Mission 17

HomelandPrologue

Captain's Log: Stardate 53476.1 

The Argus is returning to Sector 001 after a successful two-month mission to the Vulcan home system, where we aided in the deployment of the experimental Mutara Inter-dimensional Deep Space Transponder Array. This device was developed as an attempt to contact the distant USS Voyager using the recently discovered hyper-subspace technology. Although still in the testing phase, it is the most promising possibility to emerge from the Pathfinder project thus far.

The crew is looking forward to some shore leave upon our return to what is, for most of them, their home star system. For many, it's their first chance to see friends and family since the end of the Dominion War.

The Argus herself is due for a minor refit at the Utopia Planitia shipyards—for the most part, a simple systems review of technology we acquired while on our interdimensional journey, so as to better the chances of successfully integrating such technologies into the other vessels of the Sovereign-class.

 Lex fumbled with the PADD containing his report on the Argus' latest mission as he waited outside Admiral Paris' office at Starfleet Command. When contact had been made with Voyager two years ago, the admiral had jumped at the chance to co-head Pathfinder, Starfleet's project for contacting the missing starship and returning it home.However, Voyager wasn't the only vessel covered by the project. With three known ships—Equinox, Voyager and the Peregrine-class Maquis ship the latter had been pursuing—pulled into the Delta Quadrant by the entity known as the Caretaker, Starfleet had started to search for others that had disappeared under similar circumstances. While Admiral Paris focused on the already-contacted Voyager's safe return, Admiral Hayes led the investigation into the possibility of other missing ships.Paris was no doubt happier than Hayes about their current assignments: While the former saw his as an attempt to assist both a son and a beloved pupil in their return home, the latter felt bound to a desk job forced on him due to injures incurred during the last Borg attack on Earth.Lex checked his chronometer. Paris had requested this meeting at 1500 hours, yet it was now 1517. The admiral was known for his punctuality.The Trill glanced meaningfully at his secretary."He won't be much longer, sir. He's just clearing something up."Suddenly the doors to Paris' private office opened and a lieutenant in an engineering division uniform exited.Whatever had gone on in the office, he didn't look happy. Lex attempted to make eye contact, but the other man shied away and hurriedly left.The secretary pressed the button to activate the intercom."Yes, Nicole?""Admiral," she reminded him, "Captain Lex is here to see you.""Ah, yes. Please send him in."

Owen Paris was seated behind his desk, looking over a red PADD in his hand. On his desk lay three more. All of these, from what Lex could see, seemed to be status reports on the progress of the Midas Array.He looked up."Welcome back to Earth, Captain.""Thank you, sir," replied the Trill, before handing over his own PADD, and with a hint of wry emphasis, adding, "Here's the latest report on deployment."Paris smiled, noting the tone."Thank you. That was some sterling work, by the way."From the reports I've had from the communications team, it's working at full capacity. Thanks to you they should be able to field test it within the next couple of days."Lex noticed that the admiral's eyes wandered to the picture on his desk. The angle was all wrong to glance at it himself, but he laid credits on the guess it was an image of Paris' distant son, Tom.The Trill gave him a moment, and the admiral soon composed himself."I take it, sir, that you didn't call me down here just to hand you that report.""I'm afraid not; I have another mission for you. You need to negotiate some mining rights in the Avian system.""Mining rights?" Lex repeated, curious."Yes, Paris replied. "The Avians recently discovered dilithium on their third moon.""Doesn't the Federation already have a surplus of dilithium?"The older man nodded, but continued, "This stuff is special. The dilithium they've discovered is purer than the commonly available form. We've learned it's the same type as was installed in the Argus eighteen months ago. While we've secured a small amount of it for another project, we'd like to guarantee that the Federation is the only political entity with access to this valuable resource—at least for now.Paris tried to keep the disdain from his voice."The Avians are currently entertaining bids for the rights, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much we need to win out over the Romulans, the Ferengi, the Tholians and the Sheliak, all of whom have shown an interest. This could very well transform the Sheliak from simply troublesome into a genuine threat—and make any of the other  three into a galactic power rivalling the Federation."This is also very important for the Pathfinder project. One of the reason the transwarp probe failed was because of uncorrectable impurities in the more conventional dilithium we used."Lex frowned."Sir, you may not be aware that Argus is undergoing a refit and much of her crew is on shore leave."Paris handed Lex one of the PADDs on his desk."Your senior officers have all been recalled—including Sara Parker, whom we've sent the USS Mandella to retrieve. You'll temporarily be assigned to the Intrepid-class USS Gallant. Everything you need to know is on that PADD."Good luck Captain. You're dismissed." 

*** 

Sara Parker's lupine form stood at the edge of the cliff, watching the scarlet sunset as it marked the passing of Vampri III's daylight over the planet's deep red seas. She'd been here for nearly three months now, her tumultuous time aboard the Argus, and with Lex, all but forgotten.Here she was at peace.

