From: ccchu@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Conrad Chihta Chu)
Subject: Re: More Than a Chance Meeting Part 4 of 5 
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 18:40:36 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 4 of 5



     "By your command."

     The Enterprise warps through space and arrives at the fringe of the
battle between the Rebels and Imperials.  Rebel fighters are attacking
Cylon and Imperial ships, while both are doing likewise.  The Star
Destroyers have not closed to point-blank range but are exchanging long
range fire with the Rebel ships.  Energy is passing fast and furiously
between all the combatants.  The Rebel forces appear outnumbered by the
other combatants present.  The Enterprise arrives like an avenging angel.

     Aboard the Ambassador the commander looks on anxiously.

     "Finally the Saucership has arrived to assist the Rebels.  I was
beginning to think it wouldn't come.  Signal all Flight Leaders.  Launch an
interceptor squadron to take up the slack against the Rebel forces. 
Continue to press the Rebel units and maintain a presence against the
other fighters."
     "Aye aye sir.  Tractor crews are standing by.  A boarding detail is
prepared on the lower decks.  Suggest we use exterior hatches instead of a
docking attempt."
     "Very good Lieutenant, make it so."

     As the order reaches the TIE fighters, elements break off and
concentrate their attention on the Enterprise.  Before long nearly two
dozen TIE fighters are attacking the Enterprise.  Fighters are being
destroyed left and right but a group of TIE interceptors sweep around the
Enterprise and manage to strafe the main impulse engine.  Shields already
weakened by the pounding of Cylon and Imperial fighters fails
momentarily.  The impulse engine is damaged.  A Star Destroyer closes in. 
Rebel forces are driven back by the Imperial fighters.

     "Damage Report!" Picard shouted.
     "The main impulse engine has been hit.  Impulse power reduced to
twenty-five percent of nominal.  Shields are holding but slowly fading.  We
cannot withstand this level of firepower.  Minor structural damage reports
from deck eight and deck sixteen."
     "Bridge to Engineering, Geordi what's the situation with the impulse
drive?"
     "Geordi here, the impulse drive suffered a major breach of the
containment vessels.  The drive is only operating at twenty-five percent
and that just barely.  I need time to fix the damage.  A reasonable full
repair will require twenty minutes."
     "We don't have twenty minutes.  Do you best.  Picard out."
     "Sir the Star Destroyer is locking tractor beams on the Enterprise,"
Data announced.
     "Sir they could be planning to board the Enterprise," Riker suggested. 
"We need to take precautions.  Recommend we move to the Battle Bridge
immediately."
     "Excellent idea.  Computer transfer command to the Battle Bridge. 
Secure all Bridge stations and displays.  All personnel evacuate the Bridge. 
Bridge to Engineering,  Geordi you've got your twenty minutes.  I'm
transferring command to the Battle Bridge, Picard out."

     While command of the Enterprise is being transferred to the Battle
Bridge, the Star Destroyer has pulled the unresisting Enterprise
underneath its hull and proceeds to reduce the shields so boarding tubes
may be attached to the outer hull.  The Cylon wing advances on the Star
Destroyer, taking advantage of the no fire zone created by the Enterprise's
bulk.  On the Battle Bridge the crew begins reactivating the controls.

     "Sir, the Imperials are reducing the shields."
     "Worf, reduce shield power, progressively by three percent per second. 
Once the shields reach fifteen percent lower the shields."
     "Aye aye Sir."
     "Sir we will still have shield power."
     "Exactly Data, when we break free we'll need our shields to protect us
while we get away from this Star Destroyer."
     "Sir Cylon fighters are approaching, bearing 120 mark 250.  They are
not firing but are closing on our position."
     "The more the merrier."
     "Initiate a full security protocol.  All defensive force fields to be
activated.  Order Security to prepare for a boarding action.  Mister Worf
please coordinate the efforts.  Keep them away from the main computer
core and the Battle Bridge."
     "Aye sir.  Request permission to see to it personally."
     "Permission granted."

     Worf signals another officer to assume his station and leaves the
Battle Bridge.  Security forces on all decks are preparing for a hull breach
and corridor fighting.  Imperial forces continue to fight the Rebels but are
proceeding to secure a perimeter around the captured Enterprise.  Cylon
transports are closing from the blind spot created by the Enterprise's
primary hull.  TIE Fighters are engaging the approaching Cylons but they
are not enough to stem the advance.  Boarding tubes are being connected to
the outer hull and soon the fighting will be hand to hand.

