From: ccchu@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Conrad Chihta Chu)
Subject: Re: More Than a Chance Meeting Part 3 of 5 
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 18:39:49 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 3 of 5



     "Like the Tylium fuel tanks," Geordi announced.
     "Yes, those fuel tanks hold that volatile fuel but fortunately are fairly
well defended.  It would take quite a bit of damage to breach the armor
sufficiently to allow any serious shot to penetrate with enough energy to
detonate the Tylium stored," Cain said.  "Captain be advised, the Tylium
tanks are huge, for safety.  This means that all the Tylium must reach its
flash point before all of it will detonate or liberate its energy.  Such an
event is catastrophic if uncontrolled.  Such is how several Battlestars
probably met their fate.  You would not want to be anywhere near the
location of that much Tylium being converted into energy and Solium,
which in turn could also be converted into explosive energy."

     A thoughtful pause at the briefing table.

     "Thank you Commander Cain, I shall keep that in mind," Picard said. 
"Data, continue the briefing."
     "The Cylons do not appear to have tractor technology nor matter
transmission capability.  We can assume that those factors favor us in an
engagement.  The Basestar does have extensive layers of armor and impact
shielding including rudimentary energy and particle screens.  The extent of
firepower which is needed in order to breach the defensive shielding
cannot be determined.  It will however take much of the Enterprise
weaponry to achieve such an effect.  Previous close combat favored the
armored Basestar in a prolonged engagement.
     "In summary the Basestar is a carrier platform for faster attack craft,
wielding equivalent medium to short range energy weapons and having
sufficient armor to withstand several direct hits of either Phasers or
Photon Torpedoes.  However the Basestars are like the Star Destroyers,
both are not nearly as maneuverable as the Enterprise.  Without surprise
and a sub-light engagement, the Enterprise is also favored in combat."
     "However, there are two Basestars out there as well as two Star
Destroyers,"  Doctor Crusher announced.  "It seems that we are a little
overmatched except for our maneuverability."  Pause.  "What do you think
will happen?"
     "Well Doctor, it shall depend on what everyone else does.  The
Enterprise's mission is exploration not warfare.  While we do find
ourselves in a hostile situation we can only hope to extricate ourselves
without causing undue harm," Picard said.  "Commander Cain, do you know
where your vessel is right now?"
     "Yes Captain I do.  You have something in mind?" 
     "We need to get you back to your ship as covertly as possible. 
Unfortunately our transporters are of limited range..." 
     "But, Captain?" Cain asked.
     Riker smiles for a moment, "But our transporters are not overly large
either."
     "You mean that your shuttlecraft have matter transmission capability?"
asked Cain, astonished.  "You could transmit me from one of your auxiliary
craft back to the Pegasus?"
     "Yes Commander we can."
     "Incredible."
     "Commander Data, will you see to it?"
     "Certainly Captain, I shall prepare a shuttlecraft immediately."  Data
gets up from his seat and leaves the briefing room.
     "Now all we need is an opportunity..."
     "Bridge to Captain Picard."
     "Picard here."
     "Sir the Cylon Basestars have increased their sortie rate and appear to
be assembling their fighters for an attack."
     "On my way, Picard out.  Gentlemen if you please."
     "It appears an opportunity may be at hand," Cain said as everyone leaves
the main briefing room and heads for the Bridge.

Begin Battle

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar an IL series robot reports to the Imperious
Leader.

     "By your command, Imperious Leader."
     "Your report, Cylon."
     "Our scanners have detected an anomaly in the space between our
vessels and that of the Saucership.  This anomaly is presumably the
Pegasus.  Additional fighters have been launched to take up perimeter
stations around the anomalous region.  Within one centon we can launch all
the remaining attack craft and strike at the hidden Pegasus."
     "Excellent Cylon, see to it that the other ships do not aid the Pegasus."
     "By your Command."

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Ambassador the activity of the Cylons does
not go unnoticed.  Flight crews are busy readying fighters for action,
gunners are standing around nervously awaiting their next order, the
command crew are pouring over the latest intelligence about their
adversaries..

