that part of our duty is exploration, and it is not just our duty, I honestly want to see this world and I would bet everyone else does as well."

"Definitely," said Jadzia.

"It will be a nice change," said Sobaash.

"Agreed," added Samson.

"Sure, it sounds fun. Just don't ask me to babysit again. Never again," said L'Nea.

"It sounds like once everything got settled you decided you weren't ready for a family," said Jadzia.

"Do you know how many men propositioned me? I think it was all of them. Seriously. I get that we need to build our population. I even donated a few eggs, but that is not how I will establish a relationship, if I ever do. It will not happen like that," said L'Nea.

"I'm also not that interested in children. Julian and I have discussed it, and we may change our minds, but probably not. Children are not easy for me," said Jadzia.

"There really isn't space is their, not with your symbiote?" asked L'Nea.

"No. A joined trill woman having children is rare. It takes a lot of special work to make sure it doesn't go badly."

"You could use one of our gestation cradles," offered Lafiel.

"There is an idea. Actually that really is an idea. Do you think you would mind lending the tech to Trill?" asked Jadzia seriously.

"I wouldn't think so. You would have to agree to use it within the limits we established, but aren't the Federation limits stricter?"

"They more or less are, save hardly anyone uses that tech. I'm sure we could get agreement there. We might have to make sure the rules are setup and signed off, but I could honestly seeing at least some Trill women using the tech," said Jadzia.

"Why not send a short message first to Lakfakalle to determine if they are willing, then if so forward that to Trill. I get that we could get there fairly quick, but important government officials hate surprises. We probably will get better results if we don't surprise them," said Riker.

"Would you like me to write it?" asked Lafiel.

"Is that necessary?" asked Jadzia.

"No. You message will get seen by those needed, however, if I forward it, like it or not, it will have a higher priority, and this seems a very good cause to use that slight benefit."

"Alright. I'll write something up and send it to you."

"Just like that you plot to change how births are done?" asked Sara curiously.

"Well, we figure its the choice between having children and not. How is that a problem?" asked Jadzia.

"Some may consider these devices, which apparently grow children outside a womb unnatural."

"Do you?"

"Honestly a little, but I also know that doesn't mean wrong. I've seen a lot of weird things over the years. Most haven't."

"Do you want to help craft the letter?" asked Jadzia.

"Sure, why not. I am not actually against this, but I just wanted to point out that I'd expect some people to be against this."

"We understand, and I'm sure your right," said Riker.

-=oOo=-

Empress Ramaj read the letter forwarded by Lafiel. She then called her health minister and handed him the letter.

He head it and shrugged. "We can certainly support this. As long as they agreed to at least as restrictive as we do, I see no reason not to support this."

"Please take care of this task. I see no reason I need to be further involved in this, unless there is an ethical or other concern," said Ramaj.

"Of course. I'll get it done. It is actually a relief for one group not to automatically assume something bad about the technology.

"Yes it is."

-=oOo=-

The head of the symbiosis commission read the letter from Dax and then the other letters and information attached. She scheduled a meeting for the afternoon and forwarded the information to all members for review.

-=oOo=-

"Why are we just hearing about an established technology to do this now? This technology has been known to the Alliance for years now."

"No idea. The email stated it began from an idle conversation."

"Then is Dax considering having children?"

"The letter only said that if she and Julian did decide to have them one day then this would likely be the way they would do it, but it made no commitment."

"Of course it would be the way. There would be no risk to the symbiont or the child."

"So what do we have to do to approve this?"

"They wanted us to run it by the Federation, make sure there were no surprises, and we dealt with it carefully to avoid an overreaction."

"I'll get agreement on at least a trial program. They love trial programs."

Her colleague snorted. "There are not that many joined Trill that are women of child bearing age that would currently be interested. This pilot program could handle our actual needs."

"Exactly."

-=oOo=-

Beneej was a bit surprised to be tasked with a task that Lafiel helped instigate. Ramaj may have forwarded the mission to her just to amuse her and she had to admit it was certainly a worthy cause. She directed her new second in command to get started. She was going to miss Kufadis, though even Dusanyu agreed he made a good Captain. Still, hopefully this new one would become useful soon, but not too useful. She didn't feel like replacing another one so soon.

-=oOo=-

"I must admit I'm dissapointed. I was hoping we would get the mission to deliver the technology," said Sara.

"It happens. I'm kind of glad Romana has agreed to lend them a hand there to make sure it all goes well. For what it is worth, the fallout from that mission hasn't even begun yet. Assuming we aren't busy we can head there then," said Riker.

"I know. But it just seems so amazing for children to be possible when it wasn't possible before."

"It is. The tech needs to remain restricted because well some would use it to create perfect people. That sometimes ends badly," said Celeste.

"So where to now?" asked Sara.

"We had a request, well it wasn't for us per say. An ensign on the Enterprise was observing an alternate Earth. It is one of the ones that is going in the wrong direction. She was viewing a television show which was being canceled. She was hoping we could do something, not necessarily for the program, though that would be a nice touch since it taught science. Captain Picard denied the plan to interfere, but did permit her to send the request," said Jadzia.

"Just to be clear, I have not approved intervening. We are going to evaluate the situation. While I agree in principle, I also understand Captain Picard's decision, and am not going to make a different one unless we have a plan where the risk benefit ratio is decent. This world isn't to the point where we have to interfere and once we start down that path we end up having to commit a lot of time by ourselves or the Alliance, which we can't spend elsewhere," said Riker.

"Do you really believe that such a path exists?" asked Sara curiously.

"Um, we have done similar before. If nothing else, find some funding for the show that can't be traced and call it a day," said Samson.

"That's one. Keep em coming," said Riker.

-=oOo=-

"Mika, what do you mean that we have been renewed?"

"I mean we have been renewed. The suits got an anonymous donor. The deal is our show is fully funded for the next ten years, including raises that are three percent above inflation, provided we keep the science content no less than it has been and continue to teach. We have to seriously do our best to keep people engaged and informed. In short, they are giving us cart blanche to make the show we wanted to make, Jarad."

"I can't believe it."

"Believe it."

"We will have to hire some new interns. Several already have good paying jobs, that I doubt they are going to want to leave, particularly since they got large raises."

"We will get it done. Daybreak's Bell will be the greatest show of all time," said Jarad.

"I still say the name sucks."

"Get over it."

-=oOo=-

"Go on Lafiel. Our spying is revealing that they are looking primarily for female talk show hosts. You will be a hit," said Jinto.

"I do not like this sexist nonsense. You could as easily be a great hit," said Lafiel.

"You love this stuff."

"I do, but you should be with me."

"I will be, or did you forget? Besides, I can help research what you need in real time and feed you the information."

"Jinto, if footage of this get's back to Beneej and it is embarrassing, you will sleep in your own room."

"I would never conspire to do something like that."

Lafiel looked at him with a cross between a smile and a glare. "You love seeing me angry and passionate, so yes, you would manipulate the situation if you could do so without making me too angry."

"No response I can give will be adequate," defended Jinto.

"I still think you should be there too."

"Well you can interview and take the place I was going to try to get. I'm not sure i want to go in front of cameras," said Ami.

"I'm willing to go if you don't want to Ami," said Celeste.

"No, we must do some things we don't want to to grow stronger. I'll do it," asid Ami.

"If you really want Lafiel I'll interview before you," said Jinto.

"No, you really don't want to do it. I thought you liked being planet side."

"I do, but with you enjoying nature together, not like this."

"Then you will come down and do that with me during our times off," said Lafiel.

"Deal."

-=oOo=-

Lafiel walked into the interview room. She appeared to have brown hair and normal ears, though they were just the smallest bit pointy.

"Well Lafiel, why did you want to be a host and member of Daybreak's bell? I notice you have a covered box with you. Is that perhaps something I should look at?" asked Jared.

"I've been working on this for awhile. Here let me show you." She removed the cover from a plexiglass box. Inside the box where a series of electromagnets. She pressed a button on the side and two delicate thin metal butterflies began flying around inside the box.