Suddenly she heard a voice in her head.Beautiful, isn't it? asked a grey wolf as it strode up beside her.Sara turned her head. It's my favorite place.It was mine too, when I was just a cub, the second wolf replied with a slight mental chuckle.Mother, you were never a cub.The elder replied, I've been a lot of things. She sighed.There's nothing like floating on a warm air current, or gliding through the water.Sara morphed into her human form and removed her uniform from the utility pack she carried on her back."I thought we only have one alternate form."By the time she'd dressed, her mother had also returned to her human form."It's part of our species' development that we allow only one form to our youth. The majority of your abilities are 'turned off' until such time as you can control them."Sara was beginning to understand why the enigmatic woman was telling her this."You feel my time has come.""It was no accident you felt the need to return," she answered. "I had to be sure, though." She searched her daughter's eyes again, and then smiled, taking her face between her hands in what seemed a caress."I think you're ready."Sara could sense through her mother's touch the pride and affection the older woman felt for her. That sensation grew in intensity, until she felt a surge of energy course through her, and she staggered back.In just that moment, her comm badge beeped. Seconds, later a voice came through it."This is the Captain Gray of the USS Mandella to Lieutenant Sara Parker. Please resp…"There was a flood of static, and the comm went dead.That's odd, she thought. Sara tapped her badge, "Parker to Mandella."Nothing.Sara was about to try again when her mother pointed upward: A brilliant new star had appeared; a few seconds later, a fiery streak across the sky was the only thing that marked the passing of the starship.The Vampri defense grid opened fire, lighting up the heavens in a display of deadly force. However several well-placed phaser blasts from their target destroyed them."We need to get back in the tunnels," said her mother."We don't have long," Sara agreed, her Starfleet training taking over. "They'll send down landing parties."Suddenly a row of razor sharp spines grew from her sides, and the tattered remains of her uniform fluttered to the ground. The younger woman immediately grabbed her commbadge and incorporated it into her hand, before dropping to the floor in her lupine form, closely followed her mother.You learn quickly.They say necessity is the mother of invention, Sara replied, So I got inventive.They bounded for the safety of the tunnels.She materialized at the top of the cliff; it was a place she hadn't looked upon in a long while—and one she never thought she'd see again after betraying the populace of this world.She knelt, and picked up the tattered remains of Sara's uniform.Hmm. A little further along in her evolution, I see. Good, she thought. That's going to make this hunt all the more interesting.At that thought, Lieutenant Sara Parker of the ISS Argus smiled.Finally, her counterpart would be a worthy opponent.

Act 1First Officer's Personal Log, Stardate 53480.3: 

Captain Lex has taken command of the USS Gallant, and most of our senior officers have transferred aboard her during our Argus' refit.

She was only commissioned last week, and is one of the first ships to be completed after the war, as part of Starfleet's drive to update the fleet and replace the thousands of ships lost to the Dominion.

Since coming aboard, I've found myself comparing this ship to my mother's. Voyager, though, was already old and patched up when I was still a little girl; the Gallant is fresh from the shipyards, gleaming and perfect.

I can't decide whether I like that or not. Voyager was my home for 25 years, and I knew her every scratch and idiosyncrasy. She had personality. Then again, Gallant deserves a chance to develop her own, I suppose.

With recent events causing me to reflect on my early life, I find myself asking if I've made the right choices—or any choices at all—in the seven years since I was hurled from my time into the past.

Lex, in a display of trust I still don't entirely understand, chose me to join Argus' crew, and an accident soon afterward made me the ship's second officer; eventually, the exec's spot was, at least temporarily, mine.

Starfleet, though, didn't—and, in some ways, doesn't—seem to have the same regard for me as Captain Lex does. Despite my service, they denied me a promotion and placed another officer over me upon Argus' return from our inter-dimensional sojourn. I didn't handle the de facto demotion well at all, and a vicious confrontation with the ship's new X-O earned me an involuntary transfer to the USS Liberty. As was usual for me, none of my life choices were my own—except, of course, the ones that got me in trouble.

It couldn't have worked out better, fortunately. Liberty is a second home, and I learned a lot during my time aboard. Her captain, Luciano Mantovanni, had taken me in as something of a refugee, on faith in Lex. By the time I left, I felt there were two bridges on which I truly belong.

Both captains, though, think I should be here. After Commander Rudman's tragic, heroic death and my subsequent transfer back to Argus, I'd literally come full circle.

Here's hoping the second go around is better than the first. 

Kate Sheridan deactivated the recorder, and grinned. She found herself doing that rather often when thinking of Liberty's captain. On this occasion, she indulged it, and found herself thinking of just precisely when her next leave could be arranged… 

***** 

Lex sat back in the captain's chair, listening to the normal beeps and chimes of this bridge's regular function. His seat was in a very much different position than on the Argus. Set off center, with the first officer's chair occupying a symmetrical position to his left, it was, in his mind, a far less commanding position on the Intrepid-class ship. In fact, after a few hours,