     "Sir, the Discships have increased their sortie rate and appear to be
assembling their fighters for an attack."
     "Sound the Alert, all hands to combat stations.  Pilots to their ships,
all hands are to ready for combat."
     "Yes Sir!"
     "Instruct the Flight Leaders that their primary objective is to cripple
the propulsion system of that Saucership, it is an even higher priority than
destroying rebel forces.  Order them engage the Rebels and once the
Saucership comes to assist the Rebels, to have the TIE's attack and disable
the sub-light drive system of that Saucership."
     "At once Captain," answered a Lieutenant.  He runs of to carry out his
orders.
     "Inform the Interceptor Squadrons that they will launch under specific
orders.  They are to be retained until later in the engagement."
     "Yes Sir."
     "Sir the Saucership has launched a shuttlecraft and it is heading away
from the Discships."
     "Is that ship heading for the Rebel forces?" the Captain asked.
     "No sir, the ship is heading away from all detected ships."
     "Sir, scanners now detect an anomaly within the volume patrolled by
the Discship's fighters.  It could be a cloaked vessel.."
     "Excellent, Launch the TIE Squadrons now."

     Aboard the Enterprise Captain Picard watches the Roddenberry proceed
toward its rendezvous with the Pegasus.  

     "Sir the Imperials have launched four dozen TIE fighters.  The fighters
are assembling into formations and holding patterns around their
carriers," Worf reported.  "The Cylons have finished forming their fighters. 
Sensors detect over four hundred fightercraft now launched."
     "Thank you Worf.  Helm keep us between the Shuttlecraft and the Cylons
and Imperials.  Open a channel to the shuttlecraft."
     "Aye Sir."
     "Channel open."
     "Enterprise to Roddenberry, be advised fighters from both carriers have
launched and are prepared to attack.  Suggest you finish your business as
quickly as possible.  Picard out."

     Aboard the shuttlecraft, Cain and Data glance at one another silently.  

     "I guess this is when the fun starts," Cain said enthused.  "Good Luck
Data, and thanks for the lift."
     "Your thanks is appreciated but I have not yet succeeded in transporting
you back to your ship."
     "But I have to say thank you before I leave, I can't very well do that
from the Pegasus," Cain replied mischievously.
     Data pauses for a moment, "Your Welcome Commander Cain.  I wish you
the best of luck as well.  You may proceed to contact your ship, we should
be less than 30,000 kilometers from the Pegasus now."

     Cain taps the keyboard in front of him, a quick flashed signal, followed
by a brief text message already prepared are quickly dispatched. 

     "Okay Data, lock onto the return transmission.  Your reference point
should be a navigation beacon in the flight operations deck.  You can beam
me back to the hangar fairly safely I hope?"
     "Certainly Commander, if your reference point is accurate you will
arrive standing there as if you never left this pad."
     "Good-bye Data.  May we all celebrate after our victory."
     "Energizing.  Victory to you Commander."

     On the flight deck of the Pegasus a shimmering figure materializes. 
Flight officers look on astonished as Cain arrives and leaps for the nearest
Turbolift.

     "All crews to Battlestations, ready fighters!" Cain ordered heading for
the lift and the Bridge.

Out in this region fighters assemble for combat.  The Cylon forces strike
at the hidden ship.  Fighters swarm and attempt to penetrate the
anomalous region.  Explosions are seen in open space.  Space wavers, and
the Romulan Warbird emerges from its cloaking shield.  Fighters swarm
the exposed Warbird.  A fighter impacts the Starboard warp engine. 
Shields are overloaded from the Solonite packed fighter impacts.  The
Warbird lists slightly from the explosion and attempts to move out of the
volume of Cylon fighters.  A Pinwheel attack is in progress against the
Warbird.  Disruptors are firing continuously at the attacking fighters. 
Cylon fighters are quickly being destroyed but more are pressing the
attack.  The shields are visibly buckling and in desperation the Warbird
make a warp jump and disappears from view.

Aboard the Cylon Basestar the an audience is being held by the Imperious
Leader.  An IL series robot advances into the chamber.

     "By your command, Imperious Leader."
     "Your report, Cylon."
     "The hidden vessel was not the Pegasus.  Another vessel had cloaking
capability.  The fighters have damaged this craft but it executed a
hyperspatial jump of unknown type and is presently undetected on our
sensors.  The damage sustained to its propulsion systems should prevent it
from seriously evading our efforts."
     "Divert the fighters, detail several to continue the pursuit and attack
on the ship.  Send our fighters to engage and prevent other forces from
reaching the Basestars."
     "By your command."