"That is very impressive work. How long did it take you to make it?"

"A couple years. " It had actually taken a couple days with Jadzia and the computer's help, but they didn't need to know that.

"You do understand that the apparatus we make to test things have to be made more quickly than that. I'm not faulting the time you took. I'm not entirely sure I could get this right in two years."

"Of course. I want to do this job because I believe it matters."

"How so?" he asked curiously.

"I'm not sure if you have noticed the winds of change. You can see them if you look carefully. We are beginning as a society to value truth less. This I believe it the beginning not the end of this phenomena. Science and particularly computers are beginning to reach the point where the production of derivative works is quicker and quicker. Realistically, this will be used for power; to tell a story, well whatever story is required to grasp that power."

"Isn't that an exaggeration? Sure politics is bad, but it isn't nearly that bad yet."

"I never said it was that bad yet. I merely said it will get that bad. It is quite simple to type a letter and claim one person is another. It will be possible one day to record a voice where it is also impossible to tell, and then video."

"What makes you think that?"

"The internet has been used, fundamentally, for one thing above all else money. More recently it has been seen more and more for power and to manipulate. It is early still, though power is often just another way of making money. It is far easier to create a made up problem and then advocate you are the one to solve it, use that to gain power, and then declare victory having solved the problem that never existed. The tools to make all this work will be created. There is too much demand to not create them."

"But there are many news stations. The independent press. Newspapers. Magazines. Independent reporters."

"Most of those are being reduced and many are unprofitable on the internet. Someone can copy the essential facts of an article and then the people who did the hard work never get properly paid, leading to fewer of them. Also, if you look a small number of companies now control most media. Something like this show that promotes simple truth is a desperate oasis this world needs."

"You realize this show is not political."

"Truth is not political, though some try to make it so."

"Fair enough. Let's see if you can think on the fly. I'll give you a bit of an advantage by not specifying what, but design something. It has to at least be plausible. It has to not currently exist, and it must be testable. If I think you read it on the internet, you lose a lot of points."

"No pressure," said Lafiel dryly.

Jared chuckled. "The white board is available for you to use, or you can just use pencil and paper. It doesn't matter."

"I'll use the wooden fiber and writing implements. I can't get the needed detail with those crude markers," said Lafiel.

"I'll give you a hint. Try to scale whatever idea back so you have something that can be covered and designed in a reasonable time."

Lafiel began very carefully sketching out a design. Her strokes were sure, even if she didn't seem that practiced with actually using a pencil. When it stopped writing he said, "I can sharpen it or you can use the pens."

She picked up a black pen and quickly continued showing significant detail and then writing notes on the expected part names, how the reaction process was to be moderated, details on the controlling electronics and all the rest.

-=oOo=-

"What am I looking at here Jared?" asked Mika as she came into the office later that day and looked at what Jared was starring at.

"She cold drew out what certainly looks to me like a plausible engine for a space ship. It uses enriched fissile material and ultra pure water. Seriously is she a guest host, or a rocket designer?"

"I looked it up. Our country experimented with such technology nearly fifty years ago, and Nasa is looking at it again for future manned space flight to distant planets. I looked for any media with a copy of her drawing, but couldn't find anything. I know a guy at NASA. I'm going to send this to him for kicks, and see what he thinks.

"Well let me know. I 'm going to go interview this Ami Mizuno. Out of curiosity are you going to hire Lafiel?"

"I haven't fully decided. I have a feeling she may be too political."

"You worry too much about that. If she can't keep the show politics free we would know that quickly enough. There is no point in eliminating her for that yet, and that butterfly thing is awesome. Do you really think she built it?"

"Possibly, though she probably had help somewhere. Just the math to pull that off gives me a headache. She left the thing to look at and I pulled the covers off. It is all COTS hardware, but it is a very careful selection of it, and the processing power in that is more than the computer on my desk."

Mika nodded.

-=oOo=-

"So Ami, why do you want to work here?" asked Mika.

"Oh, that is quite simple. Many people believe quite false information about medicine. I was hoping to do specials that focused on correcting the misinformation."

"Like what?"

"Well one common one here is that fatty foods are your big problem. They are certainly a problem but sugar and ultrarefined foods such as some of your breads are arguably a bigger problem."

"Why is that?"

"Well your body isn't adapted to handle so much sugar, and with the processed breads it basically turns into something quite similar. I suppose we could feed some rats a diet like that to test it, but if you will read emerging medical science the info is already out there."

"Interesting. Continue."

"Alright."

-=oOo=-

"Jared, where the heck did you get that drawing?" was screamed into his ear a few days later.

"Um A young woman I just hired drew it for a job interview. Why?"

"We couldn't find any issues in the design, other than obviously she didn't identify what material would be used for the reactor housing. We have no such material that will hold up with those dimensions."

"It must be a coincidence surely."

"I could get her a job tomorrow, if she can get the security clearance."

"I've no idea. Should I mention it to her?"

"Sure why not. I'd like the answer to how someone in an interview draws a design that solid."

"I did make the question open ended. Perhaps it is something she was working on."

"Which again, makes me wonder why."

"Me too. I'll let her know."

-=oOo=-

Lafiel blinked cutely when it was explained.

"I have just always liked the idea of flying among the stars. I've been working on that for awhile, though I also don't know what material to use. It needs a very unique set of properties that is difficult to find."

"So, did you want to apply for work at NASA?"

"Do they have such a material?" she asked.

"No."

"Then no."

"Well welcome aboard."

"Perhaps we could build one?" asked Lafiel.

"We are not building nuclear devices. It is almost certainly illegal."

"Then we will have to build one that does not need fission reactions."

"Like what?" asked Jared curious.

"I'm unsure. There used to be a dubious flirtation with hydrocarbons."

"Used to?" asked Jared in surprise.

"Forgive me. I lost my train of thought for a moment. Surely there must be a current application of such technology that is usable."

"That is better to use to vaporize water, rather than just using more propellant?"

"I do not know yet, but I'll figure it out," she muttered with a slight pout.

"Well I'll leave you to that. Don't forget the other things we need researched and figured out."

"I shall not."

-=oOo=-

"Hey Lafiel," greeted Ami from the door to the office.

"Hello Ami. Can I help you?"

"I know you've been working hard to try to find a way to make a working thruster. I was wondering if you wanted to take a break and spar with me?"

"Yes, I would like that."

"You just want to take your frustrations out in physical violence," said Ami.

Lafiel nodded.

"Fair enough. I think I do as well. You try to dumb things down so the average person understands and they exceed your expectations in stupid far too often," said Ami.

Lafiel nodded again.

-=oOo=-

"Have you seen those two?" asked Mika the next morning.

"Pardon?" replied Jared.

"They are expressing their frustration using quarterstaves. They are getting really good at it. Here I have a bit of it recorded on my phone."

Jared looked over as she played it back. "Dang they are good. Send that to me. I want to use my computer to play it."

She did so. He brought it up again and they reviewed the twenty minutes MIka had recorded.

"Hmm, I don't think they are pros, but you can see them learning the art and each others moves. Ami may be the smarter one, but Lafiel seems to be better at this, not physically necessary..." he trailed off.

"She is thinking farther ahead, planning her move, Ami's likely move, the countermove and how to counter it. Ami is countering it, but she is like a move behind," added Mika thoughtfully.

"We have got to figure out how to include this on the show. It will double our audience share."

"Men," said Mika in irritation.

"I would bet there is some women who would like this too. Two young, very attractive women, not just fighting like barbarians, but intelligently going at it."

"This next bit is interesting," said Mika, without denying what he said.

"I've been thinking about your propulsion problem," said Ami while dodging another swipe.

"And?" asked Lafiel.

"Water has the necessary impulse, but only if you can heat it, and without something like a fission reaction it doesn't make sense. I believe you may be stuck with either liquid methane or possibly jump straight to hydrogen which gives the headaches of having to deal with cooling and keeping it cool, and all the messes of finding things that can deal with hydrogen. You would also need liquefied oxygen, so your sort of there but its not nearly as hard as hydrogen. Liquid oxygen flashes at minus 218 Celsius. Hydrogen has to get down to minus 253, which doesn't sound like a huge delta, but it really is."

