Chapter 818

GNN NEWS

"The fallout from what's being called 'The Gold Documents' is still being felt. We could not imagine a bigger impact in Federation politics unless an asteroid hit Paris while the legislature was in session. So many Senators and Representatives have either resigned or are facing questions from their districts it is hard to believe. The amount of information is simply staggering. We are still putting together the entire web of corruption that has been revealed. We basically know who is implicated, and maybe a reason or two, but it will be months before we know the true extent."

"The unknown portion of the Gold Documents is what Eli Gold referred to as the 'classified' portion. We can only guess that it involves the Intelligence Committee somehow. When asked about this Chairman Douglas replied with this:"

Douglas was walking down the steps in front of the Capital with a throng of reporters next to him. One reporter asked, "Is there any arrangement between Eli Gold and the Committee?"

Douglas nodded, "Yes. We have also included the Ministry of Justice in the decision that for cooperation, basically, Mr. Gold will provide us with a roadmap through all the data in exchange for immunity."

"Why did Mr. Gold get the immunity?"

"We have two time-sensitive concerns. Security to the Federation and restoring people who have been ruined by Senator Jameson."

"How many people have been ruined? Has anyone been put into prison?"

Douglas nodded, "Yes, we know now of at least six individuals that have been wrongly imprisoned. That is why we gave Mr. Gold immunity. He is helping right the wrongs to those people. I need to add, he has been most helpful just in this first twenty-four hours that one such individual has already been processed and freed. Mr. Gold very much wants to right the wrongs of his past."

"What about Senator Jameson?"

Douglas' brow furrowed. "He is a priority, but our top priorities are as I said already. We can get to Senator Jameson later. Thank you, I need to be going."

DIRECTOR'S OFFICE

FEDERATION INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE

"Isamu, we found another problem." Briggs said to the comm panel.

"We keep finding more over here. What have you found?"

"Remember in the Presidential Orders to Starbase 5? It turns out that Jameson himself took a picture of the orders and sent them to the Klingons! They knew that the Fifth Fleet was going to be out of position before Adama left orbit!" Briggs hit the desk in frustration.

Nogura didn't sound happy either. "Add a count of Treason and a count of Espionage to the tally. I'm adding a count of Espionage myself. Remember how our communications were compromised this year?"

Briggs' eyes narrowed. "Yes."

"It turns out that Jacobs was right after all. Jameson was getting the complete data dump not only from the Wisconsin, but any Starfleet communication as well."

Briggs closed his eyes in frustration. "How much did he give the Klingons?"

"Enough, not everything, but enough. I tell you, the Klingons come across as savages, but they are world class in espionage. Who would have thought?"

Briggs nodded, "But what's going to happen, now that Gorkon, Kang, and Kor got religion?"

Nogura said, "I would still expect them to act in the best interests of the Klingon Empire. I would say that they would be more honorable than before."

Briggs said, "More honorable? Kor the Merciless? Gorkon was running a spy ring right here under our noses. I've caught some spies, but he had a stinking Senator on the hook!"

"I'm not saying our problems are over. Keep looking for spies, remember they are afraid of us and will try to protect themselves. Also remember, that Gorkon is no longer the ambassador. He's been recalled for some reason."

Briggs squinted. "Kang kills the Klingon leader for setting up an op against Jacobs. Kang and Kor kill a lot of members of the High council and miraculously survive. Gorkon is recalled. I should have seen this coming. He's the next Leader of the Klingons. And now he's a 'Christian'? What does that mean?"

"It means we have a friend as their President."

"You really believe that Isamu?"

"I do. You just used the word 'miraculous'. How many miracles have you seen this past year?"

Briggs leaned back and looked out the window. "Too many to count. I understand you."

Nogura pressed, "Name them."

Briggs said, "Well, first is this data dump by Gold. After he got religion. I tell you, that sent chills up my spine. The Klingons turning and running from Starbase 5 when they had us. The fact that Jacobs survived the Mind Sifter. You and I know what that thing can do to a person. Kor wasn't lying when he said Jacobs should have been burnt to a crisp. Not burn marks, the whole body burned. I've looked at that data myself. No explanation. That was a miracle."

Nogura gently said, "You are a smart man, Michael. Put it together."

"But that means there is a God after all. I'm trained in hard fact."

Nogura said, "You often make decisions based on incomplete information. Tell me, how complete of information do you have that there is a God that protected not only Jacobs, but us as well? Just in what happened this last year? Then think of all the things that happened over time? Michael, God is trying to show you that he not only exists, but he loves you enough to save you from your sins."

Briggs nodded and said quietly, "Yes. How do I know that this is the God you are talking about?"

Nogura asked, "Who is involved?"