     "Sir, the Romulan Warbird has managed to enter warp 1," Worf reported. 
     "Sensors indicate the Warbird sustained some structural damage to the
starboard engine and its shields are considerably weakened by the Cylon
attack." said Riker.  "Sensors track the Romulan bearing 302 mark 200. 
The warp drive is emitting graviton waves pulses.  It will have to leave
warp soon or face a major field imbalance, Sir."
     "Sir, the Imperial TIE fighters are moving to intercept and engage the
Rebel forces."
     "Suggest the shuttlecraft not return to the Enterprise just yet," Riker
said.
     "Sir, the Cylons have launched fighters toward our position and toward
the Imperials," Worf announced.  "The Warbird has dropped from warp. 
Sensors indicate the warp drive and impulse drive have sustained damage. 
Cylon fighters are attempting to close with the Warbird.  Estimate Cylons
at our position in ten minutes, Imperial fighters will engage the Rebels in
five."
     "Very good Mister Worf."
     "Sir, the Imperials are launching more fighters.  Fighters are
assembling and currently are in holding patterns.  Some elements of the
first wave appear to be breaking off and attempting to intercept the
shuttlecraft."
     "Open a channel to the shuttlecraft."
     "Channel open."
     "Enterprise to Roddenberry.  Picard here.  Fighters from the Imperials
and probably the Cylons are attempting to close on your ship.  TIE fighters
will shortly engage us or the Rebel forces.  Do not return immediately. 
Observe and avoid capture."
     "Orders understood.  Will rendezvous later.  Business has been
concluded.  Data out."
     "Sound Red Alert.  All hands to stations."
     "Sir, the Cylon fighters have changed course.  The majority are heading
toward the shuttlecraft's previous location.  Others are engaging Imperial
and Rebel forces.  A group of fighters are holding between our positions. 
Imperials are now within firing range.  They appear to be heading for the
Rebel forces.  Rebels have scrambled their fighters.  A Star Destroyer is
following the fighter wave toward the Rebels.  The other is moving into an
echelon position but directed slight toward the Cylon Basestars."
     "Thank you Worf.  Where is the shuttlecraft now?"
     "Shuttlecraft is holding away from the Rebel fleet and approaching
fighters.  Estimate nine Cylons attempting interception.  Four TIE fighters
are also closing on the shuttlecraft."
     "Shuttlecraft speed Lieutenant?"
     "Shuttlecraft is moving at one tenth impulse Sir.  Moving away from our
position and toward that of the Romulan Warbird."
     "I hope Data knows what he's doing."

     Space is filled with the melee of fighters attacking one another.  Rebel
and Imperial forces clash and seek out weaknesses in each others fighter
pilots.  The Star Destroyers are still advancing and Cylon Raiders have
entered the fray.  Rebel ships are taking a serious pounding as Cylon and
Imperial alike attack anything their weapons can reach.  The Romulan
Warbird, now in normal space is moving off from the battle pursued by
Cylon Raiders.  The Warbird's engine does not appear operational as the
particular greenish glow is not emanating from the starboard engine. 
Cylon fighters are swiftly closing the distance between them and the
damaged Warbird.  Cylon Basestars are maintaining their original distance. 
More fighters from the Basestars are being launched.  The Pegasus is still
not visible to the naked eye.  Ahead of the Romulan a distortion of space
begins to form.  A rift in space opens with the sight of normal stars
shining through.  The Romulan is moving too slowly to reach it before the
Cylon Fighters will be able to engage her.

     "Sir, the shuttlecraft is under attack.  Several fighters are now within
weapons range and are fighting each other and attempting to hit the
Roddenberry."
     "Helm plot an interception course for the shuttlecraft."
     "Aye Captain, course laid in Sir."
     "Sir, sensors now show a spatial distortion in front of the Romulan
Warbird."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen shows the distortion as a sort of portal with stars
against a dark background shining through.  The portal is easily large
enough for any ship present to pass through.

