From: ccchu@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Conrad Chihta Chu)
Subject: Re: More Than a Chance Meeting Part 5 of 5 
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 18:41:23 GMT


	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 5 of 5



     "Have you tried purging the life support in the contested areas?"
     "Not a viable option Captain.  Controls are erratic and fighting has
spread to the living areas.  Almost everyone up there is okay.  The Bridge
is still in control of the Imperials but if we could remove the Cylons we
can push them back through their boarding towers or enough to retake the
ship."
     "But the Cylon Boarders are heavily armored and powerful.  We cannot
win as we did against the Imperials," Worf interjected.  "The Cylons will
require stronger measures."
     "Understood.  Our attempt to disable the Star Destroyer holding you
failed.  Do you have control of the propulsion systems?"
     Riker shakes his head.  "Negative, without control of the Bridge
Propulsion is not under our command."
     "Can you locate every Cylon on board the Enterprise?"
     "Not easily, the best sensors we have are Tricorders.  The Battle
section can do a much better job of it than we can."
     "Unfortunately I need you to relay the coordinates.  Send out scouting
parties with tricorders.  Relay the position of the Cylons to the Battle
Bridge.  Raise the shields between the saucer and the Star Destroyer.  We'll
handle the rest."
     "Aye Sir, I understand.  Riker out."
     "Sir, what are we going to do?" Data asked perplexed.
     "We are going to remove the Cylons from the Saucer section ourselves."
     "Ah, we shall use our transporters to beam them off the Saucer section. 
Captain, just where do we beam them to too?" Data asked intrigued.
     "Find those Cylon Fighters they came in.  Have the Cargo Transporters
move them out into space and they shall receive the Cylons off the Saucer
section."
     "I understand now Captain.  A most ingenious solution.  A most
humanitarian solution too," Data acknowledged.
     "Helm bring us under the Saucer section, 20 meter separation, Lower
dorsal forward shields for transport."
     "Aye sir."
     "Commencing transport of Cylon Fightercraft.  Systems aboard all
fighters appear to be shut down.  Enemy fighters are closing on our
position.  Estimate we have one minute before they can react to our
vulnerability.  We are taking long range fire from the other Star Destroyer. 
No significant effect at this time."
     "Tactical fire Photon Torpedoes at the incoming fighters, maximum
volume displacement.  Discourage them from advancing on the Enterprise. 
Also send a few Torpedoes around to the rear of the other Star Destroyer."
     "Aye aye, Sir.  Torpedoes firing Now."
     "Coordinates of Cylon warriors incoming now Captain.  Beginning
Transport," Data announced.

     After an agonizing period of only two minutes the last Cylon is beamed
off the Saucer section and into their transports.  Several have managed to
power up their systems but are being held in tractor beams to prevent any
mischief.  Riker contacts the Battle Bridge.

     "Sir all Cylons have been removed from the Primary Hull.  We can retake
the Saucer section now with the available manpower.  However the
Imperials are modulating their screens in a manner which severely
interferes with transporter operation.  We cannot move their injured or
wounded out."
     "We'll think of something when the time comes.  Just regain command
of the Saucer section, Will.  Good luck."
     "Appreciated Captain, Riker out."

     Meanwhile the Rebel ships have managed to remove themselves from
the bulk of the conflict and are moving toward the distortion behind the
Pegasus.  Rebel singleships are still flying and engaging the occasional
enemy fighter.  Cylon forces are ignoring the Star Destroyers and the
Enterprise instead the majority are moving to attack and overwhelm the
Pegasus.  The Basestars have finished flanking the Star Destroyers and are
advancing like two points of a claw on the lone Battlestar.  Again a spatial
distortion is forming.  This time it exists opposite the current one.  Points
of light shine through but the Pegasus does not seem interested in it. 
After all the Cylons are between it and the Pegasus.  The Enterprise is
still holding near the captive Saucer section.  Shields have been
reestablished as energy is blocked from striking the Star Drive section. 
The Indomitable is closing on the Ambassador.  TIE Fighters are breaking
off from their current engagements.  It appears that space is being cleared
for a clash of titans between the Battlestar and two Basestars.

     "Sir, our troops report they are being driven back by the Saucership's
forces.  They have the advantage of terrain and have reduced our boarding
parties to half their original strength."
     "What of the other boarders?"
     "Our scanners show that the Saucership has transmitted the other
boarders back onto their transports and is currently holding them in a
tractor beam below their ship.  Only our forces and theirs remain to
contest for the Saucer, sir."