Lex had noticed that he was standing up to give orders—in effect elevating himself to a more dominant position.He watched the streaking stars on the viewer as the ship headed for its destination at warp. Lex found moments like this relaxing—and rare. It wasn't often there wasn't anything that didn't require the captain's attention while he was on the bridge.He recalled mentioning something of that sort once to his friend, Luciano Mantovanni—who'd arched a brow in that particular fashion he'd learned on his adopted home world, and replied, "That's because you try to do too much yourself. You're not a first officer anymore. It's a time-honored tradition to transfer as much of your own work onto your X-O as you can. It gives you an opportunity to do that 'captain' thing of disappearing into your ready room to brood... and teaches them how to efficiently do 25 hours of work in the 18 they're awake. That's an invaluable experience for every X-O, and one they shouldn't be denied."He'd never been able to bring himself to do that, though. Of course, it had just happened when Kate Sheridan came back aboard after eight months serving on the Liberty. Any number of reports that were supposed to be written by the captain, but were, in usual circumstance, composed by the X-O, were suddenly being done before he'd even had a chance to glance at them. Inspections he'd conducted hurriedly and cursorily were now within Sheridan's province.The strangest part about it, though, was that Kate hadn't seemed resentful in the least. If anything, her customary efficiency had improved during her absence; and Lex had found himself, for the first time in his stint as Argus' commander, with free time.In front of Lex sat Arkin Jora. She'd returned from the Liberty just in time to transfer aboard the Gallant. Lex had missed her expertise at the helm during her time aboard the Argus' sister ship. However, the young Bajoran wasn't herself since she'd returned, and Lex wondered what had transpired on the other ship, and how much of it had to do with the recall of every Bajoran in Starfleet to their home world. Had Jora not been asked or had something else happened to her at DS9? He made a mental note to speak to both her and Counselor Cassaria about it.Behind him and to his left James Dulmis manned the ops station. Lex felt it was an odd place for the operation manager. With the smaller crew complement, the science station wasn't often manned; its functions were controlled from ops. For Lex, though, this only increased his awareness that Sara was still away, if that was possible, and how much he wished that life hadn't driven a wedge between them. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how it turned out, Lex would soon discover if that wedge was temporary—or permanent.At the security station, situated at the back right corner of the bridge, was T'Kare. The Avian, despite her usual efficiency, was more detached from her job than Lex had ever seen—almost as if she wanted this mission over before it even began.The Captain knew very little about either her home world or her connection to it. Her personnel file said that she'd been 'given' to the Federation Ambassador as a gift to show how committed her people were to joining.It had the opposite effect.It was soon afterward discovered that Avian females had no freedom of choice within their society. All their decisions were made by first their father, and then, after coming of age, their husband. The Federation immediately ceased all movement towards Avian membership. The Avian government, the Talshac, was told that a world wishing to join the United Federation of Planets doesn't treat sentient beings as objects. However T'Kare would not be taken back and the Avian "chief of society" had become quite offended when Ambassador Odan attempted to do so.So T'Kare had grown up as a citizen of the Federation, afforded many luxuries denied her piers—especially the female ones.

Over the next few years, relations between the Federation and the Avians improved, although the situation on the planet was still unacceptable insofar as  possible membership was concerned. There was a well-established trading agreement with Avious III, which allowed Starfleet to acquire a small amount of the special dilithium, but the planet was still very much a mystery to most of the Federation.Maybe this mission will allow me to gain a greater understanding of my security chief, Lex thought."Captain," Said Dulmis from the ops console, "I'm detecting a Romulan Warbird on a direct course for Avious.""That's their delegation," thought Lex out loud. "Any idea with whom we're dealing?" he asked, looking back."She's identified as the Devoras," responded Dulmis, giving the captain a knowing look.Looks like they mean business. Why else would they send someone as ruthless as Admiral Tomalak to negotiate a trade deal? 

*** 

Fire raged in the alien woodland; its indigenous species fled the blaze as their habitat was turned to ash. Phaser fire lanced out between the remaining trees, shattering them with no regard for their beauty or antiquity, and seeking out the two creatures who fled the hunters with an intelligence the other animals couldn't match.What do they want? The question was rhetorical; all the first she-wolf really wanted to do was to put a reason to the senseless destruction of the world around them.Her companion wasn't able to offer one.I don't know, Sara replied to her mother.Argus' science officer was just as horrified by the destruction to her mother's home world, but this was increased by the destruction of the USS Mandella only moments before the attack on the planet had begun.Although herself born on Luna, Sara had begun to feel an affinity with this world. Part of her being originated from here, and it was here that she'd discovered who she really was. Vampri III had affected her in a way that few other places in the universe had. It truly felt like her homeland.Growing up with her grandfather, she'd always found herself something of a loner, regularly moving from one starship or starbase to another. When she finally reached Starfleet Academy, her family's history in Starfleet often came between her and her fellow cadets.Then she'd met Jonozia.The Trill and Sara were initially rivals, both science students; they vied for the top positions in many of their subjects. Of course back then Jonozia wasn't joined and he possessed a vulnerability that, over time, drew Sara to him. As it turned out, the feeling was mutual, and the two began a relationship that continued throughout the rest of their Academy career.They've stopped, her mother suddenly spoke in her head, interrupting Sara's thoughts.Maybe they found what they're after.I don't think so, Gemma Parker replied. Can you smell them?Sara moved her lupine head around, taking in the smells around her. The most dominant scent was of the burn wood, but mixed in Sara detected…Humans, said Sara, But why are they attacking Vampri III?We'll find out in a moment, her mother replied. They're coming this way.This is one of the strangest feelings in the universe, Sara Parker thought to herself as she changed form to mimic that of the human she'd just ambushed and rendered unconscious.

