Note: Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC. Star Trek in all its glorious incarnations is the property of Gene Roddenberry (Great Bird Of The Galaxy, bless his vision), and Paramount Studios.
SAILOR MOON ALTERNITY
By Daryll Pung
Part 3: A Brave New World
PG-13
Chapter 1: A Spaced Out Situation
As the white faded from around them, the Sailor Scouts found themselves sitting in a futuristic room. A set of double doors, a large, blank screen and several computer terminals that looked a lot like the ones used by the Order decorated the room. The lights were gradually increasing, finally stopping. The Scouts looked around.
"We seem to all be in one piece," said Sailor Saturn.
"We also seem to be at our destination," said Sailor Neptune.
"Hmmmm.." murmured Sailor Moon. "I think we should transform to our normal selves."
The Scouts nodded, and everyone returned to normal.
"It seems we're alone," said Mina.
"Hello?" asked Amy tentatively.
There was an electronic beep. Suddenly, a disembodied female voice spoke.
"Working," it said.
The group exchanged glances.
"Who are you?" asked Amy.
"Insufficient data. Please rephrase your question," the voice said.
Amy blinked in surprise. "Uh, where are we?" she asked.
"This is Outpost Derivax R, connected with Starfleet Project Reunion. Location is in orbit of Derivax 3, third planet of six in the Derivax system. Fifteen unknown life forms detected. This outpost is engaging automated protocols. Please remain where you are," the voice responded.
"Anybody understand that?" asked Serena, looking at Amy and Michelle.
"An outpost..." puzzled Michelle.
"In orbit?" gasped Amy. "Ummm, can you show us?"
The screen blinked on, showing the planet they were in orbit of. That's when the full import hit them.
"We're in SPACE?!?" gasped the team.
* * * *
The MiG dropped in front of him, desperately trying to evade. It jinked up, down, then broke right. He grinned as his missile seeking radar beeped, almost acquiring his target. He threw his fighter into a sharp turn, dropping low and rising with a half twist. Coming straight up from beneath, his F-15E Strike Eagle fighter shot right by the MiG, scaring it into a tight left turn and dive, which is just what he wanted. He dropped, right behind the MiG. Just as the beeping became a constant tone, he heard another sound.
"Red Alert! All hands to Battle Stations! Captain to the bridge!"
"Computer, stop program," he said quickly. Both fighters froze in midair. He stood up in his.
"Save and end program," he continued. His surroundings turned into a yellow grid with black tiles, and a single exit. His pilot's uniform became another uniform altogether. The shoulders were gray, and everything else was black. He wore a red shirt under that, with the single gold pip that denoted his rank on the neck of the shirt. Lieutenant Dreyius Pazrek ran out of the holodeck to the turbolift at the end of the corridor. The doors hissed open as he got there. He entered it. When the doors hissed shut, he spoke.
"Bridge." And the turbolift began moving.
* * * *
The doors hissed open as Michelle and Amy returned from their exploration. Serena looked over at them. Luna, Artemis, and Melanie were stooped over one of the consoles, trying to figure it out. The others were gazing at the view.
"Well, this is a real small outpost. Either that, or we aren't allowed to go everywhere. The only other room we saw is at the end of the hall, and it is huge. There is a big door in it. The computer says it's a shuttlebay," said Michelle.
"I'm beginning to get the hang of all this technology," said Amy. She moved over a console. "There was another console in the hallway, and another in the shuttlebay. They all have some similarities." She pushed at her panel a little bit, and some words appeared. "Hmm. I seem to have accessed a communications system."
"An automated general hail has been sent in all directions. No current need for communications is required at this time," said the computer.
"I see," said Serena. "Anything else you can identify?"
"Umm....hold on," muttered Amy. She pressed the panel some more. "Oh, wow. I found a schematic of this place."
"Neat," said Michelle.
* * * *
The doors hissed open. Lt. Pazrek stepped out and moved to his station - Conn. As he sat down, the other turbolift hissed open and Captain Jean-Luc Picard stepped through. He strode to his chair, where Commander William T. Riker was getting up. He sat down.
"Report," Picard said.
Lieutenant Commander Data swiveled around in his chair at the Ops console. "We have received an automated hail from a small outpost in the Derivax system."
Pazrek turned his head to look at Data.
"It has an inbuilt protocol to activate red alert on all Federation vessels receiving it," continued Data.
"Interesting," said Riker. "Any idea what an outpost is doing in the Derivax system?"