     The Cylon Basestars are closing on the Enterprise, the other Star
Destroyer turns to meet them drawing several squadrons of TIE fighters to
engage the enemy.  The Pegasus is moving around the battle and is circling
the stricken Enterprise.  Currently the Cylons lie between the Pegasus and
the Imperials.  Given its current course the Pegasus will circle around the
conflict in approximately fifteen minutes.  Cylon Basestar and Star
Destroyer are advancing on each other.  Fighters continue to attack other
fighters.  The Rebels have taken the opportunity to regroup once the
Imperials focused their efforts on the Enterprise.  Boarding Tubes have
made contact with the outer hull.

     "Sir we have breached the hull of the Saucership.  Boarding parties are
going across now."
     "Very good, keep me advised.  Order the TIE fighters to engage the other
fighters.  Keep them from our prize."
     "Yes Sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise the scene in the corridors are Imperial
Stormtroopers cutting through the ceiling and entering the main
passageways.  Firing their blasters at anything that moves and some that
don't.  Very professional covering advancement through the hallways until
they meet an intersection.  An alien is there, Worf, with several Security
personnel fire from cover, manage to hit several Stormtroopers.  Some are
knocked down, others brush off the phaser attacks and return fire.  Worf
orders the activation of the security field and the Enterprise personnel
retreat.

     "Sir intruders on deck three, section 4.  Security forcefield activated
locally.  More breaches recorded on decks two, four and five.  Main Shuttle
Bay is taking external fire."
     "Contact Worf, secure decks eight, seven, and six.  Double check the
turbolift system is security engaged.  Continue restoring shield power,"
Picard ordered.
     "Sir contact from Lieutenant Worf."
     "Put him on."
     "Sir the Imperial Intruders are wearing energy dissipating armor. 
Phasers at setting three are not wholly effective.  Recommend we allow
setting six for our phasers," Worf responded.
     "There is considerable danger if our phasers fall into their hands."
     "I'm aware of the risks, their weapons are operating at least at setting
four possibly five equivalent.  We need more hitting power to stop the
intruders."
     Picard pauses a moment to think on the problem.  There really isn't
much alternative.  "Computer, recognize Picard, Jean-Luc Captain of the
Enterprise Hull Registry NCC-1701-D."
     "Identity confirmed.  Proceed."
     "Enable personal phaser setting limit increased to level six."
     "Warning, shipboard hand phaser operation limited to setting three by
standard safety operation procedure."
     "Understood, implement new directive."
     "Directive implemented.  All hand phasers now register new limit
setting of six.  Individual overrides no longer necessary."
     "Issue orders to all personnel, phasers now operable at setting six.  Do
not key individual overrides.  Warn all armed personnel that settings
higher than three may be necessary to bring down the intruders."
     "Aye sir."
     "Thank you Captain," Worf said.
     "Good hunting Lieutenant."
     "Sir the Main Shuttle Bay has been breached from space.  Cylon ships
are landing in the bay."
     "Put it on screen."

     Viewscreen shows the expanse of the main shuttle bay.  Several Cylon
Raiders are visible, all are discharging several Cylon Soldiers.  The Cylons
are proceeding toward the main corridor.  Almost fifty soldiers are visible
on screen.

     "Security, secure the main shuttle bay corridor access."
     "Sir the door has been secured."

     On the viewscreen several Cylons have discovered the doors are locked
and have begun firing at it, attempting to blast it open.

     "That should hold them for a while.  Tritanium takes a lot to cut
through," Riker said fairly confidently.  
     "Sir, please review the image on screen," Data asked.

     In the viewscreen two Cylon soldiers are seen advancing from one of
the Raiders carrying a small package the size of a small transistor radio. 
The approach the door, attach the package it side and all the Cylons retreat
from the corridor doors.  Moments later an explosion is registered.  Alarms
sound and the integrity fields seek to compensate for the recent
disruption.  There a plain as day lies a hole, almost the whole area of the
door, blown away by a package of Solonite.  Cylon soldiers advance into the
corridor.