"At least one more refrigeration stage," muttered Lafiel as she jumped out of the way of a leg sweep from Ami's staff.

"Yes, and possibly two. Refrigeration is not easy at those temps."

"How goes your work?"

"My work is easy. Convincing people to listen. That is hard. It gets worse if they inherently don't want to, such as the stuff they are eating tastes really good. The fact that corporations make money by doing what is not in their patrons best interest, and they have a vested interest in keeping that fact from their patrons is a problem."

"Nothing new. The same problems repeated over and over. There are exceptions that miss them, but so very few," added Lafiel.

"It's job security," joked Ami.

"It is at that." Lafiel suddenly became a blur and Ami was extremely hard pressed to defend. Ami battled her way through it and then began a very fast counter offensive. Ten seconds later Lafiel called out, "Yield."

Ami stepped back, set her staff against the wall and offered to help Lafiel up from the floor where she was panting.

"The floor is comfortable," obviously lied Lafiel.

"It looks it." Ami sat down by her then added softly, "Your endurance is improving."

"Somewhat, though it is slow."

Lafiel gently reached out and took Ami's hand. After a moment or two Ami nodded.

"I wish to go clean myself. I dislike being this sweaty and smelly," said Lafiel.

"I need a break as well. I believe we are both off the clock. There is a pool nearby I've taken to swimming in. They have showers there, and I have a spare swimsuit that should fit you, if you don't."

"You want me to immerse myself in water?" asked Lafiel shocked surprise.

"You will be fine. I'll be there. Besides, you know you will be fine," said Ami meaningfully.

"Fair point, though I can't see why one would waste water for such an activity."

"Come on, it will be fun. Next time we will drag Jinto down here and I'll drag Celeste or Ekuryua."

"Or both?" quipped Lafiel.

"Not sure this world is ready for that," added Ami with a smile. "Come on. Let's go."

Back in Jared's office he asked, "How did you get this?"

"There was a camera rolling that someone forgot about. I noticed it and downloaded the footage."

"Let's keep this to ourselves for the moment. I'd have liked to have seen Lafiel apparently learn to swim, though if it is like anything else, she is probably already proficient by now," said Jared.

"I would have to, but I didn't even notice the camera till they were long gone.

-=oOo=-

Jared looked over at what was on Lafiel's screen a bit as he walked in.

"Your still here?" he asked.

"I was studying. I have decided to delay the rocket development and first learn to fly some of these craft. I have my first lesson in the morning."

"You mean you have already completed all the paperwork, tests, and all the rest?"

"Yes they were quite tedious. I made Ami take them too. We of course both did well."

"Near perfect I'm guessing."

"I missed two questions, but I still say the test was wrong. Ami agreed with me. She just put what they expected."

"Mind if we film your pilot training?"

Lafiel blinked. "Whatever for?"

"I think it would be something that people would love to see, and learning to fly a real aircraft is something we wouldn't mind teaching."

"It will take at least three times as long," complained Lafiel.

"But, you will be paid for it, and you can do it during work time."

Lafiel looked at him curiously. "You are serious right? People are interested in learning to fly such primitive vehicles? I was planning on trying to get through it as fast as possible, to get to the more interesting ones."

"You call the strangest things primitive at times, but yes, I'm sure people will be interested."

"If you say so. I'll print out the details of the company we are using as well as our plans. Can your production department work out the details?"

"I should think so."

-=oOo=-

"When I was thinking you were going to fly a plane. I was thinking it would be something like a Cessna or something," said Jared as he reluctantly took the back seat to film.

"Helicopter training was what was first available," said Lafiel.

"Lafiel scored very well in the ten simulator runs we did with the big simulators. It will be fine," said her instructor.

"Alright."

"Begin preflight," said the instructor.

"Checking over all systems. Verifying initial setup is as per design." Lafiel quickly looked at every control on the system and verified its position. "Beginning engine start. Engine started normally. All lubrication systems are normal. Fuel is three quarters full. Waiting the recommended time before increasing speed. We are launching." They quickly lifted off the tarmac.

"Wow. I can't believe that was your first time in a real aircraft. That went so smoothly," said Jared.

"I can't hardly either, and I oversaw her sims," said the instructor.

"I played with a lot of simulators," lied Lafiel.

They flew around, she followed the instructors commands precisely for an uneventful trip, when ten minutes later they heard over the emergency frequency. "Pan Pan. Pan Pan. I'm in a Cessna and my instructor has passed out. I'm just north of the training building."

Lafiel threw the throttle into maximum quickly reorienting her craft before responding on the emergency frequency, "Cessna flight. Remain calm. We are on our way. We shall guide you back to the landing field. You likely have more than enough fuel. We will get you down and see to the treatment of your instructor."

"This is Ami. I will have medics here as soon as possible to where you will be landing."

"Thanks Ami," said Lafiel as she remained focused. She soon was flying in parallel to the Cessna. "Okay now I'm going to lead you in. That craft is very aerodynamic. Follow my instructions and you will be fine."

"Alright. What do I do?"

"First follow me to line up with the strip. I will be lining you up. Ignore my exact position, just stay in relation to my craft. I will adjust my speeds to be what you should be. Follow me perfectly and do not worry about the controls."

The pilot did so, slightly decreasing the speed as Lafiel did.

"He is still over stall speed but it is close," said her instructor softly.

"I know, but we have to keep his craft as slow as possible in case he messes up the landing. Energy is V squared. We have to cut it. I am watching."

"Be careful," her instructor said.

Lafiel very carefully kept her craft just far enough away for her down wash not to bother the Cessna. "Okay you are on your final approach. I need you to slowly reduce your throttle to zero over the next ten seconds. Don't worry about the brakes yet. You have a long runway. Now just tilt your craft back the smallest amount. A little more. Now a little to port side. Too much. A little back. Good you are centered on the strip. Finish cutting your throttle. There touchdown. Now apply your brakes lightly.. A bit more and finally a bit more. Hold it, keeping on the centerline. Perfect."

Lafiel quickly landed her own craft next to where the instructor was, cut the engines fully and skipped the rest before jumping out, opening up the door. A flash of light seemed to occur that blinded everyone briefly when she touched the instructor and then she was, somehow, hauling out the larger man and lying him on the ground. She quickly felt his pulse before seeming uncertain what to do. An ambulance rushed up. Ami was the first out of the back, carrying an oxygen mask and tank. She ran with it up to the man and pushed the mask in place before quickly adjusting the oxygen flow. The paramedics quickly pushed them both to the side, but after a quick exam made doubly sure the oxygen mask stayed in place and loaded him into the van.

"I suspect you two just saved that man's life," said Jared softly.

"Did I pass today's lesson?" asked Lafiel.

"I think we can advance you to lesson twenty or so," said her instructor dryly.

Jared laughed. Her instructor went over and helped the customer get the craft off the field, while Lafiel went back into her own craft and moved it without asking. Jared filmed it all.

-=oOo=-

"Beginning pilot my foot. She reeks of knowledge of what she is doing," said Mika.

"I checked with the FAA. She has no license. I also did internet searches. Nothing," said Jared.

"Let's put together a show."

"We are going to need a ton of disclaimers, and an interview with that instructor. I'm sure he will say don't attempt what she did without proper training," said Jared.

"I'm sure she has had it, somewhere. That was not faking it till you make it. She was absolutely sure in what she was doing. She even smoothly adjusted when the other trainee seemed to want to keep a different distance. She adjusted to line him back up with the runway, without even mentioning it."

-=oOo=-

Mika was just walking by their green room when she heard, "Hey Lacus. It is good to see you. How is your boy?" asked Ami.

"He is well. Sela is spoiling him for now. I was needed and then decided I'd come with the others to see what you were doing."

Mika walked in. "Hello all."