    "Sir, the computer identifies that region within the distortion as space
along the Neutral Zone."
     "Perhaps a way home.  Helm lay in the interception course.  Prepare
photon torpedoes, minimum energy, maximum spread."
     "The Romulan will not make it to the distortion before the Cylons can
engage her."
     "Thank you mister Worf.  Engage."

     The Roddenberry is nimbly avoiding the occasional fighter weapons fire
directed at it.  The Cylons and Imperials are mostly fighting amongst
themselves for the right to fire on the shuttlecraft.  The type 8
shuttlecraft has warp capability and a phaser emitter aboard.  The
Enterprise is on her way.  Before the Enterprise can arrive there are only
two TIE fighters left and only three Cylon Raiders.  The shuttlecraft
suddenly turns aggressively on the Cylon Raiders.  Maneuvering easily and
quickly behind it fires its phaser and destroys the center Raider.  A TIE
fighter gets a good shot off and strikes the shuttlecraft.  The remaining
Cylons split and evade, returning toward their carrier.  The shuttlecraft
shields have been knocked down and guidance of the vessel appears uneasy. 
The shuttlecraft miraculously avoids further damage with a series of gut
wrenching maneuvers for such a craft apparently in distress.  The
Enterprise arrives, fires on a TIE and blows it to space dust.  The
remaining fighter turns away and leaves the scene.
     Aboard the shuttle Data is coping with numerous alarms and sparking
panels.  In short order the shuttlecraft is under control again and is
tractored back into its shuttlebay.

     "Shuttlecraft is safely aboard.  No injuries reported."
     "Thank you Worf.  What is the Romulan Warbird's situation?"
     "The Romulan will be engaged by Cylon Forces in only two minutes. 
Estimate five minutes before it can reach the Portal."
     "Shall we intervene Captain?" Riker asked.  
     "I cannot approve of their destruction.  Helm plot an interception course
with the Cylon Fighters.  Mister Worf, fire a photon spread between the
Romulan and the approaching fighters.  See if you can give the Warbird a
little time, enough for it to escape."
     Worf grumbles a bit but answers, "Aye aye sir.  Torpedoes ready."

     Aboard the Pegasus Commander Cain is about to make his move.  The
Pegasus is actually fairly close to the Romulan right now.  The camouflage
screens will soon prove ineffective at such close range, but Cain is
prepared.  Fighters are ready for launch against only a portion of the
Cylon's fighter armada.

     "Flight Officer, ready Alpha and Beta Squadrons.  Have them ready to
launch the moment the Cylons divert away from the pursued vessel and
attempt to attack the Enterprise.  We'll catch them from behind and really
do some harm.
     "Have Gamma and Delta squadrons readied as soon as Alpha and Beta are
away."
     "Yes Sir!"

     The Enterprise emerges from warp near the Romulan Warbird. 
Disruptors are firing back at the pursuing fighters with only marginal
success.  

     "Fire Torpedoes!"
     "Torpedoes away," Worf announced.

     Ten torpedoes emerge simultaneously from the Forward Photon
Launcher.  The streak toward the Romulan Warbird but just barely not on an
interception course.  The photons detonate nearly simultaneously creating
a wall of energy directly between the Romulan and the pursuing Cylon
Fighters.  Several leading fighters headless of the Enterprise's weapons
launch fly into the expanding cloud of gases.  None emerge.  Other more
alert fighters turn away from the explosions and temporarily break off
their pursuit of the Warbird.  Their attention now focused on the
Enterprise.  
     The Imperial Star Destroyers are almost in range to engage the Rebel's
main force, while fighters continue to destroy each other.  The Imperials
are fielding almost twice as many fighters as the Rebels and the
firepower in beginning to tell against the Rebel forces.  Cylon fighters are
engaging any ship they can while the Basestars begin to move toward the
battle between the Imperials and the Rebel ships.