     The Captain looks out at the Rebels and ponders the news before him. 
Things are not good.  The Rebels have taken the opportunity to break away
from battle and seem ready to flee the area.  Certainly they are no match
for the Star Destroyer's forces having lost so many singleships and having
their best combat vessel crippled by a kamikaze attack.  Unfortunately the
Saucer's marines seem able to hold off the Imperial troops and victory
does not seem near.

     "Sir, the Commodore wishes to speak with you."
     "Put him through.  Greetings Commodore what is it I can do for you Sir,"
the Captain said.
     "I want an update of your progress.  How goes the battle for the
Saucership?"
     "Well sir the stormtroopers are meeting and have been meeting since
their initial breach of the Saucership, considerable resistance."
     "Go on Captain, how long before we take the ship?"
     "Sir, I don't have any idea how long it might be or that we will take the
ship."
     "What!  Explain yourself Captain."
     "Sir, the initial attack was quite successful.  The enemy was firing
limited energy output weapons against the Stormtroopers but after
several minutes the defenders increased their fire from stun settings to
thermal disruption and burn.  While not as effective or as fast as our
blasters every one of the defenders is an excellent shot.  We suffered
considerable losses because of this.  Right now only half of the boarders
are combat worthy, the rest are injured or knocked out."
     "Then send more men and finish the job, knock the other half out!"
     "Sorry sir, you misunderstand, half of Our forces are injured or
incapacitated.  We do not know for certain the strength of the defenders."
     "What of the other boarders, the ones that entered from the landing
area?"
     "Sir to the best of our knowledge, they have all been removed from the
Saucership."
     With a frown on his face the Commodore asked, "What happened to
them."
     "Sir you see the fighters being held in tractors beneath the
Saucership?"
     "Yes Captain, you point?"
     "Well sir, the Saucership has transported those hostile boarders back to
their ships and are holding them there.  Effectively removing them from
the battle."
     "But why haven't they done that to your troops Captain?"
     "Sir I believe the commander of that ship does not want to cause death
needlessly.  Witness the transport of the other boarders, and their internal
security wielding stun weapons.  We have modified our screens to
interfere with frequencies that the Saucership's shields do.  Those
frequencies which we do not operate in."
     "Those are the frequencies the Saucership uses to transport matter
around?  Of course."  After a pause the Commodore asked, "What about the
Rebels, are they disengaging and fleeing?"
     "Yes Sir, in my opinion that is exactly what they are doing.  Sir if I may,
we have prevented the Rebels from obtaining matter transmission
technology.  We ourselves are proscribed in developing it.  May I
respectfully suggest we recall our troops and pursue the Rebels before
they can get away?"
     "You want me to order our forces after the Rebels and forget about the
Saucership and its attack?"
     "Sir we did attack first and none of our troops have been killed. 
Fortunate for them their armor did allow those struck at the increased
intensity to survive until medical assistance was available.
     "Sir our orders are to get the Rebels,  holding and fighting for this ship
will not further our objective."
     "I understand your view Captain," the Commodore responded.  After a
moment to think, "Can we recall our troops quickly enough to get after the
Rebels before they can reach the window?"
     "Sir I believe we can, if we contact the Saucership, and get its promise
to withdraw simultaneous with our own."
     "Very good Captain, I trust your instincts.  I'll move the Indomitable
after the Rebels immediately, you work out the necessary details with the
Saucership's commander."
     "Thank you Sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise the fighting has begun to diminish.  The Imperial
Stormtroopers have begun to fall back to their entry points taking their
wounded with them.  Enterprise security are perfectly willing to let them
retreat.  On the Battle Bridge Picard is surprised to learn of this sudden
turn of events.

     "Sir, we are being hailed by the Star Destroyer," Data announced.
     "Put it on screen."

     The viewscreen shows a middle-aged soldier.  The Ambassador's
Captain, behind him is a generic control panel worked by a crewman.

     "Sir, as Commander of this vessel, I ask you for a truce."

     Picard is stunned by the words uttered by the Captain that he forgets
the common protocol of announcing himself to new species.  These are
after all humans like himself.

     "I would like your agreement to let our troopers return to this ship and
allow you to recover you own.  In return we ask that you stand aside while
we continue about on our business."
     "You wish to continue pursuing the Councilor's forces?"