Ami stood. "Allow me to introduce some of our friends. This is Ekuryua, Jinto, Celeste, Piper, Pyrrha, Sara, and Lacus. Lacus is a singer."

"Only one guy among the lot," noted Mika in amusement.

"But we love him despite it," joked Lafiel. Jinto rolled his eyes.

"Lacus s a singer?" asked Mika.

"Sure, I'd bet if you asked nicely she might even sing a song for you. She might even let you record it," joked Lafiel.

"That depends. If I have to entertain you, then you get to entertain me," said Lacus.

"What did you have in mind?" asked Lafiel out of curiosity.

"How about our resident representative of the male half of the species sings to Lafiel," she asked with amusement.

"Alright, I'm game. You will need to play though. I've tried to learn the piano but results are mixed at best," said Jinto.

"I've got a keyboard. It's not the best, but it is decent. No wait, we are next to a set they are going to hold a concert to and I know the guy. Give me ten minutes. I'm pretty sure we have time," said Mika.

"I am not properly dressed for a concert," said Lacus in her somewhat ruffled civilian clothing.

"We are bound to have something in wardrobe. Let me get a cameraman and some help. I'll be right back," said Mika in a hurry.

-=oOo=-

Jared, the rest of the crew on Daybreak's Bell, as well as about half the band for an upcoming concert who were there early, sat in the audience. Jared's camera was running. Lacus wore a very fine peach dress as she walked on stage. A spot light shown down on her as she walked over to the front of the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I welcome you to our very impromptu concert. We also thank you for the loan of the facilities and the very fine piano. I present to you Token of Water." The curtain rose up showing other curtains, but in front was a very nice grand piano. Looking more closely you could see a small microphone pinned to her dress.

Lacus began playing, and then she began to sing.

The night time fills the sky

Stars alive, go floating by

So still the evening air

So warm and soft. Peace everywhere.

I see a world in harmony.

A world of peace and humanity.

Where people walk free

Like water in a stream

Flowing on forevermore.

The breezes softly blow

Crisp and warm, so sweet I know

Upon the cheek I can feel

Tenderly, a kiss so real

Like the brush of a hand that I cannot I see

The sound of a voice deep inside of my heart

So I dream of a new day coming, for all the world to see

Lift your eyes and see a new day dawning

A dream that will soon come true

The day we have waited for

Lift your heart and see the future for us all, for us all

A dream that will soon come true

The day we have waited for

Forever and always forevermore.

Lift your eyes and see a new day dawning

A dream that will soon come true

The day we have waited for

LIft your heart and see the future for us all, for us all

A token of water from my heart to keep you safe

Forever, and always, forevermore

Hand and hand, let's go see the new dawn.

Claps burst out as demands for an encore were heard. Lacus stood. "Thank you, but first I think Jinto and Lafiel."

"Wait, I'm not singing, not in this," said a suddenly blushing Lafiel.

"Sorry, you are part of the show," said Lacus.

"Fine," said the suddenly blushing young woman.

She walked out in a very beautiful white dress and her natural hair color, but not her ears. Jinto walked out in a tuxedo. "I like your hair dyed blue," joked Jinto.

Lafiel glared at him and the audience laughed. She seemed totally uncomfortable in the fluffy white dress.

Jinto picked up a wireless mic from one of the mic stands and seeing a nod from the back he turned to Lacus who began playing. He then turned and sang to Lafiel, who immediately blushed furiously.

Tonight, it's very clear

Cause we're both lying here

There's so many things I wanna say

I will always love you

I would never leave you alone

Sometimes, I just forget

Say things I might regret

It breaks my heart to see you crying

I don't wanna lose you

I could never make it alone

I am a man who will fight for your honor

I'll be the hero you're dreaming of

We'll live forever

Knowing together

That we did it all for the glory of love

Lafiel walked up to him and kissed him softly, then took the microphone. She looked over to Lacus who nodded.

Lafiel said, "I present to you Alchemy of Love from a series called Tenchi Muyo."

Lacus began to play and Lafiel began to sing to Jinto.

Come to you across the divide

looking out a wrinkle in time

there is nothing less I would do

than to stand up for truth

In the cold dark ways

of this lonely place

I will warm you, hold you

A gold shield glistens

and your breath quickens

I stand close by over you

Two hands held strong and sure with

the power of one

reach out past the walls

that can hold you

The two joined hands as one as they both started to sing sharing the same microphone.

We are guardians and warriors

come form somewhere to mind

what creates you and shapes

the Alchemy of Love

There is a chain of light

out across the endless skies

and I see the energy that

reflects me in your eyes

and keeps us both alive

and keeps us both alive

Evening and the shadows will come

to destroy what we have done

but always will the power of love

shine a light bright as the sun

After the applause Lafiel and Jinto walked off stage. Celeste, Ekuryua, and Ami then walked out and picked up microphones. Celeste said, "We present to you the Unyielded Wish from Magic Knights Rayearth." They began singing while Lacus played.

Hold onto the dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

It's true, what you believe

Don't let go. The road will never end.

The sunset melts into the deep blue sea

It turns into a crimson shade, a wonderful free fall

I just want to have the wind take me far away.

Celeste jumped, spending a second too much time in the air before being caught by Ekuryua and Ami who stepped onto the stage.

I"ve cleared impossible hurdles before, but I know that there is more and I know I can make

Who's to blame when it's not the best I can achieve?

Hold onto that dream

Tomorrow knows where and when

It's true, what you believe

Don't let go. The road will never end.

After more applause they walked off and Pyrrha walked on the stage and took a microphone. Lacus gave her a slightly less certain nod. Pyrrha said, "I now present I may fall by Casey and Jeff Williams." Lacus began to play and Pyrrha began to sing.

There's a day when all hearts will be broken

When a shadow will cast out the light

And our eyes cry a million tears

Help won't arrive

There's a day when all courage collapses

And our friends turn and leave us behind

Creatures of darkness will triumph

The sun won't rise

When we've lost all hope

And succumb to fear

As the skies rain blood

And the end draws near

Her new spear appeared in the air. She grabbed it and continued to sing.

I may fall

But not like this, it won't be by your hand

I may fall

Not this place, not today

I may fall

Bring it all, it's not enough to take me down

I may fall

Ami and Lafiel came out with their practice staves and charged her. She quickly parried then set the microphone back in a holder before holding them both off and continuing to sing, her lapel mic taking over.

There's a place where we'll stand outnumbered

Where the wolves and the soulless will rise

In the time of our final moments

Every dream dies

There's a place where our shields will lay shattered

And the fear's all that's left in our hearts

Strength and our courage have run out

We fall apart

When we lose our faith

And forsake our friends

When the moon is gone

And we reach our end

I may fall

I may fall

I may fall

I may fall

There's a moment that changes a life when

We do something that no one else can

They continued to fight their way back and forth across the stage, all the time Pyrrha remained singing and Lacus somehow made a song not meant for a piano work.

And the path that we've taken will lead us

One final stand

There's a moment we'll make a decision

Not to cower and crash on the ground

The moment we face our worst demons

Our courage found

When we stand with friends

And we won't retreat

As we stare down death

Then the taste is sweet

I may fall

But not like this, it won't be by your hand

I may fall

Not this place, not today

I may fall

Bring it all, it's not enough to take me down

I may fall

All three of their weapons smacked together hard, and then the lights went out. When they came back, every one of them were all on stage side by side, including Lacus.

"Encore!" the audience demanded loudly.

They looked at each other. Piper suggested, "Bunnies?"

They smiled and nodded.

Lacus returned to the piano and began playing.

What can't we face if we are together?

What's in this place we can't weather?

Apocalypse. We've all been there.

The same old tricks. Why should we care?"

What can we do, if we get in it?

We'll work it through within a minute.

We have to try. We'll pay the price.

What can't we face if we are together?

It's do or die.

What can't we face if we are together?

What's in this place we can't weather?

There is nothing we can't face together.

Lacus stood and moved to the front taking up the larger microphone while the others exited. "I would like to thank you all for attending our very impromptu concert and for the well trained crew of this place that kept up with us. Now, we will leave you to your own practice. We wish you well."