     "Sir sensors detect an explosion aboard the Saucership."
     "Location of the disruption?"
     "I believe the source of the explosion occurred in their main shuttle
bay.  The other fighters seem to have penetrated the outer doors and have
landed a considerable presence there.  The explosion was probably their
attempt to breach the interior."
     "Warn all boarding parties.  Other forces are on the Saucership. 
Maintain deflector screens.  Secure tractors to the upper hull."
     "Aye sir."

     Aboard the Enterprise there are several corridor battles being waged. 
Most are standoffs with the Enterprise security firing from cover and
activating forcefields when retreat becomes necessary.  Imperial
Stormtroopers are finding considerable resistance in advancing through
the Enterprise.  Overall, now that the phasers are discharging higher
energies the Stormtroopers are being struck down faster than the
Enterprise Security.  Both sides are losing participants.  Occasionally once
an intersection has been secured, the weapons of the loser are picked up
and dispersed by the victors.  Worf is in his element.  He ambushes a squad
of Stormtroopers and hand to hand fighting breaks out.  Helmet visibility
for the Imperials is limited.  Worf knocks down several troopers but they
appear only momentarily stunned.  The armor they wear does protect them
some from physical attacks.  With help from supporting security personnel
the battle is won.  Worf stands victorious among the fallen troopers.  Hand
to hand fighting was decidedly an advantage the more nimble Enterprise
security personnel have over the armor clad Stormtroopers.

     The Cylons are having little difficulty breaching the static defenses of
the Enterprise.  Where there is a forcefield, the field is overloaded with
firepower, occasionally the emitter is destroyed.  Hitting non-moving
targets is a skill every Cylon warrior can accomplish.  Security personnel
are fleeing in front of the Cylons, none lie fallen in their path.  Several
Cylons though have sustained damage and are no longer advancing with the
main party.  They continue to advance through deck four, into the center of
the Primary hull.  They advance with a calm stride through the hallways.  

     The Pegasus has almost finished circling the engagement.  She now
stands across from the Enterprise, the other Star Destroyer and Basestars
are on the other side.  The fighting between the Basestars and the Star
Destroyer is considerable.  Deflectors on the Star Destroyer manage to
deflect most of the firepower of the Basestars.  An occasional hit manages
to pass the deflectors to strike the hull armor.  The Star Destroyer has
managed to damage only minimally the Cylon's outer hull.  Most of the
firepower is directed against the weapons visible on the surface of the
Basestar.  The Basestars have stopped maintaining the engagement and are
proceeding to flank the single Destroyer and reach the Enterprise.  Fighters
from both sides swarm over the opposing ships, causing damage but not
striking anything vital.  Cylon raiders bent on crashing into the Star
Destroyer face massive counterfire and except for some successful
rearward collisions all attempts have met with interception and
destruction.  TIE fighters are swarming around the Basestars but have
failed to strike any significant damage except for knocking out some
primary ship to ship Turbolaser turrets on the Basestars.  TIE fighters are
not advancing without cost, several wave attacks discovered the
considerable automated defense guns on the Basestar.  Almost two dozen
TIE Fighters we destroyed by the anti-fighter batteries.  Rebel forces are
once again advancing into the fray.  Several singleships are joining the
increasingly messy dogfight between all these crewed armed fighters.  

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Indomitable the Commodore is looking out
onto the battlefield from the Command Balcony.  The sight is appalling. 
Explosions and flashes of light can occasionally be seen.  Off to port and
starboard appear the Cylon Basestars.  Their motion visibly taking them
around the Star Destroyer.

     "Sir we have sustained considerable fighter loss.  Suggest we launch
another squadron to support the perimeter and to continue engaging the
enemy fightercraft."
     "Very Good.  Launch another TIE squadron.  Continue to fire upon the
Discships.  What of the Other Carrier?"
     "The Discship's counterpart has taken up a position opposite ours from
the Ambassador.  Scanners show it fighters launching now.  The general
launch vector takes them toward the Ambassador."
     "Order another squadron launched.  Order the Interceptor squadron to
alert status.  Get me the Ambassador."
     "Immediately Commodore."

     Aboard the Cylon Basestar the Imperious Leader is reviewing the latest
report with his lieutenant, the IL series robot.