He now lay at her feet, his uniform and comm badge clearly indicating he originated from the second mirror universe that had been discovered by the Enterprise-D—and from which the Argus had prevented an invasion just over a year ago. Sara ran a hand over her face, feeling the contours of the one that lay at her feet."Strange, first time, isn't it?" asked another man behind her.Sara turned to the transformed form of her mother."Don't try to mimic the electronics." Her mother told her, "Take the badge off the guard and pin it on you."Daughter did as mother suggested, and was surprised when it didn't hurt to attach the badge. Her outer layer was acting just like clothing!"We'd better head for the tunnels and hope that they haven't found them yet," suggested Sara."The tunnels will be sealed off. The others will have already barricaded themselves in. We'd be better off finding somewhere safe to hide.""The last time we encountered people from this alternate reality they were attempting to invade both the mirror universe and our own." replied Sara. "We need to get a signal out to Starfleet.""All the subspace radio equipment will be sealed up in the tunnels with everyone else.""What about my shuttle?" suggested Sara, suddenly realizing, "We could try and transport into the shuttle bay.""There's a transporter inhibitor that's part of the defenses. It won't allow transport in or out of the facility.""Inhibitors usually work only if your transporter control source is external. The shuttle is inside; we should be able to use it."Suddenly on of the badges they were wearing beeped."Parker to Rodgers, regroup at the landing site. We've found the tunnel entrance.""Sara, that was your voice," her mother said in horror.The part of her that was human was almost amused. Did you ever wonder how the people you mimic feel, Mother? She didn't broadcast that observation, though.Instead, she said, "We need to get to the tunnels now." She pulled out her own comm badge. "Parker to Socrates, two to beam aboard."They disappeared in a shower of gold as the transporter took effect, Sara realized she could now put a face to the destruction around her.She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to look herself in the mirror again.

Act 2"You wished to see me, Captain?"Lex motioned T'Kare into the ready room, where she stood in a rather casual approximation of parade rest—casual because her wings never quite stopped their rustling."I'm a little concerned," he began, "about the well-being of one of your security team."The wings' movement became even more apparent for a moment, then settled again. "I haven't had any problems brought to my attention, sir.""It not so much that there's a problem, per se. In fact, I find this individual's work exemplary. They seem to be burying themselves in it, though, using it as a distraction rather than genuine taking pride. It seems, to me at least, like this person needs to talk."The Avian looked skeptical. "And you want me to get them to talk to me?"

Lex smiled inwardly. How could a chief of security be so… well, clueless? "Actually, Lieutenant, it's you I think needs the help.""Me?"I could really have done with Bimitri on this mission."I've noticed that you seemed to enter a self-imposed exile when we began this mission to your home world. I've read your personnel records, and, considering the events leading up to your original departure, it's understandable.However I don't believe that the logs are entirely complete; there seem to be a lot of gaps, and I like going into a situation as prepared as possible."T'Kare's customary panting increased in pace. "Captain, may I speak freely?""Be my guest.""I'd be happy to never fly there again so long as I live. My world betrayed and rejected me."Well, it seems there are some intense feelings here, after all, Lex thought. Best to avoid a direct discussion, then."What I can't understand is that, until now, the planet has been very cut off from the rest off the galaxy. Then the self-imposed seclusion is suddenly reversed.""Perhaps the political winds over our skies have shifted. Leaders die, others replace them." T'Kare's monotone indicated that she really didn't care one way or another.Lex noted, "Your father still holds the position of chief.""Then I suggest I not be included in your landing party. You'll only be seen as returning their…" she hesitated; and then gave the last word a hefty dose of venom, "…'gift.'"Lex again decided to shift topic slightly. "Lieutenant, I understand that females on your world have a lesser social status… but what really goes on there among the common people? Is it really as bad as I've heard?She didn't look particularly pleased at having to recount it, but her captain wasn't giving her much choice."Avious is an extremist patriarchal society, sir. Women are little more than objects, owned by their fathers or husbands. They have no rights but those that their male guardian chooses to grant them—and these can be rescinded at a moment's notice.""And a female rises above her allowed status?""Society leaves it up to their guardian to punish them," T'Kare replied with disgust. "As a member of my planet's royalty, I was very much sheltered from this for most of my life—that is, until one day I saw a male beat his female for simply losing her footing."In fact, it hasn't been unheard of for some females to have their wings clipped.""I can see now why Avious was rejected for Federation membership."She flexed the talons on her right hand."This all may be an attempt to gain membership in return for mining rights. I'm sure my father knows what this form of dilithium would mean to the Federation.""Fortunately, Federation membership isn't for sale at any cost.""I've pleased to hear that, sir.""Lieutenant," said Lex with a sly grin, "I sense that, given the opportunity, you'd do anything you could to improve the status of your gender on Avious.""It's the only thing that would motivate me to set wing to flight there again.""In that case..." and he grinned, "…I'm assigning you to the away team."Since the Gallant had entered the Avian star system, there had been little activity on the bridge. The captain had quickly retreated to his ready room after the discovery that the Romulans had sent the Devoras to negotiate for them. Soon after they'd detected a heavily armed Tholian dreadnought and a pair of Ferengi D'Kora-class marauders. The Sheliak had yet to make an appearance, as had the ambassador's ship, the Norway-class USS Mandella.