"Evidently you are, I didn't know that before. Jacobs, Adama, all those that testified in the hearing. And seeing Gold 'saved' as you have said." Briggs got another shiver. "They all mentioned going to eternal Hell for their sins, and you know I've done some whoppers." Briggs thought some more. Nogura kept quiet. Let God work.

Briggs said, "I see all the miracles. How he protected people. I even thought I was involved but it was luck… or him."

Nogura said, "God used those miracles not only to help those people out, but to show you his power. The power to save. The power to forgive."

Briggs asked, "What about the things that go wrong? The death of SKINDIVER? The deaths of those ships the Klingons attacked? Natural disasters. Why couldn't a loving God stop those?"

Nogura said, "He has stopped many, but remember Adam and Eve?"

"And the apple?"

Nogura corrected. "The forbidden fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Sin entered the universe through their disobedience. The universe was cursed at that point. Death entered the universe. We now have evil and the effects of evil. God isn't promising to stop disasters, he is only promising you to have your sin forgiven. Through the payment of Jesus Christ."

Briggs nodded, then thoughtfully asked, "How do I pray?"

OCTAVIAN'S QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

Ian Octavian was reading emails from friends in the nearby systems. The time delay for the hearings were just finishing up in the core worlds, but the effects were already being shown. There was a revival underway. People were coming to the saving grace of Christ in droves. And they were not waiting for the weekend on the respective planets, they were going to churches looking for answers and to learn more about God.

Octavian looked at the clock and did some calculations. The ending of the hearings have not hit Starbase 5 yet, or most of the colonies, if they were even watching. He did not want to bet against that, the not-so-good Senator Jameson put up such a show that it was drawing people to the hearings. The Gospel got out, in a big way.

Octavian sent a message ahead to a friend on Starbase 5. It was basically to make the website that catalogued Octavian's messages and studies available to every planet in the Federation. When Kor got saved, Octavian made sure that website was accessible to Kor. The time delay was horrendous, but it was like watching a flood from…. A broken dam. Yes, the waters were pent up behind a dam and now the hearings broke that dam and the waters were flowing out. This was the time to make sure of follow up.

Octavian knelt down on what to do next. He prayed. Earnestly.

RSTLNE NEWS

FEDERATION CAPITAL

"Our correspondent just caught up with Senator Jameson coming out of the Capital. Local time there is 2AM, 0200. Here is her report."

"Senator Jameson! Its Marlowe Wilson, RSTLNE news."

Jameson was looking very haggard, a day's growth of beard, trying to run to a transport on the street. "I'm not going to make a statement."

"You aren't going to say anything about the betrayal of Eli Gold?"

Jameson stopped, "He did betray me."

"What do you have to say about the information he presented?"

"All lies! It's obvious he has been planning this for a while. He fabricated all what he dumped!"

"Why would he do that?"

Jameson said questioningly, "I have no idea! Maybe Jacobs got to him. You saw Jacobs! He's a religious zealot; he brainwashed Eli Gold. He turned the whole committee against me!"

"How much contact did he have with Captain Jacobs?"

Jameson answered, "It was not Jacobs, but Cogley! That time that Gold was stuck on Starbase 5 he spent time with Gold and got brainwashed!"

"Why was Gold on Starbase 5?"

Jameson said, "Starfleet was terminating contracts with companies that had long-time relationships with the Starbase. Eli was out there to find out what was happening and got stuck and couldn't get back!"

"Didn't you get back?"

"I barely escaped with my life!"

"Couldn't you send a special ship for Gold, your trusted assistant?"

Jameson exasperatingly said, "I couldn't. Nobody was going there. They conspired against Gold because they didn't like him!"

"Who are they?"

"Eagle transportation got the others to block Gold from getting off planet. They did this because they hated him!"

Miss Wilson said, "So it wasn't just the corporations Cogley represented, but others that didn't cooperate?"

"Yes! They hated Gold because of me! They hate me! Gold was out there to get contracts reinstated. And he failed, and Cogley swept in and brainwashed him! It was classic Stockholm syndrome; I should have seen that earlier!"

"What do you intend to do now? The evidence is overwhelming."

Jameson said, "It's all a fabrication. He made up everything or he got others to make this all up."

"And Gold fabricated this evidence since he got back from Starbase 5?"

Jameson said, "Yes, yes! All of it!"

"That is a lot of evidence to fabricate. And the datamarkers indicate the documents are genuine. He did this all in a month?"

"No, well, he must have. He must have been working on this for a while."

"Then he was planning this before he went to Starbase 5?"

Jameson nodded, "Yes, he must have. I tell you he is traitorous! He is a traitor, and a liar. Anyone can see that! Excuse me, I must get going." Jameson abruptly left and got into a transport.

Wilson looked at the camera, "I don't even know how to characterize that. Its probably best to let the viewer draw their own conclusions. I am Marlowe Wilson, RSTLNE news."