She then put the microphone back and silently walked off to their still ongoing applause.

-=oOo=-

"Well our special is a hit," said Jared smugly.

"They handed you that. Sure we had to edit, and we managed to weave in a few songs from the group next door. The big problem is people want to poach our talent, not that any of them report to us, other than Ami or Lafiel," said Mika.

"We interrupt with a breaking news report," said their television.

They turned to look at it.

"We are at the scene of a school shooting in progress." Suddenly there was a loud crash. Lacus Clyne came through the main door of the school. "I have the weapon that was used here just inside the door," she called out.

"Show it to us, but hold it by the barrel," called out a cop.

"As you wish." She bent down, carefully picked up the rifle by the barrel and held it out while holding it up.

"Walk forward."

She did so. A police officer grabbed the gun.

"What were you doing in there?"

"My friends and I heard about the situation and intervened, rather than permit more deaths. I have my own questions."

"Get in there and make sure the children are alright," said the chief.

They ran in.

"You were saying?"

"This is clearly a weapon intended to kill a great many people. How is it that the unstable individual got hold of such a thing?"

"Almost anyone can buy them. That's how it works."

"Do you truly believe that it is sane to give that respectability to those who have not demonstrated and proved themselves capable of handling it?" she said icily.

"No, I don't, but I don't make the rules."

"Chief, the situation is contained. No one is dead, or even injured, though several of the students are sure they saw some hit. I don't get it chief."

"The assailant?"

"Looks like he get smashed against a wall, though how that happened I don't know. He is alive though seems to have quite a few broken bones."

"Can you enlighten us about that?" asked the Chief to Lacus.

"Perhaps he met someone who disagreed with his chosen course of action," she said in a disinterested tone.

"Quite. Well stick around, we may have more questions."

She nodded and stepped to the side to get out of the way before sitting down at a picnic table. The camera focused in on her as a stray cat jumped on the table and she began petting it. She then began singing softly to the cat, much to the cat's approval. She sang:

"On the first day of January 1892, they opened Ellis Island and they let the people through, and first to cross that threshold of that isle of hope and tears, was Annie Moore of Ireland who was all of fifteen years."

"You go girl. Remind people of humanity in this darkness," cheered on Mika.

The camera alternated between her and the children as they were brought out. Ten minutes later the children looked lost and anxious. The teachers weren't much better. Lacus sat the cat gently down and walked over to them.

"You're the lady that," started one of the teachers.

"That's not important. Would you like to sing a song with me? I'll teach you it."

"Sure."

Lacus began singing a song she called Going Home by Celtic Woman.

They say there's a place where dreams have all gone

They never said where, but I think I know

Its miles through the night just over the dawn

On the road that will take me home

I know in my bones, I've been here before

The ground feels the same, tho the land's been torn

I've a long way to go, the stars tell me so

On this road that will take me home.

Love waits for me round the bend, leads me endlessly on

Surely sorrows shall find their end

And all our troubles will be gone

And I know what I've lost, and all that I've won

When the road finally takes me home

And when I pass by, don't lead me astray.

Don't try and stop me, don't stand in my way

I'm bound for the hills where the cool waters flow

On the road that will take me home

Love waits for me round the bend, leads me endlessly on

Surely sorrows shall find their end

And all our troubles will be gone

And I know what I've lost and all that I've won

When the road finally takes me home

I'm going home, I'm going home, I'm going home

She then stopped and sang them verse by verse correcting this or that child and slowly began teaching them to sing much to the assembled masses astonishment.

"I think she stopped that killer. I'm not sure how, but I think she did," said Jared.

"I'm almost certain about it. She is like a Queen, but not nearly so distant. They all are," said Mika.

"Even the boy?" asked Jared in amusement.

"Hmm, he is certainly a prince aspirant," mused Mika.

"I'm scared," One of the children said after the third time of trying to get through the first stanza. Several others agreed.

"Well it will be less scary if we are together, won't it? Why don't we join hands. I'll watch over you, at least for this little while," said Lacus in a voice that had no doubt they could do so.

The boy who asked, quickly grabbed the nearest, then they shifted into a circle. Their teacher quickly sat in and joined in.

They soon got through the first stanza almost pitch perfect.

"How did they do that?" asked Mika.

"There is a lot more to this group than meets the eye. I'm certain of it," said Jared.

"I can't believe they are still recording this. It's like that camera can't look away from her," said Mika.

Lacus sang:

Sometimes in this life we hear, calling from somewhere.

Sometimes it is loud and clear.

Sometimes it is all softly there.

Sometimes it is in the sea.

Sometimes in the sky.

Sometimes it is in you and me, and sometimes it is a cry.

Open your heart. I am calling you.

Right from the very start, your wounded heart is calling to.

Open your arms. You'll find the answer, when you answer to the call...

"Another Celtic woman song," muttered Mika.

"Your familiar?"

"Yes."

The news finally returned to the original program.

-=oOo=-

Back the next Monday Jared spoke up at their planning meeting of the day. "Lafiel, Ami, do you know where Lacus is? The authorities had more questions."

"I believe she had to go," said Ami.

"But where? The authorities can't find her. They called us because of the video."

"Is she in trouble somehow?" asked Lafiel in a puzzled tone.

"No, but there are still questions. You know it is a funny story. A few of the kids said she came through the door and swung her arm in his general direction and he and his weapon smashed against the wall, without her ever touching him."

"That's ridiculous," said Ami.

"Yes, it is, but the thing is the authorities don't have a better explanation," said Mika.

"I don't believe we can help you with this," said Lafiel.

"Are you sure you can't get in touch with her. They would really like to talk to her," said Jared.

"And would that really help anyone?" asked Ami curiously.

"Well no, but there are questions and they are quite determined."

"That is a good trait to have," agreed Lafiel.

"Are the children well?" asked Ami.

"I asked the police that, and other than them needing to go to school in what used to be a Walmart for now, they seem to have adjusted very well, other than perhaps a greater reliance on each other."

"That's good isn't it?" asked Lafiel.

"Well yes, but normally children would be very traumatized by something like this," said Mika.

"Are you complaining? asked Ami curiously.

"Well no, but we would like to understand it."

"Perhaps another time," added Lafiel.

"Then you do know," said Jared.

Ami blinked. "We never said that we did not, but we fail to see why you need to bother Lacus."

"We don't want to bother her," said Mika.

"Then what do you want?" asked Lafiel curiously.

"We would like you to be honest with us," said Jared.

"But if you have things you need to keep secret that is fine too," said Mika.

"Satisfying your curiosity is not a sufficient reason," said Lafiel.

"Why is that?" asked Jared curiously.

Lafiel didn't answer.

"Your behind the money we got," said Mika.

"True," replied Ami.

"Why?" asked Jared.

"Do you really need the answer to that? Is it really so complex?" asked Lafiel in confusion.

"Your trying to help. We get that, but is there more to it or ...?" He trailed off.

"Why must there be more to it?" asked Ami curiously.

"Because very few people have the means to randomly do what your doing. The amount you have set aside to make sure this show can continue is enormous," said Mika softly.

"It was honestly a small thing for us. Our time is infinitely more valuable," said Lafiel.

"So what do you do, when your not pretending to be actors on a show? Save worlds?" asked Mika in a joking tone.

They didn't respond.

"Your not serious are you?" asked Mika.

"When she saved that guy, it was too practiced. I half believe they might do that in their free time," said Jared

"That was not remotely difficult. The only difficulty was the limitations of the craft," said Lafiel.

"I thought for sure they caught you when you infused his body with a jolt from your life energy to restart his heart," said Ami in amusement.

"There was not a better option. I was discrete."

"And you brought exactly what was required," said Mika.

"Of course I did. I brought exactly what Lafiel asked for. Well we actually conferred on it, but the medical diagnosis was not difficult. I'd have done more but with all the people around I couldn't risk it."

"Telepaths then, and what Lacus did was something like that, to help calm the children," said Jared.