The Mandella's absence worried Sheridan. The vessel was now several hours overdue and there had been no word as to why she had been delayed: Their subspace signals to her had gone unanswered, and a query to the Ferengi had evoked the equivalent of a shrug. Kate was reluctant to inform Lex; they both knew Sara was supposed to be on that ship. The captain had enough on his plate at the moment without worrying about his wife's whereabouts.All this however was about to become a moot point as Lex and T'Kare exited the ready room."Mr. Dulmis, open a channel to the USS Mandella," ordered Lex as he took his seat."Sorry sir, but the Mandella is still out of communications range."Lex twisted to look at his operations officer. "Out of range? Where is she?"Kate fielded the answer, "She hasn't arrived yet, sir."Lex now turned to his X-O, "Why didn't you report this to me."Diplomatically, she parried, "We were just acknowledging her as overdue now, Captain.""Have you contacted Starfleet?""Not yet, sir."Lex didn't look pleased. He turned immediately back towards his private refuge. "James, get Admiral Hayes on subspace and put it though to my ready room. T'Kare you have the bridge."Kate, I want to see you now." 

*** Sara and her mother materialized in the shuttle.The entire bay was dark; the only active light source was that of the small transporter control panel that had powered up to beam them in.If there were any of her counterparts' people there, they wouldn't know about it until it was too late. If her mother was to be believed, however, the tunnels were impenetrable anyway. Being a Starfleet officer, though, Sara never believed anything was impossible—just unlikely. She grabbed a phaser, tricorder and palm beacon and touched the door control.Sara cautiously scanned the bay with her beacon and tricorder. The natives of her mother's world were notoriously difficult to track, due to their natural camouflage from sensor devices, so she considered anything that registered on her scans as fair game.A few moments later, she declared the bay clear and the two women headed into the complex. 

*** 

"Captain, I've got Admiral Hayes on subspace," came James Dulmis' cheery voice over the comm."Pipe it through, Lieutenant.""Report, Captain.""We've reached the Avian system, sir. So far the Romulans, Tholians and Ferengi are all here. Romulan High Command has sent the Devoras.""Tomalak?""That'd be my guess," affirmed the Trill. "However, we've no sign of the Sheliak or the Mandella. Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the ambassador's ship, sir?""At last report she'd just entered the Vampri system yesterday. We've had no word since.""Has a search begun?""The nearest starship to that system, other than Gallant, is the Sentinel. She's been dispatched to look into it but won't arrive for another two days at least.""She could reach here by tomorrow, then…" Lex mumbled."What are you thinking, Captain?"

"We could dispatch the Gallant to look for the Mandella, while the Sentinel acts as my support ship during the negotiations.""With so many hostile races in the vicinity, I don't want to leave you without a support starship—even for a few hours.""We can't afford to delay our participation in these negotiations any longer, sir. The Romulans arrived here even as we did, but the Tholians and Ferengi may have been here a while."Lex let the statement sink in.Hayes didn't really have a choice; his expression told them both he was more than a little irritated by that. "Fine, Captain, but take a full security detail. I'll contact Captain Foxton and get her to divert to your position. Hayes out.""You knew that we were going on that rescue mission before you asked me in here," Sheridan noted, a little surprised. Then she chuckled. "Very good, sir.""I had a hunch," replied Lex with a wry smile. "Prepare the aero-wing shuttle for launch and assemble an away team with a full security detail.""Aye, sir." Kate took the hint that she was dismissed and headed for the door."Oh, and Kate?""Yes sir?""I just wanted you to know that there's more than one captain in the fleet who knows how to handle the Admiralty."She shook her head, smiling, and avowed, "There was never any doubt in my mind."

Act 3The darkened corridors on Vampri III only served to heighten Sara's apprehension as she explored them with her mother. The lack of working illumination in most of the complex contradicted the theory that its defenses hadn't been breached. Had her counterpart sent that message out in the hopes of luring her into a trap? Every time Sara asked that question she feared the answer—especially as it seemed more likely to be "Yes" each time she asked it. Just how similar had the mirror universe version of her home world been? Had it been destroyed as so much else had been in that dark version of everything she knew? Where had her counterpart come from? The last time that Sara had seen any crew members from the ISS Argus was moments before the USS Argus had slipped through a subspace rift on its trip through the dimensions. If her doppelganger survived, did that mean that the dark version of the ship had as well?.Another question the answer to which I probably won't like, she thought.Sara.Mother? She replied, searching the darkness.I'm over here. I've found someone.Sara shape shifted her eyes to make the best use of the available light. Eventually she located her mother about ten meters away and moved to join her.As she got closer she saw the figure.He's badly injured.How?A phaser. It looks like it's set to cause a significant amount of pain before it kills its victim.Sara grimaced. I doubt the settings on their Starfleet's weapons are any different to those on our Klingons' disruptors. How charming.