     The Captain's face betrays a moment of approval at Picard's usage. 
Councilor not Rebel.  Very thoughtful..

     "Yes I do, we shall withdraw from your vessel immediately if you so
agree."
     "One moment if you please," Picard replied. "Cut signal," he ordered Data. 
Data quickly complies.  "Well Data what do you think?"
     "It certainly would allow us to rejoin the Enterprise.  Any other course
would require more fighting and potential loss of life for both sides."

     Picard nods in agreement, then signals Data to restore the signal.  The
screen again shows the Captain of the Ambassador.

     "I agree to your conditions.  We shall stand aside once your forces have
evacuated the Enterprise."
     "Very good Sir," he replied, smiles quickly and closes the channel.
     "That was rude of him," Picard said out loud.
     "Perhaps he was in a hurry and his attention was needed elsewhere?"
Data suggests to Picard.  "Perhaps having accomplished his task he no
longer concerned himself with our presence?"
     "Certainly strange behavior.  Still I wonder why..." Picard said.  "Contact
Commander Riker, have him contact me from the Bridge as soon as he is
able."
     "Yes sir."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain is looking out into space with a
certain grim determination.  His fighters, the first wave, have met and
begun fighting it out.  The Cylons however are not interested in a prolonged
engagement.  Having launched his second wave he stands at the railing of
the Command Center pondering the outcome.  His options are limited.  One
Solonite packed fighter attack at the right place and everything goes up. 
Several Starhounds on board are loaded with Solonite too and a successful
attack against the Landing Bay could spell disaster for the Pegasus.  He
couldn't outrun those fighters, not before and certainly not now.  The
problem was how to escape.  The solution had not found its way into his
imagination yet.

     "Captain, what is the situation?"
     "Sir the Cylons have broken through the first wave and are proceeding
to assault the Pegasus.  There are over a hundred fighters still approaching
in the leading wave."
     "And what of the Enterprise?"
     "It appears the Enterprise has made a truce with the Imperial forces. 
The other Star Destroyer is moving to pursue the first group and the Cylon
transports have been released.  The transports are heading back to their
motherships."
     "So the Enterprise is free?"
     "Not so Commander, docking arms are still connected to the Enterprise
but there is no exchange of fire between the three ships."
     "How soon do you estimate before the Enterprise will be freed?"
     "I don't know Sir, it could be just a few decitons or centons."
     "Very well, inform me the moment the Enterprise gets underway."
     "Yes Commander."

     The Rebel forces, pursued by the Star Destroyer Indomitable, have
assembled themselves successfully and assumed an escort formation. 
They have circled around the fighting between the Cylons and the Pegasus. 
The Indomitable has taken up an interception course but also circling the
fighter combat.  The TIE Fighters are not out in front acting as a vanguard,
instead they are merely pacing the Indomitable actively defending the Star
Destroyer from any stray fighter leaving the melee.  The Ambassador has
withdrawn its boarding tubes and begun accelerating to intercept the
Rebel forces.  The Ambassador is much closer to the distortion than the
Rebels but is moving into an elliptic path so it approaches the Portal at
the same incident angle as the Rebels.  After a moment and a message
passed between Star Destroyers, the Ambassador moves to block the
Rebels from moving through the Portal.  Though the Ambassador is far too
small to successful occlude the Portal it can force the Rebels to fly fairly
close to it in attempting to enter.  To do so the Star Destroyer is moving
across the Portal and turning to face the incoming ships.

     The Enterprise has secured the Saucer section.  All intruders have been
removed and the Enterprise once again belongs to Federation personnel. 
Commander Riker is back in the Bridge sitting on the Center seat issuing
orders preparing the Enterprise for reconnecting with its Star Drive
section.  After a few minutes the task is accomplished and Picard restores
command back to the Main Bridge.  Just a minute later he is there to take
command of his ship.