'No. Derivax has no major resources, and is currently contested territory between the Breen and us. There is apparently no reason to even have an outpost there," stated Data.
"Well, let's hear this hail," ordered Picard.
Data pushed his console, and the hail played from the viewscreen.
"This is the automated outpost Derivax R, in connection with Starfleet Project Reunion. This is a highly classified project. This station has received travelers in relation with this project, and it is imperative that any Federation vessels in range respond immediately. Starfleet Command has been informed as part of these protocols. Clearance for this project must be applied for through Starfleet Command. This is an omni directional, repeating signal. This is the automated outpost-" it bleeped off as Data cut the message. Everyone on the bridge recognized Pazrek's voice as the one dictating the hail. Pazrek could feel the eyes staring at him.
"Interesting," commented Data.
"Mr. Pazrek, might you have an explanation as to why your voice is dictating this hail? I've never even heard of a 'Project Reunion'," said Picard.
""I can't explain it here, sir. No one else here is cleared for this project. If you talk to Starfleet Command, I might be able to brief you in. In the meantime, we should really head for that outpost, sir," replied Pazrek.
"Mr. Data, any other ships in range?" asked Riker.
"Yes, sir. We just received word from three other ships that are on their way to intercept. We also just received a warning from one of our watch-posts along that border. Apparently, the Breen also caught that signal and are sending ships to check it out," reported Data.
Picard gave Pazrek a curious look. "What ships, Data?"
"The Defiant, the Lakota, and the RNS Night Eagle are all on intercept course," said Data.
"Very well. Lay in a course to Derivax, maximum warp," ordered Picard. Pazrek turned and quickly did so.
"Ready, sir!" he said when he finished.
"Engage!"
The ambassador to a thousand worlds, the sleek, swept shape of the Federation's flagship came about. A casual observer would notice the steel-gray color of her hull, the glowing warp drive engines. As she flies by, the letters "NCC-1701-E" would be noticed, followed by her name. Then, the relativity effects take over, stretching the ship as she began her faster than light travel.
The USS Enterprise leapt into warp.
* * * *
The team had grown tired of exploring. They were all lying around on the floor of the chamber, chatting, except for Amy, who was engrossed with the technology. Truth be told, she had gotten good at using it, and none of the group really minded.
Amy had gotten in to the sensing systems, and was catching on quick.
"Wow, I've never heard of some of this stuff before. Tachyons, quarks, quantum molecular imaging. I think this is for scientific studies," she said.
Serena looked at her. "So? Is there anything we can use to get us on our way?"
"Umm, no....apparently this was a receiving point from a rotatable node. Hmm...what's this? 'Long Range Sensors'?" murmured Amy. She pressed the panel.
"Commencing long range scans," said the computer.
"Cool," said Samantha. "What does that do?"
"Let's see. It scans the surrounding space for a distance of.....wow. The way it's configured right now, it scans a six light-year radius! That's a lot of space to scan. It looks for....uh.." she pressed her panel. "Oh, here it is. It looks for ships, energy signatures, unusual energy events, life forms, stuff like that." Amy grinned as she looked up. "This is pretty interesting stuff! It's also extremely advanced."
"So, what did it find?" asked Michelle.
"Well, it seems to have found-" she began, to be cut off by a loud alarm and flashing red lights.
"This is an automated Red Alert. Enemy vessels approaching. Engaging automated defense protocols," said the computer.
"Oh, no," said Amy.
Chapter 2: Heating Up the Cold of Space
"Amy, what's going on?" asked Luna worriedly.
"Umm, apparently the people who built this place have an enemy called the Breen. Twelve of their ships are approaching us, and this place is responding," Amy replied. "Okay. There is something here.... 'Tactical'?" She pressed the panel. "Whew. There is now a shield of some type surrounding us, and this outpost is armed with something called 'Phasers'. I guess it's some sort of beam weapon, because it has a charge meter." She pressed another section. "We also seem to have help on the way. Several ships...'Federation'? Federation of what?"
"Huh?" said Raye.
"The United Federation of Planets, also known as the Federation Alliance. It seems to be a collection of all sorts of peoples living together in peace," said Amy. She looked up. "We may not see any humans. It may be a collection of aliens."
"No Earth or Moon?" asked Mina.
"Well, let's see.....okay, we will see humans," said Amy.
"Why?" asked Lita.
"Because Earth is listed here as the Terran system, sector 0-0-1. Humans are the co-founders of this Federation," reported Amy.
"Good," said Amara.
"Uhh..computer, can you show us the enemy ships?" asked Amy.