Suddenly, the motionless figure reached up and grabbed Gemma Parker's "shirt."He was able to gasp, "Sh-she wants…", before his strength failed and he slumped back."Easy José," Gemma replied quietly. "Open yourself to me."For the next few moments Sara's mother knelt silently by his almost motionless form; the only sign he was still alive was the barely perceptible rise and fall of his chest. Every so often Gemma's face would contort in horror at what she was experiencing. Eventually, she pulled away."He's gone." Gemma reached forward and closing her dead friend's eyes.God, I really hate this race to which Sara belongs. They're so "All Everything!""What did he show you?"Her mother's expression was grim."You were right; it is a trap. She knows every back entrance, security hole and defense strategy."They invaded the tunnels even before they attacked the other defenses and took them during the confusion. Most escaped into our emergency tunnels but she's holding about a hundred people hostage until she has what she's come after.""Which is?"She knew the answer, but found herself dreading it anyway."You." 

***** 

Captain's Log, Supplemental: 

Commander Sheridan has taken the USS Gallant to discover the whereabouts of the missing USS Mandella. Meanwhile, T'Kare, James Dulmis and I—along with a rather over-armed security detachment—have descended to the surface of Avious in the Gallant's aero-wing shuttle.

 The shuttle touched down in the spaceport of Avious' principle city, which was situated about a mile above the surface of the planet.Lex tugged on his dress uniform before he exited the shuttle, closely followed by Dulmis and T'Kare, and took in the view of the domes that filled the landscape all round. He'd decided to leave the security team inside the shuttle for the time being, not wishing to give the wrong first impression.Each dome was supported from the ground by a thick trunk that took up less than 10% of the surface area the domes themselves did. Lex surmised that much of Avious must be left relatively unspoiled by this: Reports indicated much of the planet was a nature reserve.An Avian male, dressed in elaborate ceremonial garb, moved to greet them. "Welcome to Avious, Captain Lex. I am S'Kare, Chief of Avian Society.""Chief S'Kare, it is an honor to finally meet you. May I introduce my operations manager, Lieutenant James Dulmis, and my chief of security, Lieutenant T'Kare."S'Kare's entire entourage had been staring at T'Kare since she'd appeared. Now at least they have a reason, Lex thought."Lieutenant Dulmis; welcome to Avious," S'Kare said—with what at least seemed genuine warmth—before turning with what was a surprising eagerness."Trella, my daughter, welcome home."It was not the greeting T'Kare had been expecting. 

***

 It won't be long now. Sara thought to herself. My "friend" is bound to have found one of my "clues" by now.A wicked smile crossed the face of the ISS Argus' strategic operations officer. This whole operation was hers, from its initial conception to its final implementation; and it was proceeding precisely as planned. Now all she required was her counterpart's weakness for innocents that all these Federation saps seemed to have built-in. In fact, Sara was really surprised that the Federation had survived this long without trampling its populace and subjugating worlds. It was as large as the Terran Empire, and yet worlds joined it of their own free will, and—this fact was especially astonishing—were able to leave at any time. How did it stay together if their Starfleet didn't crush the members' will?Sara looked through the window into the next room. It seemed to be some sort of auditorium; the small room she was no doubt some kind of sound and lighting control booth. Beyond the glass, a hundred of Vampri's people had been gathered—bait for her counterpart. Many of them Sara recognized; after all, that was why she'd chosen them.The last time she seen them was during the extermination of her Vampri III. They were, after all, an undetectable, telepathic, shape-shifting threat to the empire that it presented. Sara herself had lead the brutal attack in her universe—another successful operation she'd planned—six months before they'd encountered the pale imitation of the true Argus in the Alliance universe. It had been her greatest moment—until her natural biology had suddenly intervened. That had marred what should have been the highlight of her career.At one point a woman had lunged for her, screaming at the top of her voice, demanding to know why Sara was attacking her own kind. Her troops had been swift and the woman had been crushed to the floor well short of her intended victim. Sara had then knelt down beside her, determined to make her last moments as miserable as possible."How pathetic," she'd said. "Tell me, why waist your life trying to gain my sympathy by attempting to convince me that I'm as tainted as you?"It was a question she wished she'd never asked."Because I'm your mother," had been the woman's reply; she'd focused the last of her energies into a mental bolt, a Parthian shot of immense power. Sara was changed forever; immediately her Vampri birthright asserted itself. Captured by her own troops for belonging to the same threat they were negating, it had taken all the influence of her lover and captain to save her. She'd had the last laugh though, as she oversaw the extermination of her own race—their punishment for tainting her as they were tainted.She again looked out over the auditorium and made a promise to herself that when this was all over she would again be the only one of her kind both in her native universe and this one.It was at that point she noticed the number of prisoners was smaller. 

*** 

Kate Sheridan sat, legs crossed, in the captain's chair of the USS Gallant. As with all trips where time was of the essence, this was taking too long. The Intrepid-class ship was traveling at her fastest possible cruising speed, and Kate knew that all she could do was wait, but it made her feel useless.However, as fortune would have it, the fates provided her with a distraction."Commander Sheridan."It was Davis, at the operations console. The assistant science officer had been one of the unlucky few members of the Argus crew not to escape Utopia Planitia quickly enough after the ship put in for refit."Yes, Lieutenant?"

