From: ccchu@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Conrad Chihta Chu)
Subject: Re: More Than a Chance Meeting 
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 18:38:04 GMT


Star Trek: The Next Generation    Star Wars    Battlestar Galactica

	M o r e   T h a n   a   C h a n c e   M e e t i n g

				by

			Conrad C. Chu

			part 1 of 5

Players in this drama/fiction
Enterprise-D
Romulan Warbird
Rebel Transport(2)
Rebel Light Cruiser
Councilor Ship
Star Destroyer(2)
Battlestar Pegasus
Cylon Basestar(2)
Numerous Fighters

Opening 

     Captain's log: The Enterprise has been dispatched to the Neutral Zone to
investigate an unusual report of a nebulous cloud transversing the length
of the Neutral Zone.  Starfleet Headquarters wants the Enterprise to
determine whether this phenomenon is a natural one or not, and if not
whether the Romulans are behind it.

     "Captain, we have arrived at the designated coordinates," said Data. 
     "Good, begin sensor scans of the area," Picard replied.
     "Sensors have detected the cloud but readings are unclear at this
distance," reported Worf.
     "Number One, take us in for a closer look"
     "Aye, aye Captain," responded Riker.

     The Enterprise approaches the cloud.  It appears rather nebulous and
dark.  It spans several thousand cubic kilometers.  Suddenly the Red Alert
siren sounds.

     "Mister Data, report!" cried Picard.
     "Sensors detected another vessel approaching from around the cloud,
scanners indicate that the approaching ship is a Romulan Warbird."
     "Worf, open a channel to the Warbird."

     While Worf is attempting to hail the Romulan, the Warbird stops on the
viewscreen, pauses a moment and proceeds to enter the cloud, without a
sound.  The Romulan is no longer in view.

     "Hailing ignored, Romulan has entered the cloud and is no longer
registering on my scanners, sir," reported Worf.  "Ionized gases and metallic
particles of the cloud prevent our sensors from scanning the interior of
the cloud at this time."
     "Your assessment Number One."
     "Can't see that we have much choice, we are on our side of the Neutral
Zone after all, Starfleet did order us to determine the nature of this
phenomena.  I say, go in after them."
     "A bold decision, one that I agree with.  Helm take us in, maintain Red
Alert.  Worf, ready phasers and find me that Romulan."
     "Aye, Sir," Worf replied with a grim grin.
End Opening

Opening
The Rebel Rendezvous at 135.467 by 011.053 has been betrayed.  Several
Rebel ships have gathered to receive information from a Senator to further
the cause of the Rebel Alliance.  There are several transports, frigates,
light cruisers and carriers present, plus numerous Rebel fighters.  Six Star
Destroyers jump in just as the meeting is underway in the Councilor's
Ship.  The first volley disables the Councilor Ship's hyperdrive.  A frigate
drives toward the six Star Destroyers on a collision course.  The frigate is
fired upon massively and disintegrates and exploding right in front of the
Star Destroyers, all scanners facing the explosion are temporarily blinded. 
The Rebels disengage and flee in groups.  The Councilor ship is joined by
two transports and a light cruiser plus several Rebel singleships.  Before
the Star Destroyers can react properly the Rebel units have broken up and
are taking order to leave via hyperspace jump.  Two Star Destroyers pursue
the Councilor's group.  The rest go after Rebels which have just made the
jump to hyperspace.  The remaining rebel group heads toward a dark region
of space, a dense conglomeration of dust and debris.  The Two Star
Destroyers pursue and begin to gain on the fleeing rebels.  The rebels
succeed in entering the dark region without losing any ships to Imperial
fire.  The Star Destroyers undaunted, continue their pursuit of the Rebel
ships.
End Opening

Opening
     One the bridge of the Battlestar Pegasus commander Cain is smiling at
yet another victory and successful raid on a Cylon Supply Depot.  Having
smashed this station the Cylons will have to spend time assembling and
resupplying another one to continue their pursuit of the Pegasus in this
sector of space.  