The screen blinked on right as the Breen ships left warp and approached the system. The ships drew closer, reminding the team of a sleek bat-shape. They stared as the ships came within the range of the outpost.
"Now engaging automated firing and targeting procedures," the computer said. On the screen, red beams lanced out, impacting on the lead ship's shields. The Breen ships spaced themselves out. As one, they fired. Green energy flashed. The girls shrieked as the outpost rocked from the impact.
"Shields at 55%," said the computer. More phaser beams hit the lead ship.
"Are we going to die here?" asked a scared Melanie.
* * * *
Lieutenant Nog spun around. "The outpost is taking heavy fire from the Breen," he reported. Colonel Kira Nerys nodded.
"Get us there fast!" she said.
"Yes, ma'am," said the second best pilot in Starfleet.
* * * *
"Sir, we intercepted a communication from the Defiant. She reports twelve Breen ships firing on the outpost, with the outpost taking heavy damage," said Data.
Pazrek looked up in worry.
"We'll be there in a few minutes," he reported. The best pilot in Starfleet looked back down at his console and concentrated on flying the Enterprise.
* * * *
The station rocked yet again. A shower of sparks burst from a nearby console, scaring Amy as she fell down near the other scouts.
"Shields down," reported the computer.
The team looked at the screen.
The lead Breen ship fired a glowing green torpedo. It streaked towards the station, impacting on the lower part of it.
The lights flickered as the outpost shook from the impact.
"We're doomed," said Lita as the lead Breen ship fired again. The torpedo flashed towards them. Suddenly, a small gray shape ducked in front of them. Shields flared as the little ship absorbed the torpedo. It turned to face the Breen, and it fired. Pulses of phaser energy impacted on the lead ship's shields, and four blue torpedoes were launched from the little ship. Two of the torpedoes hit the shields, with the shields failing after the second one. The remaining two nailed one of the engines as the Breen ship tried to turn away. The Breen ship exploded into a tremendous burst of energy.
"Wow," said Raye.
"What ship is that?" asked Amy. She was surprised when the computer replied.
"That is the USS Defiant, a Defiant-class starship. Sensors show the USS Lakota, a modified Excelsior-class starship, is also in range."
Just then, a slightly larger ship, with a saucer, lower section and two engines on pylons, soared into view, firing its phasers and blue torpedoes. The two vessels were quickly engaged into a fierce firefight with the remaining Breen vessels. The coordination between the two ships was incredible. Within minutes, the two ships had destroyed six of the remaining Breen ships. But the five Breen ships got smart and concentrated their firepower on one ship. The Lakota took a beating. Her shields fell, and then her engines were knocked out. The fire switched to the Defiant. The combined might of the weapons knocked the Defiant's shields out too. The Breen turned back to the station.
"We're next, aren't we?" asked a worried Artemis.
The team was surprised to see space waver in front of them. The wavering turned into a huge, green-colored ship. Its shields went up, and it fired on the Breen, drawing their attention away from the outpost and the two crippled ships.
"What is that?" gasped Hotaru.
"Sensors indicate that is the Romulan ship RNS Night Eagle, a D'Deridex-class warbird," answered the computer.
The Night Eagle concentrated its quite formidable firepower on the nearest Breen ships. Green disrupter blasts and green torpedoes ripped into the closest Breen vessel, obliterating it in an awesome explosion. As the number of Breen ships dropped to two, the team noticed the Lakota moving again. Right towards the station, as a matter of fact. The screen bleeped.
"Receiving incoming hail," said the computer. "Preparing automated response."
"Wait," said Amy. She moved over to the console and pressed some panels. The screen blinked on, showing a damaged bridge and slightly messed up crew. A dark-haired female spoke.
"I'm Captain Erica Benteen, of the USS Lakota. There is no time, we've gotta get you outta there. Stand by for transport. We must act quickly to get us away from here. We show ten more Breen ships headed this way," she said.
"Uh, what do you mean transport?" asked Serena.
Benteen raised an eyebrow. "Just stand up."
Serena nodded. The team stood, Serena picking up Luna and Mina picking up Artemis. A tingly feeling overcame them.
"Whaa...." trailed off Mina as they dissolved into columns of light.
"..aaat!?" she gasped as they reappeared. A crewmember stood behind the only console in the room. He tapped a badge on his uniform.
"They're safe, sir," he said. The ship rocked as something hit them, and the lights went out in time with the teams' gasps of surprise.