"We're receiving a message from Starfleet Command, sir," she explained. "It's addressed to you.""Send it through to the ready room," Kate replied, rising from her seat. "You have the bridge."She entered, and, without bothering to seat herself, spun the desktop monitor to face her and activated it. The United Federation of Planets shield displayed on the screen and she pressed the button to activate the message. 

To: Commander Katherine Sheridan, USS GallantFrom: Admiral Owen Paris, Pathfinder Project CommandSubject: Midas Test Run.I believe you should be one of the first to know the happy news

that the first test of the Midas Array has exceeded our expectations.This morning, at 05:30 hours, contact was made with the missing

USS Voyager and the probability of regular communication has now become a reality.

Please pass my deepest thanks to your captain and crew for their excellent work in helping to bring hope and success to the Pathfinder Project.

 Now she needed to sit down.She racked her brain trying to remember when her Voyager had last been in contact with home. Kate had always thought it had been during the incident with the USS Prometheus. Did her future no longer exist, or was there an as yet undisclosed event that would once again cut Voyager off? It was the kind of question that you simply had to wait for the universe to answer.However, waiting was the last thing that Kate wanted to do right now.

Act 4"Keep moving."Sara's harsh whisper belied her good intentions, as she funneled the captives out of the auditorium to her mother, who then directed them towards a waiting tunnel that lead to the surface.Having realized that an exchange would never work with her counterpart—and not wanting to place herself in the other's clutches anyway—Sara and her mother had decided to aid the prisoners' escape. Gemma had remembered an escape tunnel near the great hall where the theatrical trapdoors surrounded the stage. They were perfect—the type of egress points that didn't show up on sensors, simply because they had no electronic component to it.The only remaining question was how many could the aid in the escape before it was noticed.The answer, of course, was "not enough."The crowd started to move faster now, panic clearly pushing them to seek safety.Then Sara heard why. From the inside of the auditorium the sound of phaser fire could be heard as the guards, suddenly aware of their charges' disappearance, tried to prevent their escape. Sara drew her phaser and moved into the doorway so she could see clearly. Inside the hall reigned pandemonium, as several prisoners had shifted and turned back upon their captors.The guards stood their ground, although most of their shots flew wild; it was a difficult thing to maintain one's composure when suddenly attacked by a menagerie that, seconds ago, was a

group of huddled humanoids. Sara counted three unmolested guards in a cluster and took aim. She took down all of them in swift succession.Kate would be amazed.At last the prisoners were out, and the guards were down.That leaves one last detail, thought Sara Parker.No doubt she feels the same way.Sara's mirror counterpart finally noted the small doorways at the base of the stage, hidden in plain sight, and belatedly cursed the stupidity of placing all the prisoners near their escape route. She'd been right, originally, thinking that her counterpart would be a worthy opponent after all, but had then slipped back into the mistake of underestimating her. The situation can still be salvaged, Sara, she thought, though with a hint of desperation."Look at this!" she shouted, as her hand swept across the room, "You could have saved all these people had you simply surrendered.""You would have executed them all anyway."Not so naïve as I would have expected, the mirror Parker thought to herself."Perhaps," she replied, while thinking, Of course; but you can't be certain of that. She continued her last attempt to settle this."How much is one life worth to you, my distorted mirror image?"Parker indicated one of her marines, who brought over a girl of about ten years old—too young for her abilities to have yet manifested. She placed her phaser to the girl's head."Would you stand here and let this helpless child die?"There was silence from the doorway."If you let the girl go…" her counterpart acknowleged after a moment, her voice falling in defeat, "I'll surrender to you."Sara motioned, and the marine pushed the girl towards the doorway. She grinned wickedly. We can't have you start lying just now, pretty Sara."If my counterpart hasn't shown herself before the girl nears the door, shoot her."Fortunately, there was no need."You really are an idiot. A poor facsim…"The mirror Sara was astonished, as this universe's counterpart attempted to draw her phaser. Before she could even issue orders, her marines opened fire, and struck her with three blasts.She didn't even have a chance to scream.It was both satisfying and disturbing to watch her other self die, she noted.But it was mostly satisfying. 

*** 

The negotiations weren't going well. The Romulans, Tholians and Sheliak were all offering deals that were just as impressive as the Federation's. The Ferengi, as usual, were simply offering latinum and expecting the Avians to take it.Lex had offered everything short of full membership to the Avians—which wasn't a possibility considering the current state of their society. Now, he'd been invited to a private meeting with S'Kare, and was sure it was an attempt to get him to offer the very thing he couldn't in exchange for the much sought after dilithium.As with every room that Lex had entered, he found its vaulted arches impressive. However, this chamber was even more astonishing: While most walls and ceilings on Avious were a featureless white, here the blues and oranges of Avian feathers were painted in swirling, almost hypnotic, patterns.Shaking his head to clear it, he entered the next room.