ITV NEWS

"On to politics, the Gold Documents continue to gather more flame. So far, we can only see the unclassified documents, but those are bad enough. One area is how is President Bennet handling the revealed information. The Gold Documents reveal that President Bennet was not informed of the shipment of weapons to Maghreb officially, but knew full well that it would be beneficial to video orders to any Starfleet Officer that questioned the contents of the containers. The containers were marked diplomatic, but contained contraband tech including weapons. While this area is gray at best, there are other operations where the President knew full well that Jameson had the President use his position for gain. This goes to corruption to the highest office in the Federation."

"An interesting aspect is that while the Gold Documents are starting to show that President Bennet has abused his office, the Gold Documents also have caused such a stir in the legislature with removal or impending removal of delegates that impeachment of the President and conviction isn't likely."

"Which leaves us with this question. Will President Bennet resign or finish out his limited term as the most lame-duck President the Federation has ever seen? Stay tuned to find out."

CAPTIAN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

Captain Jackson's image was on the desktop viewer. "Josh, tell Commander Bauer that we got the latest tools he had made for us. Thank you once again."

"Anytime, Hank. When do you ship out?"

"Tomorrow morning. I'm escorting the Klingons to Klingon space and we ship out at 0800. I'm having a get together with them tonight. Do you want to come by?"

Jacobs said, "I'd love to. What time?"

"Let's say 1800."

Jacobs smiled, "Great. I'll be there with the last of the Gakh I have."

Jackson laughed, "I never got the taste of that. See you here Josh. Bring that crazy Greek with you too."

Leonaidas said, "I'll be there."

Jacobs pushed the comm button ending the call. He picked up a pad and reread the orders. This will be a change. The door chimed, his first appointment. "Come in."

Lt Maya walked in, and Jacobs stood up behind his desk, Leonaidas was sitting at one of the chairs and stood up too. "Maya, thank you for coming."

"What can I do for you Captain?"

"Please sit." Maya sat down at the offered chair. Leonaidas sat down too. Jacobs said, "First thing, thank you very much for your work on this ship. It has been exemplary."

"Thank you, Captain." Maya nodded.

"Maya, I have word from Mr. Hotchner, he is going to be needing some extra care for regenerating his arm."

Maya's brows furrowed. "How much extra time?"

"More time than we can stay here. The ship is finished and ready to resume patrol. Also, Starfleet Command wants Lt Cdr Hotchner to come to work on Earth. He is going to be advanced in rank to full Commander and then start teaching."

Maya looked inquisitive. "He is leaving the ship?"

Jacobs nodded. "Yes. He will be teaching Starfleet Security in techniques dealing with opponents learned here. So, the ship now has an opening for the head of the Science department. I've talked with Commander Leonaidas and we both think you will be perfect for the job."

Maya was surprised. "Me? Captain, you heard my story in the hearing. I'm still learning how social constructs in the Federation work."

Leonaidas said, "You work well with the crew. You are liked by the crew. You called this place your home in the hearings."

Jacobs added, "Your testimony was revealing to Leo and I in how much this ship means to you. I want to say you mean a lot to us, and because of that, we think you are the perfect person to head the Science Department. I think you have 'social constructs' down well enough. Maya, I've known others that are more 'socially challenged' than you. Just be yourself."

"But Commander Hotchner had such good insight into what people were thinking, motives, everything. I won't be able to do that."

Jacobs chuckled, "Not many Captains have people who have that ability. I was fortunate to have him while we did. We'll manage. The job description doesn't require you to be able to read minds."

Leonaidas said, "It does require you to the best job you can. Not only will you be a scientist, but a leader as well. Can you do that Maya?"

Maya thoughtfully nodded, "Yes sir." Looking at Leonaidas, "Sirs."

Jacobs chuckled, "I do have one question."

"Yes Captain?"

"I've known about your 'head of state' status ever since you first signed on. It's in your records. I've never really thought about it until you mentioned it in the hearing. How do you want us to treat you?"

Maya smiled, "My father taught me about what you would call servant-leadership. It's a tradition on Psychon, as I said in the hearing. After I lost my crew and Captain Bennion, I was down. Depressed. Getting a chance to meet JJ at the Academy was a Godsend. Literally. She led me to the Lord. Now I see your pattern of leadership matches what I learned on Psychon, only your pattern came from Christ. My father taught me out of a good moral thing to do. But now I have Christ to follow."

"I remember when JJ told me about you. She mentioned about you getting saved, but still all alone in the universe. You really impressed her, and you've impressed your shipmates here. I remember how you, JJ, and Sharon paid all that attention to Sam Anders during the match against Mitchell. Who thought that up?"

Maya had a sly smile. "I did. It seemed like the thing to do to get Mitchell to realize he was a jerk to the rest of us. Sam was good with that."