"Nothing so formal. A sense of being together, of extending and supporting their minds just a little during the period they most needed it. They will certainly come to no harm because of it," said Lafiel.

"Right in plain sight even. I still can't believe it. How did you learn all this? Were you born with these abilities?" asked Mika.

"The better question is what you are going to do about it? If you report it, we leave. We will leave the funding of course, and at some point we need to leave anyway. Really we should hire our replacements at some point. We do have a normal job we would like to return to," said Lafiel.

"Who are you?" asked Mika.

Ami began to sing softly.

We're warriors

Bound to this struggle

With mighty sword and flame

We will never fail you when you call our name

"More songs from cartoons? She'ra this time, I think," said Jared.

"You didn't answer the question," noted Lafiel.

"We aren't going to rat you out," said Mika tiredly.

Lafiel pressed a button on a bracelet on her wrist. Her real ears appeared.

"I knew that had to be your real hair color somehow," said Jared.

"Yes, it quite annoyed me to have to pretend otherwise," said Lafiel.

"And the ears?" asked Mika.

"Are normal for my family, but not my people. They have ears similar to the rest of you."

Jared turned to Ami.

"Sorry no disguise field here. I'm just me."

Lafiel snorted. "I am very intelligent. Most of us are, but Ami is likely one of the smartest people on this planet."

"I almost died laughing when you communicated you were going to save that guy. I thought for sure they would go nuts questioning you once they saw your real skill," said Ami.

"The vehicle was very slow. There was no real skill required," said Lafiel.

"I did burst out laughing at your plan to jump out of the helicopter and take the controls. I almost should have not talked you out of it. It would have helped that guy, but our mission would have gotten cut short," said Ami.

"You weren't seriously planning on jumping out of the helicopter?"

"I would have come to no harm. I assure you," said Lafiel.

"I half think I believe you. So what else?" asked Jared.

Lafiel looked at Ami who nodded.

Lafiel said, "Lafiel to Aurora. Four to beam up. Execute."

-=oOo=-

"What? Where are we?" asked Jared in surprise.

"Federation standard runabout. Our friends are elsewhere. They have better things to do," said Ami.

"Then Lacus is?" asked Mika.

"No where remotely near."

"We are above Earth right?" asked Jared.

"Yes, right above our studio actually."

"But they would see you."

"No they will not," assured Lafiel.

"Can we take it for a spin?" asked Mika hopefully.

"Sure, why not," said Lafiel, who quickly got up and into the left seat. Ami took the right.

"Computer launch the cloaked relay satellite and tie it into our systems," said Ami.

"Satellite launched and taking up programmed orbital location."

"All checks are confirmed. Setting course for... You pick one Ami," said Lafiel.

"Altair again? It is closest."

"Sure why not?" They slipped into warp.

"How fast are we going?" You could hear the engines humming loudly.

"We are running at the maximum for this craft, which is fast indeed. Technically faster that we should, but at most they will make us help with the maintenance, which neither of us mind," said Ami.

"Did you really make that thing at the beginning?" asked Jared.

"Nope I got help from our Engineering staff. I probably could have eventually, but that would be a poor use of my time," said Lafiel.

"I'm going to go get a ractajino. Do you want one?" asked Ami.

"Oh please yes. Once you are suitably addicted coffee just doesn't cut it," said Lafiel.

"Okay, I'm registering this one against you so our doctor yells at me less," said Ami.

"Feel free."

"Can I have one as well?" asked Jared.

"Given that we aren't importing it to your planet, and our doctor curses the day it was introduced, we probably shouldn't," said Ami.

"Please," tried Jared.

"Fine, but don't say we didn't warn you."

-=oOo=-

They were nearly to the location when Lafiel said, "I'm detecting what may be a distress signal about twenty more minutes away at a slightly different vector. Forwarding," said Lafiel.

Ami brought the signal up on her screen and then ran it through the analysis programs. "Can't classify it. It is artificial, but it could be someone playing with a new com unit. Nothing necessarily indicates distress. Still, protocol says check it out. I'll notify Falcon of our plan to do so."

"I'll reduce speed and reengage the cloak as we get closer," said Lafiel.

"Sounds good."

"You do this for a living?" asked Jared in surprise.

"Well not normally alone with this fairly small ship," said Ami.

A minute later she added, "I have a reply from Falcon that they are currently busy, but if anything turns up we are to contact Alliance command immediately for backup."

"That was just them pointing out that as much as they would love to come and help, they probably can't right now," noted Lafiel.

"Yep. Let's see if we can solve this one without help, or even see if there is anything to solve," said Ami.

"Agreed."

"Can we do anything to help?" asked Jared.

"Not at this time," said Ami.

-=oOo=-

"It's a ship, well sort of," said Ami twenty minutes later.

"Looks like a very primitive warp capable ship. A prototype perhaps?" asked Lafiel.

"That would be my guess, though from the design I'm not sure they ever designed in enough redundancy to guarantee a landing," said Ami.

"Dropping the cloak and opening hailing frequencies," said Lafiel.

"Unknown craft, please respond," said Ami.

A very scruffy man who looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks appeared on screen.

"Am I in heaven?" asked the man.

"No, you are not. Did you have a problem with your ship?"

"No, it worked as I hoped, just never thought I'd still be alive now. You responded to my cobbled together emergency thing?"

"We did. Would you like us to tow you back to the surface?"

"Well it would sure beat dying out here. Name is Malcom."

"I'm Ami and this is Lafiel. The two behind us are Jared and Mika."

"That sure is a fine ship you have there."

"It does alright. Let's get you back home shall we. Can you tell us where you took off from?" asked Ami.

"Just outside of Maradon. I'll bring up a map. They were the only ones who would fund me. I still couldn't believe when the bubble formed and we exceeded the speed of light."

"We call that mode of travel Warp Drive, if you want to use our terminology," said Ami.

"There is more?"

"Could be. Don't worry about it. I think I've found your launch location," said Ami.

"His ship is of dubious structural integrity. There is some risk in landing him with him in it," said Lafiel.

"Oh come on, I took her up, let me take her down," said Malcolm.

"We will retrieve you if the risk becomes unacceptable," said Lafiel.

"Fair enough I guess. Say, you guys couldn't help out or anything? I know we don't deserve it, what with almost destroying ourselves, but we really could use the help."

"We shall see. It is likely we will do some, but how much is uncertain," said Ami.

"Please strap back in. I will be directing you on how to use what maneuvering ability you have left. You should also retract your warp nacelles," said Lafiel.

"The engines, right. Got it."

He strapped in, and the engines folded back in to the core of the primitive craft.

"I am extending our shields around you. Ami, I require you to focus on controlling the tractor beam during our landing process," said Lafiel.

"On it. Automatics online, but ready to switch to manual at a moments notice. Tractor beam is connected," said Ami.

"Extending our own warp bubble and accelerating to warp one," said Lafiel. Seconds later she added, "Dropping out of warp and beginning the descent sequence. Malcolm, please do tell them we are coming."

"How? I used up what long range coms equipment I had in that Hail Mary pass."

"We shall make the connection. You need only talk," said Lafiel.

"Understood."

They began their descent. Two minutes into it Ami said, "Your pushing his structural integrity Lafiel. I can't do a lot more than I am. Slow down."

"Understood."

A loud beeping was heard. Lafiel smiled, as she quickly unlocked the weapons system and swatted the two missiles sent up after them with phasers.

"Bringing the photon torpedo launcher online. Charging the first with minimal charge," said Ami.

"Hopefully the foolishness ended, but we will see," said Lafiel.

"Me too for all it is worth. Who just tried to kill us?" asked Malcolm.

"Your neighbor it seems. Apparently, they didn't get the message. I am trying to reach out to them," said Ami.

"Who the heck is this?" demanded a very pompous vaguely oriental individual.

"This is Ami Mizuno of the Alliance. You will not have heard of us. We are returning your astronaut and ship, and then we are leaving. You are to cease further attempts at firing on us."

"That is not our astronaut. Foolish endeavor."