     "Status Report Number One."
     "All ship systems show operational.  No serious damage to primary
systems.  Life support is operating on backups in certain areas and
security fields are down all along Deck four, otherwise everything appears
okay."
     "What is the Pegasus' situation?"
     "The Cylons have launched their attack at the Pegasus, their first wave
stopped about a third of the attacking raiders.  The second wave has
reduced those by half, but over fifty fighters are still approaching the
Pegasus.  The rest of her fighter's appear committed to preventing the
advance of the Cylon fighters.  The Basestars are also closing and the first
wave will have to break up or face fire support from the Basestars."
     "What of the Councilor's ships?"
     "The Star Destroyer that held the Saucer section has put itself across
the threshold of the Portal.  Any ship that attempts to pass may be fired
upon or tractored.  Captain are we going to go to their assistance?"
     "No Number One, I made a deal with the Captain of that ship.  Besides it
appears Commander Cain could use our assistance more."
     "If you say so sir."
     Picard nods to Riker then speaks to the Helmsman, "Helm plot a warp
interception course.  Put us between the Cylons approaching the Pegasus,
but not on a direct path.  Worf, ready phasers, target Solonite loaded
fighters.  They have highest priority if the Pegasus is to survive this
battle."
     "Aye sir."
     "Engage."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain jumps up as reports indicate the
Enterprise has left normal space.

     "Flight Officer, launch kamikaze fighters immediately.  Clear landing
bays of any fightercraft.  Release safeties on missiles.  Arm them for
point-blank detonation, ten second impact delay."
     "Aye sir."
     "Helm increase speed, continue to increase speed toward the Cylon
Basestars.  I want us to be moving at over half light when we get there."
     "You have a plan Sir?"  the Adjutant asked nervously.
     "Yes son I do.  Something I did before I intent to repeat.  After all why
waste a trick that works?" Cain said cryptically and smiled at the
Adjutant.
     "Sir the Enterprise is ahead of us.  She's firing on the Cylons!"

     Cylon Fighters struck by the Enterprise explode in a magnificent
display of fireworks.  Explosions far greater than a normal fighter's death. 
Every fighter hit explodes like the one before it.  After a minute the
Enterprise has stopped firing and hails the Pegasus.

     "Sir the Enterprise is hailing us.  We will soon pass her if we continue
on course."
     "How long till we reach the Basestars?"
     "Only five microns remain between us.  Sir are you going to answer the
Enterprise?"
     "No time.  Ignore their hails, ready missiles, activate fighter defenses. 
Order the Starhounds to break and attack the Basestars."
     "Sir that's suicidal we'll be swarmed by their Solonite impact
Fighters."
     "If I'm right the Enterprise has eliminated all those which could have
damaged us severely.  Now we have the opportunity to destroy one or both
Basestars and escape."
     "But the Cylons won't retreat."
     Cain looks at his adjutant and smiles.  "You care to make a bet about
that?"

     The Pegasus continues to advance, accelerating at the Basestars. 
Starhounds have broken off and are advancing on the Basestars, the third
wave is close behind.  Several Cylons attempt to attack the Pegasus but
her increasing speed make the task much more difficult.  The Basestars
seeing the Pegasus advancing toward them begin to fire their long-range
weaponry.  Most of the beams have been destroyed by other attacks and
few shots are striking the exterior armor of the approaching Battlestar. 
Fighters are moving aside as the carriers come together.  The Enterprise is
passed by and turns to view the final confrontation.  Now the Pegasus is so
close that fighters don't matter anymore, it down to Battlestar against
Basestar.  The Pegasus' fighters are just ahead of the Pegasus and are
swarming the Basestars, ignoring the Cylon fighters which have broken off
their attack of the Pegasus and come to the assistance of the fighter
defenses.  Just as the Battlestar nears the two Basestars it launches its
missiles.  Travelling right between the two Basestars the Pegasus
releases its deadly payload and is engulfed by the resounding explosions of
two Basestars being destroyed.  Space is filled with light and then
replaced by darkness.  Everything is obliterated by the destruction of the
Basestars and Battlestar.  No fighters remain, nor any debris of significant
size.  Just dust and charged particles remain.  The spatial distortions have
all disappeared.  The Enterprise is alone in space.

     Aboard the Enterprise the Bridge Crew look at the viewscreen
mesmerized by the flight of the Pegasus.  Enemy fighters swarm her sides
and fire at her weak points but all this doesn't seem to matter.  The
Pegasus is attacking like an unstoppable object while the two Basestars
return fire, sitting there like an unmovable wall.  Fighters are attacking
each other but it doesn't matter, this battle will be decided by the big
ships.  Picard orders the sensors to track the Pegasus.  All watch as the
Basestars begin a belated retreat away from the attacking Battlestar.  