The three of them chuckled at the thought. Then more seriously Maya said, "Captain, I desire to stay on board this ship. The crew means a lot to me. I know I'm naïve, I'm trying to learn, and I never could hope to match Cdr Hotchner in his skills. I'll just try my best."

"Maya, you're not naïve, just be yourself. It is implied that we will help with leadership stuff, but be sure you will be among friends here." Leonaidas said.

Jacobs checked the clock. "Then I have something else for you." Jacobs stood up with a small box, which he opened. "Congratulations, Lt Commander Maya." He handed the box over and shook her hand.

She was positively beaming. "Thank you, sir."

Jacobs said standing up, "Lieutenant Commander, we'll talk later, for now I have another appointment." Maya and Leonaidas stood up. "Please tell them to come in."

Maya nodded, turned around and walked out. Leonaidas grabbed another chair and pulled it to the desk. "Well, that went good."

Jacobs smiling said, "Yes, it did. Her testimony revealed something that isn't in the Starfleet files."

Leonaidas asked, "What?"

"We are her family."

Around the far end of the room, Lt Cdr Bauer and Lt JG Kenn came walking in. Jacobs motioned them to the seats. "Please sit gentlemen."

Everyone sat down. "Thank you for coming. I have some news for the two of you. First, Admiral Nogura has received permission from the Secretary of Starfleet and the blessing of the Committee to reconstitute the Marines. Current Starfleet Security personnel will be trained at first on a volunteer basis to pass the program that you, Mr. Bauer, have put together for the Badgers. Once completed, they will become Marines with the equivalent rank."

Kenn's eyes went wide. Jacobs said, "With that, Jack, you are also getting a promotion. Starfleet Command wants you to head up the school to start making Marines again. Mr. Kenn, you are going to assist him."

Kenn asked, "Me Captain?"

"Yes. Jack and I have talked about this previously."

Kenn asked, "You knew about this?"

Bauer looked at Kenn. "I suspected. So, I anticipated and talked with the Captain."

Kenn asked, "Why Me?"

Bauer said, "Because I watched you this last year and I like what I've seen. You went from spoiled brat to seeing what the value of discipline is. You wholeheartedly completed training. You were humble in your relationship with others. You also exercised initiative and good judgement on Ghut's station in rescuing the slaves. In short, you've done well, you embody the spirit of being a Marine that we want. I need you to help start up this program. We will start by training the future trainers. You need to share your story with them. That is valuable."

Kenn nodded. "Thank you, sir. I will do my best."

Jacobs grabbed two boxes, stood up, and handed them to the men, who also stood up. "Then congratulations. Mr. Kenn, you go from Lieutenant Junior Grade in Starfleet to First Lieutenant, Marine." Jacobs shook Kenn's hand.

Jacobs then turned to Bauer. "Mr. Bauer, from Lt Commander, to Commander in Starfleet to Lt. Colonel, Marine." He shook his hand. "You've come full circle."

Bauer smiled and said, "Hoorah!"

"Hoorah!"

"Lt. Colonel, will you inform the Badgers?"

"Yes, Sir!"

Jacobs asked, "Jack, have you decided which Chief you are going to take?"

"Chief Hanna."

Jacobs said, "Very well, dismissed."

Bauer and Kenn turned and started walking out. At the corner of the room, Bauer stopped Kenn and said to the Captain, "Captain, is it the same as before? A department?"

Jacobs knew what was coming, "Yes, The Marines are a department of Starfleet."

Bauer looked at Kenn, "The MEN'S department! Hoorah Captain!"

They chuckled, Kenn didn't know what to think. Bauer said, "Follow me kid. Let's go to the quartermaster. He needs to make us a couple of uniforms." And the two left.

Leonaidas said, "Makes me want to re-enlist."

Jacobs said with comical sternness, "Denied. You're stuck in Starfleet."

BADGER DEN

USS WISCONSIN

All the Badgers were in the main area, Bauer and Kenn came walking in with the Marine Class A uniform. It was basically the Starfleet Class A uniform except instead of the jacket being maroon, it was black. The trim was red instead of black. Everybody rose to attention. Bauer said, "Thank you, at ease. By order of Starfleet Command, we all are now Starfleet Marines. You will be converted over to the equivalent Marine rank, and can go to the quartermaster to pull your new Class A's and duty uniforms. The field uniform will still stay the same as we have now."

"Now for more admin stuff. Lt Kenn and myself are being transferred to Starfleet to start training all of Starfleet to the Badger Standard. Sargent Hanna will also be transferred to help us train. Lt Teal'c is now promoted to the rank of Captain, and will be head of Marines on board this ship. Captain?"

Teal'c came forward and said, "Thank you, Lt Colonel. The structure will remain as it is, we will be getting a new Starfleet Lieutenant or Ensign that will assume Lt. Kenn's division, until then, Sargent Muldoon will assume Mr. Kenn's division. That is all. Dismissed."