"He is from your planet. Now I happen to have traced your exact coordinates. I urge you to desist sending missiles against us or we may be regrettably forced to retaliate."

"Your bluffing."

Lafiel fired. A loud thud was heard in the background.

"That was on the smallest setting we have and it burned a hole right through your roof. If you will go upstairs you will see it. Desist further hostile actions or else," said Ami.

A man came running in whispering in his ear. He paled. "Very well."

"Thank you. It has been good meeting you. We shall have to try this again another day when tensions calm. Aurora out," said Ami.

"I really wouldn't want to be your enemies," said Malcolm.

"We have very few living enemies," said Lafiel with a smile.

Malcolm swallowed.

"Mostly we try to make friends, but we have also found out that when a leaders own life is put in danger, they, for some inexplicable reason, become more reasonable," said Ami.

Jared and Malcolm snorted.

"How do you wish to land this vehicle? I see no suitable landing location for it," said Lafiel.

"I didn't actually expect to land," said Malcolm quietly.

"I have found a quarry nearby. There is a very huge pile of sand. That is the best I have found," said Ami.

"I have the coordinates. We will go there," said Lafiel.

Lafiel gently landed Malcom's ship on the side in the pile of sand, before landing nearby. A pile of emergency vehicles started forming up near them less than twenty minutes later.

They walked out to talk to them, but the questions seemed endless. Lafiel got irritated with some of the questions and pointed them at Jared.

"Why me? I'm not the alien ship pilot."

"You are very much alien here, I assure you," said Lafiel.

"She has a point," noted Mika.

"Just assure them we mean no harm, are here to help, will leave if they don't want us here, and are primarily interested in a hot meal," said Ami.

Mika rolled her eyes but they began to do their best to do so.

They eventually agreed to leave them be late that night, though they did provide a very nice meal, complete with the local ale. Lafiel politely asked for an alternative to the ale, since she was allergic to alcohol and they brought her what resembled a diet cola. She drunk it without complaint.

Riker and Jinto beamed down shortly after the others had left.

"You could have beamed down earlier," quipped Lafiel.

"But you were having such a fun time doing the meet and greet," said Riker playfully.

"I'm just glad they decided we could be left alone. That's a good sign. They want to begin a dialog with their neighbors," said Ami.

"Do they now? What do you think of that?" asked Riker

Jinto gave Lafiel a hug. Her face softened as she remembered that time long ago when they met. She hugged back warmly.

Ami smiled in amusement before turning back to Riker. "Well I'd sim it out, but they might honestly be able to help each other. Maybe Earth would learn from this world's mistakes."

Riker turned to Mika and Jared. "And your thoughts?"

"Aren't you worried about us getting this advanced tech and stuff?" asked Mika.

"Of course we are, but you learning from them might offset it," said Lafiel.

"And they have a lot of people that can help you," said Jinto softly.

"Lafiel and Jinto can fly the runabout to Falcon. Why don't the rest of us beam up and then we will get Jared and Mika back to their Earth for now," said Riker.

Lafiel nodded. RIker tapped his com badge and requested the beam out.

-=oOo=-

They walked into the bridge.

Ekuryua glanced back as they walked in. "Lafiel has apparently used up her limited tolerance for moving slowly and is abusing that poor runabout."

"She will help fix it. I wouldn't worry about it, and she is helping to improve the standard design with all the issues she helps uncover," said Jadzia in amusement.

"I suppose we can wait till she gets up here, that is if you don't mind her taking over," said Riker.

"No, I've honestly caught up with my quota on flying, and I still like to watch those two," said Ekuryua.

"And Ami," noted Celeste.

"Well of course, but that is a different kind of watching," added Ekuryua unashamedly. Celeste nodded.

A few minutes later Lafiel and Jinto rushed in. Ekuryua got up and gave up her spot. Lafiel and Jinto slipped into their seats and put on their diadem interfaces.

"Return us to Earth please," said Riker.

"Bringing the hyperdrive online. Course is firm. All systems are nominal. Generating window. Jumping," said Lafiel in a rush as they dove into conventional hyperspace for the short trip back.

"Twelve minutes remaining," said Jinto.

"This ship is a lot faster than the other one," said Jared.

"Different tech. I wouldn't worry about it," said Riker.

"Half of your supply of torpedoes is exhausted. Was there a problem?" asked Lafiel.

"Nothing that half of our supply of torpedoes didn't solve, though we will need to make a trip," said Riker.

"How close was it?" asked Jinto softly.

"Not particularly close for us, but a few thousand could have died if we failed," said Sobaash.

"But Ekuryua is becoming possibly as good as you Lafiel," half joked Riker.

"That is great, but according to the records I am accessing she is getting help from Celeste."

"Yep."

"I'm glad. It truly does help. Jinto and I may need to work harder to stay ahead."

"How does that thing not give you a massive headache?" asked Celeste.

"We got used to it and I think our brains learned to adapt," said Jinto.

"I could give it a try as well," offered Ami.

"I'd actually prefer it you both get some experience, though its seldom that I can afford to have either of you piloting when you could be doing other things," said Riker.

"Well we are typically the secondary pilots, so that works," said Ekuryua.

"True." Riker yawned.

"We are approaching Earth. Transitioning back to real space behind the moon. Cloak is active. We will be in our previous orbit in four more minutes," said Lafiel.

"Our monitoring sat has revealed a lot more requests to see Lacus," said Jinto.

"Is that a problem? She is with Faile somewhere. I'm not honestly sure where," said Riker.

"I don't know. Probably not," said Ami.

"While don't we beam these two down and then we will go replace our missing ordinance and then come back and we can discuss it," said Riker.

"The nacelles on the runabout may yet be dangerous," said Jinto.

"I've looked. A few more minutes and we are good," said L'Nea.

"We could go with you," offered Jared

"Jinto?" asked Riker.

"I'm not seeing a reason to say no, but it also doesn't really advance our plans to help them."

"You both are okay with taking on a non zero danger of dying? What we do isn't perfectly safe. We do get interrupted. Even some of our drive systems are not perfectly safe," said Riker.

"You just traveled an impossible distance in a tiny amount of time. I have some idea of the energy that has to be involved to do that, so yes I may not fully understand but we get it," said Jared.

"I'm okay with the risk," said Mika.

"Why don't you call someone and tell them you will be gone till tomorrow," suggested Jadzia.

"Cell service works in space?" asked Mika.

"Our systems can easily do the needed work," said Jadzia.

Mika pulled out her phone and sure enough she had service. She called and left a message then Jared did the same. After they hung up L'Nea said, "We are now clear for ID drive operation."

"I confirm that," said Jadzia.

"How about Starbase 375? They should have a supply of Quantum Torpedoes and we can use those now," said Riker.

"I have no objection. Both have similar yield," said Jadzia.

"ID course computed for direct flight to Starbase 375 prime universe," said Lafiel.

"Engage."

The engines suddenly began to hum loudly as Falcon shot into the new or rather old method of navigating dimensional travel.

"Now we will only probably have three interruptions before we get there," quipped Samson.

"I don't think we have ever had three interruptions. We tra..." Riker trailed off and then said, "I said nothing."

Lafiel burst out laughing.

L'Nea's console beeped. "It looks like we have interruption number one. It seems that the Doctor needs our help. Some moron is trying to crash the Titanic into Earth."

"Divert and huh?"

"Doing so now. Secondary reactor is now online. Bringing us up to emergency speed," said Lafiel.

"The drive on the craft the doctor refers to as the Titanic is a nuclear storm drive. I'm not familiar with the tech, but he says that if it hits the planet it will be destroyed," said L'Nea.

"Understood. Red Alert. Priority one is the planet. Priority two is whomever is on the craft. You are authorized to blow it to bits with people aboard if necessary to save the planet," said Riker.

Sirens began blaring.

"Silence that annoying thing," said Riker.

The lights continued to flare.

"Cargo bay two is almost empty. I am programming the transporters to move those not involved with operating this Titanic automatically to it," said Sobaash.