     "Commander, I've just detected the arrival of two Cylon Basestars on
our scanners, approaching at high speed."
     "Well it took them long enough, waited until we were ladened with our
supplies until arriving, excellent timing," mused Cain.  "How long until
they overtake us if we proceed at only one quarter power?"
     "I estimate we have nearly three centons until they will be close
enough to engage us if we proceed as you indicated," replied the adjutant. 
"They are far too close and aware of our location to attempt to hide using
the camouflage screens."
     "We have to run and escape, the Pegasus is too heavily loaded with
volatiles to risk any engagement until we have time to secure all the
supplies," said Cain, "...excellent planning, I must find this Cylon
commander and personally compliment him on his strategy," he mused.
     "Proceed at one third toward that dark region, once inside perhaps we
can lose them."

     The Pegasus proceeds to flee the Cylons and enter the dark region. 
Without a pause the Cylon Basestars continue to chase the Pegasus into
the cloud.  No fighters are visible yet, but the Basestars are obviously
moving faster than the Battlestar as they enter the nebulous dark cloud.
End Opening

Main Scene
     Space is not black, at least this space the Enterprise finds itself in is
not.  The background appears a rather turquoise color with random streaks
of dark or light.  There in the distance the sits the Romulan Warbird.  It
turns to face the Enterprise, weapons charging.  The Enterprise having
already raised shields locks phasers on the Warbird.  Suddenly the tactical
station beeps a warning, sensors have detected the presence of several
other craft.  

     "Sir, new contacts, from behind the Romulan," reported Worf.
     "On Screen."
     It is the Rebel group fleeing from the Imperial Star Destroyers which
appear on the screen.  Two ellipsoid ships with recessed engine outlets,
one larger blocky craft with what appears to be a hangar entrance and a
smaller yet faster looking craft with large clearly visible engines.  They
are heading right at the Enterprise but the Romulan Warbird lies between
them. Behind them appear two large triangular shaped ships with a tower
or blockhouse on the far end.  The two larger ships begin firing their
weapons at the first group.  Each launches four fighters which streak
ahead, attempting to close with their enemy.

     "Sir, more contacts, bearing 045 mark 13," 
     "Split screen, let's have both on the main viewer."
     Now comes another ship, large and graceful, it appears extremely
massive, probably as much or more than one of the large triangular ships. 
It has three major parts, two outrigger pods ride lower than the main hull
of this monstrous ship.  Its engine housing takes up the rear quarter of
this majestic behemoth.  Behind them appear two circular ships, each a
pair of disks joined by a large but not unduly thick stem.  The Romulan ship
sees these arrivals and decides  to attack the Rebel ships which are
passing very close by and heading toward the Enterprise.  A rebel ship is
lightly damaged and the Romulan decides to fade away and activates it
cloaking device.  

     "Sir, the Romulan has fired on the first arrivals, sensors show light
damage to the approaching ship.  Apparently it has sustained damage prior
to its arrival here." stated Data.  "The other arrival matches the ship
configuration of a Battlestar, one similar to the Galactica, it does not
differ significantly in design from the ship we met earlier, but it
definitely is not the same one."
     "Another Battlestar?  I thought they said they were the last
Battlestar?"  Riker said to no one in particular.
     "Perhaps this ship is a survivor the Galactica crew were unaware of,"
proposed Data.  "It is after all a reasonable possibility that there could
have been survivors and this Battlestar is one of the original twelve."

     Before they can consider to contact the Battlestar, the Pegasus moves
off and fades from view having activated it's camouflage screen.  The
Cylons having arrived late do not appear to notice the existence of the
Pegasus or its timely disappearance.  The rebel ships move to streak past
the point where the Enterprise lies waiting. Most steer clear of the
starship but they are moving to put the Enterprise between them and the
approaching Star Destroyers.

     "I wonder who they are?" asked the crewperson at navigation.
     "No overt offensive actions detected, no weapons locks exhibited by any
of the passing ships... sensors indicate that each of the ships has some
kind of defensive screen and high energy weapons."  reported Worf.  "The
closing ships appear to be one-man tactical fighters.  The larger triangular
vessels are obviously some kind of carrier."
     "Mister Worf, maintain a defensive posture, do not lock phasers on the
incoming ships, let them pass.  Mister Data, scan those incoming fighters,
see what you can learn about them," ordered Picard.
     "Aye Sir" the reply from both.
     
     Four TIE fighters divert and attempt to close with the Cylon Basestars
and examine it.  Two screening Rebel fighters fire on Enterprise just
before they pass.  The shields hold but the shots are felt by those on the
bridge.