COGLEY'S EARTH BRANCH OFFICE

SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH

Jacobs was dropped off the curb by a transport and walked into the office. Cogley liked his antiques. The law office lobby had a rustic, old feel to it, and it seemed like every wall was lined with books. Cogley's associate lawyer Meg Austin greeted him. "Hello, Captain. Going in Civilian today?"

Jacobs looked at his suit. "I thought it best."

"It's San Francisco, there is a Starfleet officer hanging off of every tree."

Jacobs smiled self-consciously. "Yes, but I'm recognizable in my uniform."

Austin said. "I thought so. Mr. Cogley is upstairs with the others." She led him up an old staircase to the second floor. "Is this your first time in our office?"

"It is. I imagine the same would like this on Starbase 5."

Austin led him to the door. "He would, but it's not practical. Would you like something to drink?"

"Water, please."

Austin grabbed a water from the refrigerator in the hallway and handed it to him, then opened the door. Jacobs walked in. All stood up, and Austin closed the door.

Jacobs looked at the COO's of his corporations. "Gentlemen, first, thank you for earnestly doing what you all did at the Starbase. I've been reading Starfleet reports and your cooperation definitely turned the tide."

Shoor of Zur mining said, "Sir, it was you. Without you letting us know we were on the same team, much less able to cooperate, it never would have happened."

Jacobs smiled wanly, "First, Shoor and all of you, call me Josh. You are not in Starfleet anymore."

John Jervis of Indefatigable Fabrication said, "But you own us, all of us."

"I own the companies, not you guys."

"You know what I mean."

Jacobs nodded. "Yes, I do. Ok, short answers, how bad are we sitting?"

Cogley's brow furrowed. "Bad?"

"How far in debt are we? How many assets were trashed, what is the state of everybody?"

Axelson said, "Josh, you will not believe it. First, all our inventory is completely gone. Between us arming the citizens, and supplying Starfleet with everything we did, we have nothing left. We have the machinery, but nothing else. We will have to buy material to start up our inventory again."

Josh sighed until Axelson said, "But you will not believe it. First, I got a message today from HQ. Orders are up in-system. Also, Sam has told me that there is interest here in Earth's system, probably the rest of the Federation. I'm going to contact people I know on Vulcan, Tellar, and Andoria about setting up branch offices. I know people on a half dozen colonies that we can set offices up with. Fabrication will still be on Starbase 5, but there is an interest I've never thought possible."

Walker of Windtalker said, "Same with us, there are whole colonies that want secure communications like what we provided. I've been in contact with corporations here on Earth that want secure communications."

Shoor said, "Zur is going to be very busy filling all these new demands, as well as rebuilding our infrastructure. That will be very expensive. But we can rebuild."

Biddle of Eagle said, "I'm looking into expanding. First, there are numerous private contractors that are interested in our antimatter shipping technology. That business alone is going to be booming, no pun intended. I'm also going to need more ships to ship this cargo around."

Cogley said, "In short, Josh, you are not ruined. You are on the tip of the iceberg of potential. The Lord has blessed your faithfulness."

Jacobs shook his head, "It's unbelievable. I do not know what to say."

Cogley asked, "How about 'Thank you God?'"

Jacobs nodded, "Yes." Looking up he said, "Thank you God for blessing us. Thank you for these guys and their leadership. Please bless and watch over them."

ITV NEWS

"Amid the growing scandals that have exploded from the Gold Documents, President Bennet announced that he will be resigning the Presidency tonight, live for those in-system. We will be covering his last address to the Federation. Per our constitution, Vice President Sulak will become the President. So far, it is not known if Sulak was involved in the corruption surrounding Senator Jameson, but he is under criticism for simply being part of an administration that has been involved in corruption." Turning to the other talking head, the anchor asked, "What do you think Stan?"

"My experience of covering the government for the better part of forty years is that how could Vice President Sulak not have known? His mere inaction is a violation of his oath of office."

"But the fact that he is a Vulcan? I thought they couldn't lie!"

"Vulcans can lie with the best of them. I think that would be a good video is to show just how Vulcans, who supposedly 'can't' lie, lie. They've done it on video. I'll give you a reason. Vulcans are logical, right?"

"Yes, everyone knows that."

"What if a Vulcan had a logical reason to lie? Would they?" The Anchor hesitated. Stan continued, "Give me a week and I'll have a hundred examples on video. Sulak may finish the term as President, but he will be out of politics after that. To refer to your statement yesterday, he will be the lamest lame duck President we ever had."

"Where do you see the fallout of the Gold Documents eventually lead?"

Stan sighed, "Well, that is a very interesting thought. Let's assume the Gold Documents are all genuine. And now let's assume that all the information is actionable, in other words it will cause those named to have to at least leave office. Assuming all that, and I think it's safe to assume that, we are talking about a major shake-up of the Federation just at the first level of these documents."