     "Sir the Cylons have begun to retrograde from the Pegasus," Data
reported.  "They are attempting to move away from the Battlestar. 
Fighters are engaged in close support and suppression fighting.  The
Starhounds are being destroyed, sir."
     "What does he think he's doing?" Riker asked out loud.  "What he's doing
is suicidal."
     "Worf, range between Basestars and Battlestar."
     "Distance from Battlestar to Basestar is one hundred thousand
kilometers and closing.  Separation between Basestars is ten thousand
kilometers and increasing.  Sir the Pegasus has launched her missiles. 
Course is sti..."

     Worf is interrupted by the explosion of the Pegasus' missiles.  The
secondary explosions are even greater.  Before the screens can compensate
properly a blinding flash of light dazzles everyone on the Bridge.  Alarms
sound as sensors fail, blinded by the enormous energies suddenly released. 
Once the sensors are restored nothing is visible.  Space is as quiescent as
normal.  Tranquility lies outside while just a moment ago it was filled
with destruction and violence.

     "Sensor Report," Picard ordered.
     Data taps his keyboard,  "No objects of significant size detected by our
sensors.  Several thousand cubic centimeters of dust and charged particles
remain at the approximate site of the explosion.  No sign of any distortions
either."
     "She's gone," Riker said.  "Blown to sub-atomic particles."
     "Are there any fightercraft still in the vicinity?"
     "No sir, we are the only vehicle our sensors can detect.  The Pegasus is
simply not out there anymore."
     "Any sign of the Imperials or the Councilor's forces?" Picard asked.
     "Sensor logs show that the Rebel forces ran the Imperial Blockade and
managed to slip by the Star Destroyers.  The Star Destroyers lost time in
maneuvering clear for pursuit and once through the portal began to close. 
Closure was not recorded as the explosion we witnessed overloaded our
sensors for a few seconds."
     "Thank you Data,"  Picard said.  "Continue to scan for new spatial
distortions.  Stand down from Red Alert."
     "Aye sir, Red Alert has been cancelled."
     "Sir look at the viewscreen," Data announced.

     There on the screen appears a clouded face with green eyes the only
visible feature.  The cloud is deep blue and continues to move.  Smoke or
some similar gas roils around the edges defining the face.  The crew look
on and wait for it to speak.

     "<So you have survived.>

     "<You have won this contest.>

     "<You are the only one to remain on this field.>

     "<My congratulations.>"

     "What has happened here occurred by your design?" Picard asked.

     "<Yes it has.>  <I'm surprised to find that it is you who remain.>"

     Picard looks at his crew for moment taking in their individual
reactions to this statement.  "Why are you surprised?" he asked.

     "<I had initially judged your potential to be the least of those present.> 

     <That judgement appears to be in error.>"

     "On what basis did you make this judgment?" Picard asked again.

     "<Yours is not a ship made for war.>  <A compromise perhaps but not one

     dedicated to combat as others here were.>"

     "Was that the sole basis for your judgment?"

     "<No, I chose you because there existed the slight possibility that you

     could survive and emerge victorious in this contest.>

     "<Your ship has superior maneuverability and matter transmission

     technology.>  <However your propulsion techniques were inferior to those of

     the Empire.>"

     "Was that the sole question answered by your test.  That we survived
despite what you expected?"

     "<No.>

     "<A secondary objective is one of Good versus Evil, a concept unique to

     your species.>  <Good was triumphant in all cases.>  <Much to my dismay.>

     <I expected Evil to win at least once if not twice.>  <A draw perhaps but 

     not what has transpired."

     "Will you release us from this space and return us to our own?" Picard
asked.

     "<In a moment...>

     "<I have a question of you...> 

     "<One that I cannot answer...>

     "<Why are you the victor?>  <What makes you different from your species,

     those that were here, fought and lost, but you won?>"

     "I would say that our mission is one of peace and exploration as
opposed to a mission of destruction," Picard replied.

     "<That is your answer, that weakness is strength,>" the entity mocked. 

     "<You expect me to believe that.>"

     "It is the fundamental difference between the groups that were here. 
Even the Romulan operate as it they were at war with everyone.  We do
not."

     "<True...

     "<I must give this concept more thought...>

     "<Yours is an unusual species, in all respects...>

     "<You may go.>"

     Before the Enterprise a Portal suddenly appears and accelerates toward
the ship.  Before anyone can react the Enterprise is back in normal space,
along the Neutral Zone.  There is no sign of the Warbird or of the anomalous
cloud the Enterprise came to investigate.  Everything is back to the way it
was.  What happened might as well have been a dream.



End of Part 5 of 5