     "Sir, enemy fire has reduced the shields by ten percent.  I'm reinforcing
them now.  Each ship fired twice, equivalent firepower...0.25 gigawatts per
volley per ship.  Rather formidable armament for a one-man fighter,"
reports Worf.
     "Any indication of continued hostilities?" asked Picard.
     "No the fighters have rejoined their group.  Communication detected
between the fighters and other ships of the group."
     "It appears they're getting reprimanded for shooting first," stated
Riker.
     "Mister Worf, try to hail the largest ship of the group.  Open a channel,"
ordered Picard.
     "Pursuing ships are closing on our position and are assuming an attack
posture.  Ships are smaller one-man fighters, opening a channel now, sir."

     Before Picard can speak the TIE fighters sweep over the Enterprise,
firing a few shots themselves, aiming at the port nacelle, the fighters
close to near point-blank range and release four quick shots each at the
nacelle.  Shields flare attempting to dissipate the energy.  A small
explosion can be seen emerging from the nacelle.  The Enterprise rocks. 
The TIE fighters continue on toward the Rebel Group.

     "Bridge, this is LaForge, what just hit us?"
     "Close channel Mister Worf, what just happened?" asked Picard.
     "Damage report, port nacelle struck by enemy weapons fire.  Enemy
fired several grouped successive shots against the port nacelle and
succeeded in penetrating the shields there locally.  Warp Drive is off-line."
     "Mister LaForge, what is the status of the port nacelle?"
     "Well it looks like the nacelle has been struck by a phaser but there
isn't any residual particles and the shields are still up albeit only at 50
percent.  The damage to the nacelle will prevent us from entering warp for
a short time, at least until I can compensate for the damage.  The rest of
the shields show nominal."
     "Very well Mister LaForge.  Contact me once repairs have been
completed."
     "Sir we are being hailed."
     "Same ship we tried to contact?" Riker asked.
     "No sir, the transmission is originating from the smallest of the
crewed vessels of that first group.  The one that sustained prior battle
damage."
     "Put it on screen," ordered Picard.

     There on the screen appears an elderly human, apparently a statesman
of some kind, Picard recognizes a fellow diplomat from his proud carriage.

     "Greetings sir, I am Councilor Brennas, I wish to apologize for the
actions of my escorts, those fighters which fired on your ship."
     "I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise representing the
Federation of Planets.  I accept your apology.  Would you care to meet face
to face to discuss our situation?"
     "I'd be happy to Captain, except first we need to deal with the
Imperials."
     "Imperials?  are those the ships which damaged my vessel?
     "Yes, those TIE fighters are currently engaged with my fighter escort,
they come from those Imperial Star Destroyers.  The ones which disabled
my ship."
     "Permit me to contact you later,... once the situation has stabilized."
     "Certainly Captain."

Meanwhile the TIE fighters have disengaged from the Rebel Group, several
Rebel singleships were launched from one of the transports, a converted
carrier.  The TIEs head back to the Star Destroyers seeing that the rebels
clearly outnumber them at the moment.  The other TIE group closes with
the Cylons, but suddenly veer away and leisurely proceed to return to the
Star Destroyers, now slowed and appear to be evaluating the presence of
the two Cylon Basestars.  The TIE retreat, but Cylon fighters are launched. 
Fifteen fighters fly out after the retreating TIE fighters.  The TIEs turn
back and engage the Cylon Raiders.  A quick dogfight ensues, the Cylons
lose eight of their ships very quickly and retreat to their Basestar.  The
TIE fighters also return to their mother ship having only lost one TIE to a
small pinwheel attack.  The Cylon Basestars after recovering their
fighters retreat quite a distance but remain in visual range.  The Star
Destroyers send out four fighters each to establish a perimeter and move
off from where the Enterprise and Rebel ships sit.  A standoff has occurred
and silence descends.

Battle Order
     Commander Cain can't believe his luck.  Having successfully evaded the
pursuing Cylons only to be lost in some strange region of space.  Then he
discovers several ships almost all crewed entirely by humans! 
Unfortunately the Cylons appeared and the timely activation of the
camouflage screen seems to have confused the Cylons.  Certainly Cain is
confused, how come so many humans in this strange region of space?  Who
are these humans?  Are any of them the Thirteenth Tribe?  How do the
Cylons figure into this?  Questions, questions.  I need answers,  I need to
communicate with those other humans.  