"First level?"

"I mean those explicitly listed. But then you are going to have public officials whose public lives are done, they have nothing to lose, and they will turn evidence over on others that have compromised them somehow. That effect could go on for a while. It may remove from our politics back-room dealings where someone has dirt on someone else and forces them to vote one way or another. I see the majority of existing politicians being gone by the end of the next election cycle that is coming up. The President and VP are an example of that. We could be looking at a new era in politics."

HUT 11

INTER ISLAND RESORT

TAHITI, EARTH

Clayborne was relaxing on his lanai looking out at the beautiful water. He had not turned on a newscast since he arrived. Clayborne had no idea what was happening back on the other side of the world, literally.

His communicator went chirp. Nobody had the comm channel except Jameson. He left his personal communicator in San Francisco before he came over here. He had no family; his wife had divorced him this past year when he first came in trouble. He had no colleagues; he was a pariah at Starfleet. Clayborne was not sure how Jameson was going to use him, but he would figure out a way.

The communicator went chirp again. That is strange. Perhaps Jameson needed him already. Clayborne flipped the communicator and said, "Clayborne."

It was Jameson, and he sounded panicked. "Clayborne! Get over here to my cottage!"

Clayborne shook his head irritatingly, "Which one?"

"The one in the Swiss Alps! We got to undo the damage!"

"What damage?"

"Where have you been?"

Clayborne sipped his drink. "Exactly where I told you could find me. In Tahiti."

"Don't you keep in touch with the news?"

Clayborne said dryly, "Not the last couple of days. Why?"

"Gold dumped everything!"

Clayborne was stunned. "Everything?"

"Yes! How could you have been an Admiral thinking that dull? Get over here now and bring your library!"

Clayborne started moving, this could be serious. "Have there been any arrests made?"

"You kidding me? Of course! They have let some people out of prison too! The first one was Captain Katan! That affair alone will send you to jail! Get moving! At least I can cover for you here, I cannot do anything over there!"

That woke Clayborne up. "I'll be on my way. Out."

Clayborne walked inside and looked at his bag on the stand, it was not even unpacked yet. He went to the desk and tapped on the computer screen waking it up. "Computer, I need to get to Zurich, Switzerland. Get me an itinerary."

The computer displayed options. The first leg was a slow, subsonic flight to the main island. After that, it was a suborbital to Los Angelos, then on after that. "Computer, book me on displayed itinerary. And get me a transport to the airport."

So much for the vacation.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

IN ORBIT AROUND EARTH

Jacobs walked onto the Bridge with Admiral Adama. Lt Cdr Jaruea was the first to see them, "Admiral on the Bridge!"

Before anyone could move, Adama said, "As you were."

Jacobs walked down and relieved Carter who then assumed the helm position. Jacobs looked around. He just appreciated everybody and what they had done. They were looking at Jacobs and appreciating the moment. Jacobs said, "First, I want to congratulate Major Teal'c on his promotion to head of Security." Teal'c nodded his head slowly, almost like bowing his head. "May your time as head of Security be… fulfilling." Jacobs temporized.

"Indeed, Captain."

Jacobs looked at Maya, "And you Lt Commander."

Maya smiled, "Thank you, Captain."

Adama said, "To all of you, you have been a great support to your Captain. That was an impressive display you all put together concerning your Captain's interaction with the Enterprise. Your testimonies were impressive too. That is just for this hearing. You all have done a good job this first year and are sure to have many more. Captain Jacobs, a job well done."

"I have a good crew."

Adama looked around, "It's good to be back on a bridge again."

Jacobs said, "Then let's put on a show. JJ, please get permission to leave."

Jareau started working on the console. Jacobs stood up and offered the chair to Adama. "Admiral?"

"She's your ship, Captain."

"Carter's flying it. I'm sure he won't crash us."

Adama chuckled and sat down in the chair. "I have the conn."

Jareau said, "Space Center has given us the permission to leave when ready."

Adama checked the astrogator between the Nav and Helm consoles. He could see the course laid in already. "Very well. Viewer Aft. Commander Carter, ahead full impulse."

"Full impulse, aye aye, Admiral."

Jacobs could feel the ship shudder with the impulse engines coming to power. The screen showed a beautiful departure angle of Earth. Jacobs said, "Admiral, would you mind running Conn for me for a while? I have a matter to work out."

Adama smirked, "Thank you Captain, I'd be delighted."

Jacobs walked up to the turbolift and said to JJ. "I'll be with Octavian." She nodded.

PASTOR OCTAVIAN'S QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

The door chimed. Octavian was sitting at his desk and turned and said, "Come in."

The door opened and Jacobs walked in. Octavian stood to greet his old friend. The two shared a bear hug. Jacobs asked, "What is it, Ian?"