"How do we stop a nuclear storm drive, and will blowing it up make it worse?" asked Jadzia.

"Celeste, Piper, everyone with any kinetic ability, I want you to help divert that ship when we get there," said Riker.

"Tractor beams are standing by, but the numbers I have on the original Titanic's mass are a bit ridiculous. What moron came up with the idea to make it into a space ship?" asked Neela.

"Good question. I suspect we are about to find out. ETA?"

"Five more minutes. Best I can do," said Lafiel.

"Understood. You know your jobs. Don't wait on my orders. Do them."

"We know," said Jadzia.

Sara continued to write by hand in a spiral bound notebook.

"What about the Doctor and his craft or people trying to fly the thing?" asked Sobaash.

"Danged if I know. Use your judgment."

"Understood."

"Main ID core is running six percent over temp. It isn't a problem, but I will want an hour or so to check it over before we reengage," said L'Nea.

"There is always something," said Riker.

"Transiting to normal space at higher than normal speeds. Brace yourself. Compensators may not fully handle the shift," said Lafiel to all hands.

"There it is," said RIker at the monstrosity heading towards Earth.

"Their engines have just come online, barely," said Jadzia.

"It's far too late to shift that kind of mass. We have to help," said L'Nea.

"Doing so. Entering optimal tractor beam range in fifteen seconds," said Jinto.

"In range. Tractor beam online. I have control of it," said L'Nea.

"We are beginning to apply force to the shift, but it is extremely heavy," said Celeste.

"Pulling as much as I dare," said Lafiel.

"I don't know if our warp field can encompass that, not with the shearing force we need," said Jinto.

"Do it," commanded Jadzia.

"Bringing the warp core online. Attempting to establish warp field to reduce inertial mass of target," said Jinto.

"It's not holding," said Sobaash.

"I'm working on it. Give me a bit of time," said Jadzia.

"That modification is not permitted," said the computer.

"Do as I say. Authorization Jadzia 7A31."

"Second authorization required."

"Do it. Riker Omega 42 Alpha."

"Warp core field limits extended. Field system now running at two hundred and seventy percent above design spec.

"That helped a lot. We are slowing this beast," said Celeste.

"Yes, right up until we blow out the emitters in the nacelles, which is going to be in about four minutes," said Jadzia.

"I need options," said Riker.

"There is really only one. This ship has to be landed in the ocean," said Samson.

"He is right. The stupid thing is so ridiculously heavy. Without its own engines fully operational, we will not reach orbit. You should land it in shallow enough water that it doesn't fully sink," said L'Nea.

"As that is our only plan, let's do it," said Riker.

"Updating our course. It's a slog," said Lafiel.

"I have removed all the passengers to our cargo bay. The doctor is still on the bridge as are a few others," said Sobaash.

"Contact them."

"They are not responding. Correction, I have the Doctor," said Samson.

"I need you to beam me and the rest over now, then I need access to your transporters without restrictions. There is a life at stake. Also, can you finish landing this?"

"Agreed. Okay. Maybe," said Riker.,

"Beaming," said Sobaash, as the room suddenly became crowded.

"Come to my station," said L'Nea. She got up as the Doctor sat down and pointed his sonic device at the controls. Screens flew by in a blur.

"I've setup a relay to control this remotely. I need you to take the pattern I'm going to send from the transmat on the ship and do your best to reintegrate it. At least I hope there is a pattern. Actually do you have anything from which we can read out her pattern directly?

"I can take a tricorder. It has a link back to the ship, but I don't necessarily know your transmat tech," said L'Nea.

"It will work. Will you come with me?" asked the Doctor desperately.

"I will."

The doctor pressed a button and they vanished.

-=oOo=-

They appeared in a wrecked room. The doctor shoved things aside and L'Nea helped them as he got into a fiber optic mess.

The doctor reached out for her hand and she found herself linked to a mind older than hers as they frantically used Falcon, her tricorder and every trick the Doctor and her knew to load her pattern into the Falcon's systems.

"Seven percent degradation. We have to fill in the gaps with something. The system can rebuild that, but it is dangerous," said L'Nea.

"Not much choice," thought the Doctor.

They beamed back onto the bridge of Falcon. L'Nea pulled out an interface set she seldom used and together her and the Doctor set about manually helping to materialize the woman known as Astrid Perth. The Doctor caught her as she finished forming, even as he gently and gratefully separated from L'Nea's mind.

"Touchdown now," said Lafiel as the Titanic entered the water just outside of the United Kingdom and managed to rip up a large coral reef in the process as they finished slowing and finally stopping it.

"Our emitters didn't blow up. That's a surprise. I shut them off," said Jadzia.

"But a good surprise," said Doctor.

"Not as good as you. You just did something insane with the transporters to save her didn't you," said Jadzia.

"Yes, but now I better get her to your doctor."

"I'll help you," said Jadzia as he got up.

"Everyone else from that ship can be lead to join the others, unless they need medical," said RIker.

"I'll lead them," said Samson.

"I'm going to go report this mess to the Alliance. That ship had zero business here," said Riker.

"Most of the ship is likely not a big issue. The space drive, matter transmission and such, however is," said Neela.

"You want to help me do the report?"

"Alright."

-=oOo=-

Sarah wrote. "The part of the universe responsible for the people that were on the ship agreed to cut up and remove the critical systems of the titanic. Most of it is just ordinary steel and wiring. That is to be left for this Earth to salvage. The real danger was the nuclear storm drive, which no one would explain, other than to say you don't want it. It is stupid. Don't copy it. Astrid needed two weeks of additional treatment by Julian to fix some minor problems that occurred because of how she was materialized, but she is now healthy and whole. We are now returning for repairs and to pick up the weapons we were short of."

"Of course even though many survived, over half still did not. The Doctor had not been able to contact us until it was too late to save the bulk of the people, including one who saved many lives with his sacrifice. I wish I could have known him before his end, but it is a reminder that heroes are often all around us."

-=oOo=-

Jared, Mika, Rowan, Deanna, Lafiel, and Ami met at the meeting room for Daybreak's Bell a day later, having been brought back by Faile and Lacus, plus the same runabout they used before.

"So, you really do save planets for your day job," noted Jared.

"Not every day," defended Lafiel.

"We really do try to fix the problems before they require desperate actions," said Deanna.

"And you two are what again?" asked Mika.

"Oh we are just telepaths that are often used to move heavy things," said Rowan mildly.

Lafiel snorted.

"Out of curiosity why you four?" asked Jared.

"I believe Lafiel and Ami are here because they did most of the initial work, and we are here to begin trade between the two worlds, if that is chosen," said Rowan.

"You could take charge you know," offered Lafiel.

"Pass."

"Why am I so bad at getting other people to do the jobs I don't want to do? It's a curse," complained Lafiel.

"But your quite good at doing those jobs Lafiel," said Deanna.

"I'm doomed to be Empress," sighed Lafiel.

"Keep having such a good record and you could indeed end up leading your people," said Rowan in amusement.

"We spent quite awhile as her advisors. She is planning on it," added Deanna.

Lafiel buried her head in her hands. "Jinto could have at least stayed."

"He stayed to help Celeste learn that job," said Ami.

"I know, but I don't feel like being reasonable," complained Lafiel.

Ami smiled. "At least I'm still here."

"And I do appreciate it. I know you want to return as well."

"Very much so."

"Can we get on with this? Go find a leader. Talk him or her into making sense. Setup a trade deal, then Rowan and Deanna can start moving people back and forth and begin to train people. Maybe we can run an analysis to find some likely high level telepaths. Lot's to do. Let's get it done," said Lafiel.

"You are so excited about potentially changing the development of two worlds," said Deanna in amusement.

"I'm working on figuring out a way so I can avoid doing this more often. Is it working?" asked Lafiel.

"No."

"I'll try harder."

"I can probably get a representative I know to stop by, and she can ask someone more important, but it will take awhile," said Mika.

"Let's do that then," said Ami.

Author's Note: Review, Comment, Favorite, or Kudos.