     "Flight Officer, ready a Starhound and remote escort.  Minimum
preparedness fighters.  The escorts are clearly expendable and my ship
should be also."
     "Your Ship?" queried the surprised Adjutant.  "Just what do you think
you're going to do?" he asked.
     "Why I'm going to a conference.  Maintain the camouflage screen, do not
launch fighters after me.  The Cylons will pick up that the Pegasus is here
so you need to maintain a low profile.  Move the Pegasus away, initiate an
oscillating helix pattern once I contact you.  Finish storing all those
volatiles.  I figure we need to be ready to go into battle soon, very soon."
     "Yes, Commander,  be careful."
     "Adama is Careful, I'm Crazy" smiled Cain.  "May the Lords of Kobol be
with us."

Picard talks to rebels on audio only.  The Councilor explains their flight
and asks for assistance in escaping the Imperials.  They request time to
repair their ship before hostilities begin and they must eventually fight to
gain their freedom.  Picard agrees.  Asks for a face to face meeting.  The
councilor agrees reluctantly.  Ten minutes.  The Warbird remains cloaked
and undetected.  The Pegasus launches two Starhound fighters, the
Starhound is a small one man ship with a flat aerocraft appearance.  The
ship contacts the Enterprise on a tight angle transmission.

     "Sir we are being hailed by a fighter launched from the invisible
carrier.  Its a tightbeam transmission, audio only," reported Worf.
     "On speaker," replied Picard.  
     "Attention, Attention, I need to speak with the commanding officer of
the ship I'm now approaching.  Please Respond." 
     "Sensors show the pilot of one craft is humanoid the other is a
remotely piloted vehicle.  Probably slaved to the first one...  Weapons
systems do not appear to be enabled on either of the approaching fighters."
     Picard looks at Riker, he tilts his head knowingly, "Might as well meet
the other players here." Riker stated.  Picard looks toward the viewscreen.
    "Open Channel Mister Worf,  This is Jean-Luc Picard, Commander of the
Federation Starship Enterprise, to whom am I addressing."
     "This is Commander Cain.  I request a face to face meeting with you. 
Can you facilitate that.?"
     "Certainly Commander, I'd beam you aboard but perhaps you'd rather
land in our main shuttle bay."
     "Negative, matter transmission is perfect for the circumstances.  I
request that you destroy my ship and its escort after you transport me."
     Riker and Picard exchange confused glances.
     "Please repeat last statement.  You want us to beam you aboard and
then destroy your ship?" asked Picard rather carefully.
     "That is correct.  Trust me, I'm setting my ship on a collision course. 
No further transmission.  Next contact face to face, Cain out."
     "Sir I'm detecting a tightbeam transmission from the fighter to the
point of launch.  The fighters are locked on a collision course with the
Enterprise.  The fighters are not closing overly quickly.  Weapons systems
remain unenergized.  Estimate one minute to optimum transport distance. 
Shall I lock phasers on the fighters?"
     "Yes Mister Worf, lock phasers but do not fire until our guest is aboard. 
Transporter room 3.  Mister O'Brien."
     "O'Brien here Captain, what can I do for you?"
     "Lock transporters on the humanoid in the approaching fightercraft. 
Beam him aboard as soon as its safe.  Signal Mister Worf when you have his
pattern in the transporter."
     "Aye, aye sir, no problem."
     "Mister Worf, prepare tractor beam.  Number One, meet Commander Cain
in the Transporter Room.  We'll save our questions until we can ask them
with our guest."
     "Aye, Captain," acknowledged Riker, "I'll bring him to the main briefing
room."
     "Mister Worf, any sign of explosives or other potentially dangerous
equipment aboard the fighters?"
     "No sir, everything appears normal...Transport verified.  Firing Phasers."

     Two orange beams streak out from the Enterprise's ventral phaser
array, a bit of virtuosity by Worf as both fighters are simultaneously
destroyed.  No wreckage or flotsam escape the expanding sphere of gas.