Octavian motioned to the chair and the two of them sat down. "I was thinking…"

"Oh boy, serious mode." Just then the deckplates shuddered. "There we are, at warp."

"Is young Mr. Hornblower at the Conn?"

Jacobs shook his head, "No, I decided to go senior. Admiral Adama is."

The two chuckled. Octavian changed the subject, "I've been getting feedback from in-system and the nearby systems, there is a revival that is starting to break out."

Jacobs said, "Really?"
Octavian nodded, "Yes, old friends saw me in the hearings and contacted me. It's happening all over. I imagine it's happening at Starbase 5 now, I just haven't heard back yet."

Jacobs nodded, "The time would be about right."

"Josh, God used these hearings to get the Gospel out. You, Admiral Adama, Hank Jackson, even the Klingons, Maya, and finally seeing Gold get saved on live video. Jameson was trying to stir this up so much to ruin you and catapult him in his Presidential bid he made sure it would be widespread. He did not anticipate that viewership would expand for the reasons it did. But God did. I was thinking about what you said in the hearings."

Jacobs searched for what he said, "I can't remember."

"To summarize and bring it right here right now. God used the hearings to spread his word throughout space. It's spreading to people who never thought they could receive it. People are seeing these hearings and from what I'm reading about the Gold Documents, they won't forget them soon. The after effects will be felt for years. You said people will be reading about these hearings and I think they will. God's word will go out through what will be written about these hearings."

"The people that get saved are going to need help. The harvest is out there." Octavian thought about the next thing to say. Jacobs patiently waited. "I think I need to focus on this revival. It's time for me to Pastor a church."

Jacobs said, "You got a following here…"

"I know. But I feel the need to be based on the ground for this. On ship, I can only reach the people on board. But on Starbase 5, I can start a Church, shepherd some people. People need shepherding right now. And I've also been thinking on doing devotionals."

"Devotionals?"

"Yes, studies, that sort of thing. I've been sending stuff to the Klingon Empire to Kor, and he's been using them. It's strange, but helping new Christians start their walk is what I think God is leading me. For that, I need to be on the ground, not on a starship."

Jacobs was tearing up. "I'd hate to lose you…."

"You won't. I won't be on the ship, but we'll be in contact."

"That won't be the same." Jacobs wiped away a tear. "It's been great having you on board this past year. Our first year."

Octavian said, "It's been great being here. To see all what has happened, to be part of it. I have not felt this young in a while."

Jacobs chuckled, "You've definitely got the respect of the Badgers and the rest of the crew. We'd hate to lose you. I understand. Are you looking for a transfer? I'm sure the Admiral…"

Octavian shook his head. "No, it's time for me to retire. I have more than enough time in for retirement."

Jacobs stood up and offered his hand. "Ian, may God use you abundantly in your mission. Be sure you keep Sam and George McGonagle in the loop. However we can help."

Octavian shook the hand. "Thank you, Josh., This was a fun cruise." He wiped away a tear.

SENATOR JAMESON'S COTTAGE

SWISS ALPS

Jameson had been diagraming on some pads what Gold had disclosed. It did look like it was everything. Jameson was trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. The panic had worn off, worry was now fully onset. He was being destroyed, and he did not have an idea how to get out. He was calling in favors from everywhere, but nobody was responding.

He polished off another double of whiskey and walked into his room. The sun had just gone down and the sky was beautiful with deepening colors. The mountains were changing into different shades of grey. Jameson was in front of his dresser when he smelled it. Cigarette smoke. The blood drained from his hands and feet.

Jameson turned around to see the Orion Syndicate agent sitting in an easy chair in his room smoking a cigarette. "Why are you here?"

The agent said, "You blew it, Chuck."

"I had him. I was going to win."

"You lost on day one. We just held off to try to give you time to fix things. You never did."

Jameson was sweating. "I can still…"

"What? Your right-hand man, Eli Gold, made sure of that."

Jameson snapped back, "He knows everything I do. You'll be implicated."

The Smoking Man calmly drew another drag from his cigarette. "He has never met any of us. He has documentation, but nothing between the Federation and the Orion Syndicate will change. What he has done has damaged us, but he was not Syndicate. If anything happened to him, it would draw attention to us." The Smoking Man stood up, and Jameson instinctively stepped back. "You, however, are different."

"I'm a Senator!" Jameson started whimpering. "I'm influential, I'm running for President!"

"You know, Chuck, if you just kept the hearings on an even keel, or not even hold them, we could have helped your Presidential bid greatly. You couldn't do that; you had to take on that Captain and Starfleet."

"Jacobs is insignificant!"

The Smoking Man said, "He brought you down. Spectacularly. You have got to learn where your limits are."

"I've learned! I can still go on and pay my debt to the Syndicate! I can still be an influence!" Jameson said pleadingly.