     "Our transports have managed to breach the Saucerships hull and landed
unopposed in their main shuttle bay.  Reports indicate minor casualties and
little obstruction to movement through the ship.  Lifts however have been
disabled and transferring to other levels is proceeding slowly."
     "What of the Pegasus?"
     "The Pegasus has launched its fighters.  I assume they will join the
battle and attempt to further reduce our strength.  The Pegasus however is
remaining at a distance.
     "The other vessels of the Triangular ships are engaged in combat with
the Triangular ship but are not firing heavily.  Probably because collateral
damage to the Saucership is not intended.  Their forces are currently the
weakest active ones afield."
     "Order our fighters to disengage from the Triangular ship's fighters. 
Regroup them for an attack against the Other ships and the Pegasus. 
Continue to flank the intervening Triangular ship.  Move to engage the
Pegasus while we still have sufficient ship to ship firepower to destroy
it.
    "Launch the strike wing.  Advance on the other ships, destroy them, and
proceed on to the Pegasus."
     "Bye your Command."

     Aboard the Enterprise the news is both good and bad.  The intruders are
still aboard.  Imperial Stormtroopers have taken most of decks one through
four.  Fighting between Cylon and Stormtrooper are proceeding on decks
four and five.  There is little fighting in the living areas.  Most personnel
are either at their battlestations or secure within their rooms.  Access to
the Engineering hull is still secure and the main computer core is still
protected.  Defensive screens on deck four are mostly destroyed.  Life
support is good.  Despite the extensive damage inflicted internally from
the fighting in the corridors, atmosphere and temperature are being
maintained on every deck.  The main impulse drive has been repaired and
shield availability has risen to forty percent.  Sensors show the Cylons
moving around the Star Destroyer and the Pegasus' fighters advancing on
the aerial melee.  Cylon fighters are assembling again, another attack is
imminent.

     "Sir the Impulse engines are back on-line," Geordi reports.  "We have
eighty-five percent of full power available from the impulse drive. 
Phasers are fully charged and all control systems appear intact."
     "Very good Geordi.  Helm what is the status of the Imperial tractor
beams?"
     "Three tractor beams all locked onto the primary hull.  Four boarding
tubes are still attached to the hull.  Penetration into decks two, three, and
four.  No life support difficulties detected on any deck."
     "Tactical evaluation Data."
     "The Imperials have locked all available tractor emitters onto the
primary hull.  They seem to be interested in capturing the Enterprise.  I
surmise they are yet unaware of our separation capability."
     "Very Good Data, my exact thought.  Now that we have impulse power
again we can set about freeing ourselves from this predicament.  
    "Commander Riker, you will stay aboard the Saucer section and maintain
the fight to retake it.  Lieutenant Worf will be your second.  Data and I will
take the Battle Section out.  It appears the Cylons are going to stand on
their current hand and turn their attention toward the Pegasus."
     "I understand Captain.  Good Luck, Sir."
     "Good Luck to us all.  Dismissed."

     Riker and another officer leave the Battle Bridge.  The viewscreen
shows the Cylon fighters moving out into a column, headed toward the
Rebel ships and from there onward to the Pegasus.  Picard gives Riker a
minute to secure the docking interface and assume command of the Saucer
section.

     "Begin Saucer Separation."
     "Saucer Separation Initiated.  We will be clear to maneuver in twelve
seconds," Data announced.
     "Engineering, raise shields when we're clear.  Helm plot a course for the
Rebel forces.  Weapons to ready.  Let's surprise everyone."

     The Enterprise disconnects smoothly.  She pulls away from the Star
Destroyer holding the Primary hull and proceeds at sub-light toward the
Rebel forces which are now beset by both Imperial and Cylon Fighters.

     Aboard the Star Destroyer Ambassador the Captain can't believe what
he sees before him.  The Enterprise Stardrive section has separated from
the saucer section being held by the Ambassador's tractor beams.

     "Lieutenant! What happened?  Did the Saucership break our tractor
beams and boarding locks?" 
     "Sir, the Saucership has separated into two parts, we still have the
upper portion of the ship in our tractors.  Our boarding parties are still
attempting to take the vessel and are meeting considerable resistance."
     "What is that vessel doing now?"
     "Scanners indicate the ship is heading into the fighter combat around
the Rebel forces.  They are probably attempting to bolster the Rebel forces
and save the Rebels from destruction by the other fighters and ours."
     "Get me a situation report on the progress on the Saucership!  Order our
fighters to attempt to cripple that vessel out there and tell them to do a
better job this time!"
     "Yes Sir, right away Sir!"