The last Breen ship now had two disabled Starfleet ships and one disabled Romulan ship in front of them. On the bridge of that ship, the Breen captain motioned to the weapons officer. Torpedoes streaked out, impacting on the outpost, which disintegrated in a thunderous explosion. The ship moved forward and seized all three ships with tractor beams. The ten Breen ships arrived as power was restored in the three Federation ships. As they drew near, short phaser blasts disabled the tractor beam emitters, and the ships regrouped.
The team was now on the bridge of the Lakota. Captain Benteen gritted her teeth. They were surrounded.
"This isn't good," she said.
The Breen closed.
"Tactical, lock on target. Fire everything we've got. On my mark...."
"Captain!" called the young female lieutenant at the ops console. "There's another ship coming in...it was hiding behind the planet!"
"Who is it?" asked Captain Benteen.
The lieutenant turned.
"It's the Enterprise!"
Chapter 3: The Enterprise Factor
"The Enterprise? Thank God! Tactical, stand by to fire in support of the Enterprise. On screen!" ordered Benteen.
"I take it this Enterprise is a good ship?" asked Amy quietly.
Benteen glanced at her. "You could say that. She's a brand new ship, sixth of that name. Sovereign-class starship. Top-of the line, the flagship of the fleet. Her crew is practically legendary."
"Enough to win this?" asked Lita quietly, gazing at the screen.
* * * *
The Enterprise dove towards the Breen ships.
"Almost in range, captain," reported Data.
"Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Pazrek, at your discretion. The absolute bottom line is the protection of those other ships. The Lakota has the 'Visitors' onboard. We're going to need a new outpost," said Picard.
"Yes, sir," they answered as one.
"Ready when you are," said Lt. Commander Gregory Wolfe, tactical officer.
"Prepare all torpedo bays, forward and bottom phasers," said Pazrek. "Standby!"
* * * *
The Breen were beginning to regroup to meet this new threat. As they angled themselves towards the incoming ship, she opened fire. Phasers laced the front two Breen ships, and eight quantum torpedoes shot towards them, evenly divided. The Enterprise dodged left as the two lead ships exploded. She came up firing, destroying a third Breen ship from underneath. Executing a rolling maneuver that would have made a fighter pilot proud, phasers firing on all sides, torpedoes flying, the Enterprise quickly dispatched three more Breen. The Breen were attempting to target the Enterprise, but Pazrek was just too good. Fully eighty percent of the incoming fire missed. He drew the ship straight between two Breen ships, firing the phasers through Wolfe. This was simply a draw. The side banks only got two shots in each, but they were for annoyance only. The two Breen ships had fired everything they had to hit the Enterprise, and most of their firepower hit each other, resulting in a spectacular double explosion. The remaining three Breen all attempted to chase the Enterprise down, following her as Pazrek knew they would. He flew her straight towards the other ships.
* * * *
On the Defiant, Kira Nerys was ready. "Standby to hit them with everything we've got," she ordered.
* * * *
"Nice moves," said the Romulan commander. "Standby all weapons."
"The Breen are too overconfident," said his first officer.
"Agreed," said the Romulan commander.
* * * *
On the bridge of the Lakota, the team could only stare in awe as the ship raced right for them.
"Wow," said Lita. "What now?"
"Captain, the Defiant has the first one, the Night Eagle the second," reported the ops officer.
"Tactical, concentrate all firepower on the third one. I want that ship dead! Standby for my command," Benteen said quickly.
"Yes, sir," said the young male Andorian lieutenant at tactical. His blue antennae twitched. "Ready on your mark!"
"They're coming right at us!" gasped Serena.
Benteen grinned.
* * * *
The Breen expected the Enterprise to spin and protect her heavily damaged friends. That was not to be. At the last possible second, the Enterprise sailed sideways right between the Lakota and Defiant. Suddenly, the Breen realized their danger. They tried to stop, turn away and regroup. That was their final mistake. The word "Fire!" came from three mouths simultaneously. Three explosions blossomed in space from the sheer quantity of firepower that was dumped into the three Breen ships. The fight was over. Perhaps the best phrase to sum it all up was uttered on the bridge of the Lakota, as the Enterprise soared gracefully back around.
"Download complete," whispered Amy in awe.
* * * *
The doors hissed open. The team was relaxing in the conference room, gazing at the starlines out of the windows. After being beamed over to the Enterprise, they had been given casual clothes to blend in and led here. They still weren't sure what was going on. Amy gazed at the ships in formation with the Enterprise.
"I wonder how fast we're going?" she asked no one in particular.