The Smoking Man shook his head "Good for you. But you would not be a Senator for long. You would be very hard pressed to stay out of prison. In fact, you have far less to pay your debt than what you had a month ago. There's only one thing left for you." The Smoking Man leaned over and snubbed his cigarette out on Jameson's pillow.

Jameson said, "NOOOOOOOOO!"

OUTSIDE JAMESON'S APARTMENT

SWISS ALPS

Clayborne stepped off the transport and walked up to the cottage. It was nighttime, nothing was making a sound. It was errie.

Clayborne stepped up to the door and rang the doorbell. Nothing. He rang it again. Nothing. Clayborne opened his communicator and said, "Clayborne to Jameson."

Nothing. He said it again, "Clayborne to Jameson." The door went click.

Clayborne was perplexed. He checked the door and it was open. Clayborne walked inside and looked around. The cottage was well lit. Food on the table. Pads all over the coffee table. And a smell. He's smelled that before. A Cigarette? How long ago had he smelled one of those. He stepped into the bedroom and saw Jameson on the bed. Jameson was still. Clayborne went over and checked for a pulse on the neck. Nothing.

Clayborne was panicked. He had to get out of here. What did he touch? Jameson. Nothing he can do about that. He'll wipe the doorknob on the way out. Clayborne got to the front door and started using his handkerchief to wipe down the doorknob. Suddenly, the front of the door exploded in light. Several very bright spotlights along with blinking red and blue lights. "Be Still! Put your hands up."

Clayborne raised his hands. Police came forward and took the handkerchief and put it in a plastic bag. One of the officers said, "Go inside and check on the Senator."

Clayborne said, "Wait! I just got here! You got to let me talk."

"Who are you?"

"Retired Admiral Clayborne, I was here to work with the senator…"

Another officer came trotting up from the hall, "Jameson's dead."

The first officer turned Clayborne around and said, "I'm going to cuff you while you answer some questions….."

"No, you got to listen to me! I just got here!"

"And the handkerchief?"

Clayborne stuttered. "I… I… I went inside and found him dead."

GNN NEWS

"Breaking news. Senator Jameson has just been found dead in his cottage in the Swiss Alps. At the scene was former Admiral Clayborne. Admiral Clayborne was arrested for the murder of Jameson, although the manner of death has not been determined yet. The Swiss police have said that preliminary indications are no bruises, contusions, use of weaponry, or poisons in his body. There is no indication why Jameson died, just that he did die, and Clayborne is under suspicion for his death. As we have more information, we will pass that along. This has been a news alert."

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

ENROUTE TO STARBASE 5

"USS WISCONSIN Captain's log, Stardate 8033.5. We are enroute to Starbase 5, returning to our patrol base. The Wisconsin has just completed heavy maintenance replacing our starboard warp nacelle. So far, our new nacelle is performing just fine. We are scheduled to make a run through Starfleet's instrumented range to get a new baseline tracking for the ship."

"Commander Santini is very happy with the refit of the ship. My complements to the engineering division and Starship orbital shipyards in their work on the repairs. Ship's complement has changed as well too. Commander Bauer, excuse me, Lt Col Bauer is now working with Lt Kenn and others in starting the Marines up again. I think they start training-the-trainers soon. Teal'c is now a Captain and is head of Marines on board ship. They still refer to themselves as Badgers."

"Lt Cdr Hotchner has now been promoted to full Commander and is working at Starfleet Command to come up with a training program for the Marines concerning behavior analysis. This will also be available to the science division. The basic idea is to train the Marines how to better spot and deal with threats. Lt Maya has been promoted to Lt Commander and is now in charge of the Science division."

"And finally, but definitely not the least, is Commander Octavian. Pastor Octavian. Ian, my friend. Octavian, when we get back to Starbase 5, is going to retire and start his own civilian ministry. The service that Ian has been to this ship was invaluable and he will be greatly missed. I can't overstate the impact he has had on this ship, and wish him the best of his endeavors when he goes ashore. Jacobs, Out."

Jacobs pushed the comm button ending the log entry. He turned in his chair to face the windows looking aft. The new nacelle looked identical to the 'used' one. The starfield was drifting behind them, it looked like it was about warp 6 or so. Jacobs could have easily looked on the wall to see the course and speed repeated on some monitors, but it was relatively unimportant.

He sat there enjoying a quiet moment. It was quite a first year. He just wanted to keep his crew safe and do a good job. Instead, a huge amount of change has been sparked. The experiment in this ship, the 'commando ship', or the 'Amish starship' was successful. Strange, both descriptions had been applied to the Wisconsin by the same people. Both descriptions were opposites. Both were more or less accurate. That's the good thing about humor. True and funny.

The stars continued to glide by. A good first year. Jacobs said a prayer of thanks for what God had done. A good first year. What would happen in year two?