S'Kare's reception chamber, while ranging only to two-and-a-half stories, was even more dazzling than the previous one, with more variation in color and contrast. There was only one chair here—no doubt for him—the two figures present simply hovered effortlessly just off the ground.S'Kare was accompanied by his daughter, much to Lex's surprise."I've heard so much about you," the elder Avian observed, and motioned for the Trill to sit."Nothing too bad, I hope?""On the contrary," he replied, "my daughter has nothing but praise for you. You will please deactivate your universal translator, now."That non-sequitar caught him off guard. "But…""How can we be expected to talk without you understanding us if the translator is active?" He actually managed to make it sound reasonable.Silently, Lex did as requested."If you're thinking about the negotiations, Captain, you have no need to worry."Lex prepared himself to be taken out of the running."At the next session I'm going to announce that the Federation is to gain the rights to mine our dilithium.""Not meaning to look a gift horse in the mouth…"Both Avians looked at the captain in surprise, and whispered to each other in their whistling, chirping tongue."It's a human expression," Lex continued. "I means that you're thankful for a piece of good fortune, but you still ask why it has happened to you instead of just accepting it.""Please continue 'Looking the gift horse in the mouth', as you say, Captain."Lex looked carefully at S'Kare."Why have you decided to give the rights to us?"S'Kare scrutinized Lex. "Would you agree that the peace we've built on this planet best fits the Federation philosophy?"Carefully, the Trill conceded, "To a large extent, yes.""Ah." S'Kare managed to put a lot of significance into that exclamation. "Very cautious and politic, Captain. I salute you." He then continued."And those parts which don't fit Federation philosophy are in reform.""Captain," interjected T'Kare, "my homeworld has changed a great deal since I left.""Before you were given away," Lex corrected."I now know it's more complicated than that, sir."S'Kare explained, "When Ambassador Odan came here to assess our application for Federation membership it was clear to me that we were not ready. We would have been rejected without any means to make ourselves suitable."T'Kare was offered to the ambassador because I wanted her, and not her partner, to succeed me—as would have happened had I not sent her away. The time is now approaching for me to name my successor and I needed a way to get T'Kare to return to ask her to accept.""I have accepted Sir." T'Kare said, preempting her Captain's question. "When my father announces my succession I will return and take my place as the leader of my people. Until then I will continue to serve Starfleet and you to the best of my abilities.""I'm hoping that this will lead to Avious' entry into the Federation someday. Until then we extend our friendship to you, Captain."Lex smiled."If I could take wing to express my joy, I would."T'Kare and her father were surprised—but pleased.

EpilogueCaptain's log, Stardate 53501.3: 

After a successful mission to the Avious system we have returned the USS Gallant to Utopia Planitia. She's an impressive ship; I wish luck to her future captain, whomever they may be.

In contrast to good news of the Federation's new agreement with the Avians it is my sad duty to report the destruction of the USS Mandella with all hands. Commander Sheridan arrived in the Vampri system to find the debris of the Norway-class starship in orbit and the underground city deserted. There was only one survivor: Lieutenant Sara Parker was discovered in a badly damaged shuttlecraft. Unfortunately, she was unable to shed any light on the attackers.

 Lex entered Admiral Paris' office and found both him and Admiral Hayes present."Please take a seat, Captain," offered Paris. "We've called you here because we have a very special assignment for you."Hayes rose and walked over to the display screen. Lex noticed he was still using the cane he'd had to rely on since the last Borg attack on Earth nearly three years ago."We communicated to Voyager by opening a micro-wormhole using the Midas Array. We've been in contact with Dr. Khan on Trill, who theorized that we maybe be able to open a much larger version by sending a greater amount of power through the array at certain points in the pulsar's cycle.""Earlier today we managed to turn this theory into a reality." Continued Admiral Paris, "We want you to lead a small fleet of ships to explore the other side.""I take it, Admiral, that you can't keep this open indefinitely.""The conditions to open even a pinprick wormhole suitable for communication occur only once every few months. Those that allow us to make this attempt are much more infrequent—usually along the lines of years, or even decades. We're fortunate to have two windows in the near future—one there and one back—but…""…But don't miss your ride, or it'll be a while before the next one," Lex finished."Precisely," Hayes confirmed."We can't be sure how close you'll be placed to the missing ship," Paris added, "but we believe it could be up to 10,000 light years off course."The Argus has been fitted with a hyper-subspace transponder array for communications and her transwarp drive has been restored. We'll be able to create a portal back for you in 88.74 days, and hold it open for seven minutes. After that, my staff tells me the next possible window on a wormhole large enough for Argus and the fleet is in 1,787.5 days—almost five years. And that's assuming the technology is as reliable as it is in theory."Hayes handed Lex a pad."The ships you take are up to you, but you only have 24 hours before you leave Vulcan for the Delta Quadrant.""I don't suppose Liberty, Challenger or one of the other Sovereign-class ships are available? We may need the firepower."It may mean giving up operational command, but that's better than getting out there and being horribly outgunned by some unknown threat… or some known threat.Paris frowned.

"I inquired about that to Admiral T'Kara just last week. Both of those you mentioned are due for refits and extended leave—and, more importantly, are too distant to reach the egress point before you have to depart, even at maximum warp."This is your show, Captain."Dismissed."Lex was reeling as he departed.Wow. Some assignment.Still, he thought, it's been way too long since we did any exploration "where no-one has been before."Lex smiled to himself. It was nice to know that Starfleet's motto meant something again. 

  

Created on Stardate: 10011.15©2000 A H Thompson