"Warp 6. Approximately 392 times the speed of light," said Pazrek. The team turned, mouths dropping as they caught sight of Pazrek. Picard, Riker, Data, and Counselor Deanna Troi all followed him in. They recovered.
'You're a member of the Order, aren't you?" asked Serena.
"Wait a minute....how fast?" blinked Amy.
Pazrek grinned. "Yes, and 392 times the speed of light, which we call cochranes."
"The Order?" asked Data.
"Okay. You've all been cleared by Starfleet Command for this, and I know you're probably wondering why a measly Lieutenant is involved in such a sensitive project. So I will explain," said Pazrek.
The Sailor Scouts had heard it all before, but the command crew of the Enterprise hadn't. When he finished, there was silence. Predictably, Data spoke first.
"Intriguing. The idea of parallel universes is nothing new, but to have such a structuring...and this Order dedicated to preserving these universes....Fascinating."
"So, that would mean these...you called them 'Hoppers'?" asked Troi, receiving a nod, and then continuing, "are your responsibility? You have to get them home?"
"Yes. Starfleet is already moving to reconstruct the outpost. That was a rotatable node receiving point. The next nearest node is at Starbase 375. That is our next destination. We must get there in the next three days, or we'll miss the next planar junction, and have to wait three weeks," explained Pazrek.
"At our current rate of speed, we will not make it in time....We would have to go at least Warp 8," said Data. He got a funny look from Amy. "What?"
"How do you figure things out so fast?" asked Amy.
"I am an android," said Data. Amy's eyes widened.
"Wow, how neat," she said.
"Android?" asked Darien.
"A humanoid robot.....very complex," said Amy thoughtfully.
Picard touched his combadge. "Picard to Bridge. Increase speed to Warp 9.8, and set course for Starbase 375. Engage."
The ship's turn was barely noticeable, but the increase in speed was. The starlines became longer, and the Enterprise left her companions as she went on her way.
"So, how fast are we going now?" asked Amy.
"Almost 2,000 times the speed of light," answered Pazrek.
"That's, like, really fast, isn't it?" asked Mina. She got a nod and a smile as her answer.
"How much faster can this ship go?" asked Amy. The Starfleet officers exchanged amused glances. Pazrek glanced at Picard.
"Take them to guest quarters. We'll get to Starbase 375 as fast as we can, due to the importance of this project. You are released to show them around and answer their questions, so long as none of it violates the Prime Directive," said Picard.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Captain," said Pazrek. He stood, and motioned to the team to follow.
"I just have one question for you," began Luna.
Pazrek looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"How come no one here has any problems with talking cats?" she asked.
"When you deal with talking everything else, why should a talking cat surprise anyone? Heck, we've talked to rocks, gases, omnipotent beings....."
Chapter 4: Difficult Choices and Wild Rides
They were talking amiably as Pazrek led them to their quarters. He had already answered most of their questions. There was one thing he couldn't prevent, though. As they rounded a corner, Serena blundered into another blonde and they both tripped and fell.
"Serena! Ensign McKnight! Are the two of you okay?" asked Pazrek.
Ensign Gabriel McKnight examined the other girl, ready to apologize, but she trailed off on realizing the other girl was a carbon copy of herself, except for the hairdo and the fact she seemed a bit younger. Serena realized it too, gazing at the girl's short hair, picturing her hairdo there.
"What the-?" asked McKnight. She looked at Pazrek.
"Wow, you to really look a lot alike. Interesting coincidence. Sorry to have bothered you, Ensign. Come on, we really have to be on our way," said Pazrek briskly. He led them down the corridor.
All McKnight could do was stare, then shake it off and head for the ship's lounge.
* * * *
"What was that?" asked Serena in the safety of their guest quarters.
"Ensign McKnight is this prime's version of you, Serena," said Pazrek. Serena's jaw dropped.
"That was me here?" she repeated, amazed.
'Surely you didn't think you Sailor Scouts were the only versions of yourself in existence?" asked Pazrek with a smile.
"Actually, we never really considered it," murmured Amy.
"What does she do aboard this ship?" asked Serena, curious.
"Ensign McKnight? She's an engineer, specializing in warp systems theory," answered Pazrek with some surprise. He saw the looks the others were exchanging as Serena absorbed that information. "Whoa. Hold on. I'm not going to start on this track. Knowledge of your alternate selves is not desired. Very few can stand up to that kind of examination and even fewer can accept it. Those who can are mostly members of the Order. Do you really want to find all that out? Some of you have dark versions, others even worse.Trust me. You don't want to know."