     "Sir, the Cylons has stopped pursuing the Warbird and are moving to
attack the Enterprise.  The Warbird will be able to escape now."
     "How are the Councilor's forces doing Worf?" Riker asked.
     "The Rebels are taking a beating from the Imperial fighters, the Star
Destroyers are also about to enter the engagement."
     "Sir, the Pegasus is decloaking.  She is launching her fighters.  The
Cylons are unaware of her presence and continue on an interception course
with the Enterprise."
     "Sir the Portal is beginning to shrink," the Helmsman announced.
     "Estimate the rate of closure will still allow the Warbird to pass
safely through the Portal." Data announced.  "Cylon fighters are now
engaging the Enterprise, Pegasus fighters are closing on the rear of the
Cylon formation."
     "Helm back us away from the Cylons, one quarter impulse.  Full power
to shields.  Fire photon torpedoes and phasers at will.  Let's cut down the
number of fighters the Pegasus has to handle shall we?"

     The Enterprise flies in reverse away from the Cylons pursuing her. 
Torpedoes and Phasers fire from the Enterprise, scattering the Cylon
formation and eliminating several groups of fighters.  The Starhounds have
caught up with the disarrayed Cylons.  Raiders are being destroyed at will
without a single casualty for the Pegasus so far.

     "Sir the Pegasus is hailing us."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen shifts from the view of the battle in space and focuses
on the aged veteran Cain aboard the Pegasus.  Behind him is the familiar
sight of the Command Center of a Battlestar.

     "Very Good Picard.  I can handle these Cylons for now.  You can go home."
     "Commander Cain, what about your fight?"
     "This is what I do Captain, I live to fight Cylons.  Don't worry about me
and don't forget your promise either."
     "We're not leaving yet, but I won't forget our agreement," Picard
answers with a nod toward Cain on the last spoken word.  "Good Luck
Commander, Enterprise out."
     "Good fortune to you too Picard.  Cain out."

     The viewscreen switches back to the scene of the battle.  The Cylon
fighters are demoralized.  Survivors are fleeing back toward the safety of
the Basestars.  Starhounds are pursuing and destroying stragglers.  The
Pegasus sits out there like the king of space, majestic and triumphant.

     "Helm plot a course to the Rebel forces.  Perhaps we can give them
some relief.  Maintain Red Alert.  Engage."

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar the Imperious Leader is conversing with his
Lieutenant, the IL series robot.  Reports have arrived indicating the loss of
most of the fighters assigned the task of destroying the first cloaked ship,
the presence of the Pegasus is relief of sorts.

     "Your Report Cylon."
     "Imperious Leader, the Saucership came to the aid of the cloaked
vessel.  Because we did not expect this development we sought to satisfy
the secondary objective and disable the Saucership.  Unfortunately the
Pegasus chose that moment to surprise our forces and ambush them from
behind... Resulting in the decimation of most of the fighters involved in
that action.  However now that the Pegasus has shown itself, we can
continue to track it, rendering its camouflage screen useless.  Fighters can
be assembled to assault the Pegasus at your order."
     "What of the Saucership now?"
     "The Saucership is now heading to assist the other forces they
contacted earlier against those which sought and managed to damage it
earlier.  Many of our remaining fighters are involved in that conflict.  The
transport squadron already launched and awaiting an opportunity."
     "What of the spatial distortion?"
     "We have not identified the stars visible through the portal but we can
determine that it is not a region of space known to Cylon Civilization.  I
surmise it must be the region of space the cloaked vessel and the
Saucership come from."
     "You failed to indicate earlier the possibility of another cloaked vessel
and as a result of your inadequacy several fighters and soldiers have been
destroyed."
     "I beg your forgiveness Imperious Leader.  I only sought to perform to
the best of my ability.  We lacked sufficient information for such a
conclusion."
     "The cloaked vessel then has escaped?"
     "Yes Leader it has."
     "What do you think we should do now, Cylon?"
     "The Saucership has not departed, the Pegasus is now visible, we can
pursue either objective."
     "The Saucership is heading toward our fighters in order to aid the other
forces?"
     "That is correct Imperious Leader, the Pegasus is continuing to pursue
the remaining elements and retains almost all of its fighter capability."
     "Direct the Basestars to the current engagement.  Prepare for an
opportunity to achieve our secondary objective.  Hold a wing of raiders for
defense against the Pegasus.  Assemble our spent fighters and assemble
another strike wing to attack the Pegasus once we get our opportunity.  We
must cripple or destroy the Pegasus before it can leave this space."
     "By your command."


End of Part 3 of 5