     Out in space another distortion is beginning.  Behind the Pegasus space
is becoming warped, another rift is forming.  The Pegasus lies between the
new rift and the Rebel forces engaged in mortal combat.  Cylon fighters
are engaging the Pegasus' fighters and Rebel singleships.  Several Rebel
fighters have been destroyed.  The transports damaged and the Councilor's
ship is under heavy attack.  The Enterprise arrives and proceeds to fire
upon TIE fighter and Cylon raider.  Relieving the pressure on the Rebels. 
Select fighters are being destroyed by the Enterprise's phasers.  Pegasus
fighters are caught in the melee and are steadily making progress against
Cylon raiders and to a lesser extend against the Imperial TIE fighters as
well.  However this success is not without cost, Imperial fighters are
manned and as maneuverable or more so than those remotely piloted
Starhounds.  They have destroyed several pairs of Starhounds, more than
the Cylons have in this engagement.  Ships are being destroyed and
damaged throughout the battle.  The Enterprise is still relatively intact. 
Her shields are weakened and continue to fade as energy is projected
against them but several attempts to attack the impulse drive have been
repulsed by alert officers manning the phasers.

     "Tactical, scan all Cylon fighters, target any that have Solonite aboard. 
Highest priority, Do not let any such loaded fighter within ten thousand
kilometers of the Enterprise.  Continue to defend our impulse engine.  We
cannot afford to be crippled again."
     "Sir sensors detect another space distortion.  It originates from behind
the Pegasus."
     "Monitor the distortion, report later.  Helm move us away from the
thick of the fighting.  We need some maneuvering room.  Let's draw those
fighters away from the Councilor's vessel.  One eight impulse, Engage."

     The Enterprise gracefully swings away from the heart of the fighting,
taking several persistent fighters with her.  The Cylons have broken their
engagement off with the Rebel forces and have assembled their strike
force.  Several Solonite fighters were destroyed attempting to ram the
Enterprise, but the Rebels we not so lucky.  The Attack Frigate was struck
by two and has suffered considerable damage.  It's retreat from battle
marked the beginning of the end of the Rebel forces before the Enterprise
came to their assistance.  Now Rebel forces have moved off and are making
toward the distortion.  The Enterprise has lured away several dozen
fighters.  She suddenly enters warp space, disappearing from view.

     "Sir the Saucership has entered hyperspace."
     "Track it.  Report its position and course," the Captain ordered.
     "Sir, graviton emissions indicate the Saucership is moving onto our
stern for another attack."
     "Full power to aft deflectors.  Periphery batteries to open fire upon
visual sighting.  Inform the Indomitable."
     "Sir the Rebels have managed to disengage from the bulk of our fighters
and are regrouping.  The Attack Frigate has been heavily damaged by a
collision with the other forces fighters.  A damage assessment indicates
explosive payloads were carried to achieve the level of damage observed."

     The Enterprise drops out of warp behind the Star Destroyer holding the
Saucer section.  Phasers and Photon Torpedoes are fired at the engines of
the Ambassador.  Deflectors manage to significantly reduce the
Enterprise's weapons effectiveness.  No visible damage is observed. 
Return fire comes steadily from the Indomitable, which has turned to put
the Enterprise into its best fire coverage zone.  Many, many bolts of energy
emerge from the Indomitable and strike the Enterprise's shields.  Quickly
the Enterprise moves away its attack a failure.

     "Contact the Saucer section.  Find out their situation," Picard said.
     "Sir contact has been established with Commander Riker."
     "On screen."

     The viewscreen changes showing commander Riker at Ten-Forward. 
Several Security personnel are busy in the background.  Reports of combat
are heard in the background.  Worf is standing behind Riker.

     "Will, you situation?"
     "It could be better Captain.  We've managed to stem the advance of the
Imperial boarding parties.  The majority are down for the count.  The
Cylons are however still a problem.  Further the tractor beams locked on
the Saucer section are still in effect, so are the boarding towers."
     "Have you tried purging the life support in the contested areas?"


End of Part 4 of 5
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