     Seated at the head of the conference table in the main briefing room of
the Enterprise, Picard stands quickly as the doors open and admit
Commander Riker preceded by Commander Cain.  Worf, Geordi, Troi,
Dr.Crusher and Data are also present.

     "Greetings Commander Cain, I'm Captain Picard, and these are my senior
officers aboard the Enterprise."  Picard introduces Cain to each officer
present.  "I'm sure you have some questions to ask us, but please wait a
moment as another delegation is arriving, that way we spare ourselves
unnecessary repetition."

     Cain takes a seat to the right of Picard's chair.  From the other doorway
arrives the Rebel delegation, led by Senator Brennas.

     "Well met Captain, I'm Senator Brennas, these gentlemen with me are
my assistants."  Brennas pauses a moment, glances at Cain and addresses
him.  "Greetings Sir, I wish everyone here the very best."
     "Commander Cain here has come from the hidden Battlestar which
arrived after you did in this space.  We seem to have met one another under
most combative circumstances," remarked Picard.
     Commander Cain looks askance at Picard, thoughtful about his remark
about the Pegasus.  "Yes Senator, I'm the commander of that warship and
I'm deeply interested in why we are all here."
     "Certainly, why don't I begin the explanations," said Brennas.

     Brennas spends several minutes explaining the circumstances of his
arrival.  How his rendezvous was betrayed and his ship damaged.  The Star
Destroyers represent an oppressive government he is dedicated to
overthrow and restore the old republic.  Picard quickly explains how they
were on a mission to examine an unusual phenomena and how they sought
the Warbird within the cloud.  Picard also remarks that the Romulan ship
is not of his fleet and represents a neighboring spacefaring race.  Cain
stands and addresses the crowd in the briefing room.  He explains that for
several yarhens the Pegasus has been raiding and fighting the Cylons, a
race of lizard-like creatures devoid of any shred of humanity and whose
goal is to wipe out every trace of humanity they can find.  The Cylons
destroyed almost all of his race.  A few humans managed to escape, the
Pegasus continues to fight the Cylons but it is an uphill battle.

     "I'd like to express my apologies to Captain Picard.  When I saw that
your fighters were destroyed by the Enterprise I was quite shocked by that
action," said Brennas to Cain.  "I can guess why you chose to have your
transportation destroyed."
     "Of, course," Riker said, "You wanted to prevent the Cylons from
discovering that you had contacted the Enterprise, but what made you think
we could retrieve you safely while destroying your vessel?"
     "Our scanners showed a large vessel, the Enterprise, with only minor
shuttlecraft capability.  Given the number of human lifesigns and the lack
of hull exits I surmised that matter transmission was a technology both
mastered and employed by your vessel.  Further the number of transparent
surfaces indicated a ship not devoted to conflict, and your lack of
combative response to either the Councilor's forces of those of the
Imperials, indicated to me that I could reasonably approach your ship and
that it would be a better than even chance that I could convince you to take
me aboard."
     "Not that you didn't suceed Commander Cain, but that was a grave risk
you took attempting to contact us.  It is quite fortunate that we have
already encountered other humans of your like, probably ones you once
knew."
     "I can hazard a guess that you were referring to Commander Adama of
the Battlestar Galactica, right?" responded Cain.  "I noticed some unusual
references in our communication that gave rise to my suspicions.  Just
how did the Galactica and her fleet fare?"
     "At our last encounter the Galactica and her fleet were given asylum
within the Federation from the Cylons.  We haven't had any further
opportunity to see what their progress is.  The Galactica failed to mention
anything about the ability to render a Battlestar invisible," spoke Picard.
     "There were basically three major lines of Battlestars, long-range and
duration cruisers like the Pegasus, capital warships with independent
sustainable systems and a command Battlestar for fleet organization, the
flagship.  The Pegasus was the only Battlestar which had operable
camouflage screens when the Cylons destroyed our homeworlds.  The
screens hadn't even been tested prior to that, and were installed over the
objections of Commander Adar, of our flagship.  I ordered the completion
of those systems mere hours prior to that devastating Cylon attack.  I've
dedicated my life to destroying the Cylons, and as far as I know, the
Galactica and Pegasus are all that remain.  
     "Captain if I may, I'd like for you to keep any reference of your contact
with the Pegasus from those survivors."

End of Part 1 of 5