"But-," began Raye.
"No buts. I will not disclose more than I already have. In this case, it was damage control. It happened, and I explained it to prevent further investigation," said Pazrek.
"I like this place," said Amy. "Any chance of staying?" She ignored the shocked, hurt looks of the others as she stared at Pazrek, waiting for his answer. He took his time, examining her closely.
"Here," he said, motioning towards a monitor. "I want to show you what's happening on Prime A-74."
"A-74? But that's..." trailed off Michelle.
"Your home prime," finished Pazrek. The monitor flicked on. At first, nothing looked different. Then, the monitor panned to the park. A silver mist separated normal park from gray, dead park.
"This is Stryfe's surveillance system," explained Pazrek. "What you see there is the beginning of the fusing of two primes. The silver mist is the ethereal layer separating the planes. If it dissolves completely, we are too late, and both primes will become pure chaos, which will eventually spread to the rest of the primes. This must be stopped, and you are the only ones who can do it."
"I see," answered Amy. She studied the picture. "I guess we have no choice, huh?" she asked.
"Correct," said Pazrek. "There is simply no time to waste. I-"
"Picard to Pazrek," his combadge said.
Pazrek reached up and tapped his badge. "Go ahead, sir," he said.
"We may have a problem regarding your guests. Please bring them with you to the observation lounge immediately," ordered Picard's voice.
"On our way, sir!" said Pazrek.
* * * *
The doors hissed open, and Pazrek led the team through to the conference table. Picard, Riker, Data, and Troi were already seated, waiting for the team.
"What seems to be the problem, sir?" asked Pazrek.
"We have received a distress call from the Gorkahn system. They are experiencing a severe plague and are having environmental problems as well. We can't ignore this, and it takes higher priority than your Hoppers. This means that we will not make it to the Starbase in time," said Picard.
Pazrek glanced out of the window and cursed. "We can't miss this rendezvous, sir. Is there a way we can get dropped off first? Any Starfleet ships in range to ferry us there?"
"It is impossible to meet time constraints by dropping you off, so that is out of the question. Also, the rest of the ships in this sector are fortifying the border, so that will, unfortunately, not happen," said Riker.
"Well, what about if we use one of the warp passenger shuttles? It could get a little cramped, but we could manage it," stated Pazrek.
"In this area of space? It is particularly dangerous in this sector, both from the Breen and the unusual frequency of anomalies and other terrain features," said Data.
"I'm a particularly fine pilot," said Pazrek with a small smile.
"Are you that confident about your abilities?" asked Troi.
"Counselor, in most cases I would accept the delay, like if they're being here was accidental," he said, indicating the Scouts with a wave of his hand, "but it's not. We are pressed for time. The longer it takes to get these Hoppers home, the more damage the idiot on their prime can do and the less chance we have of stopping him."
"So we have no choice but to attempt a dangerous shuttle ride?" asked Amy.
"Correct," said Pazrek.
"Great," muttered Lita.
"If its any consolation, he's the best pilot in Starfleet," smiled Riker.
Lita just sighed, resigned to her fate.
* * * *
The warp passenger shuttle Concorde-E gracefully swept out of the primary shuttlebay of the Enterprise, still in its warp field. Aboard the Concorde, Pazrek touched the panel in front of him.
"Enterprise, this is the shuttle Concorde. Ready for warp departure procedure on 5," he said.
"Standing by," came the reply.
"What does this involve?" asked Michelle.
"We energize our warp engines at the same moment the Enterprise makes a sharp turn. The object is that both of us maintain our high warp speed, and we can be on our way," said Pazrek. "Enterprise, on my mark. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Mark!" He pressed his panel.
The shuttle shuddered slightly, but suddenly they were all alone, starlines flashing by outside as Pazrek turned the Concorde to its new heading. He leaned back, examining the displays, and then surveying the slightly cramped shuttle. The team had situated themselves as best as possible, but he still didn't want to be here longer than he had to.
"I thought this sector was dangerous?" asked Mina.
"It is. We have a 23-hour trip ahead of us. The next three hours are fairly safe, but then we sweep through the Briar Patch area. All sorts of interesting things there. After about eight hours of the Patch, we will near the border, and Breen encounters are fairly common twelve hours of constant vigilance to Starbase 375," he finished.
"Are you worried?" asked Raye.
"Not really. I won't really worry until we near the border, and then we can always run for our lives to Starbase 375," he smiled.
"But the Breen were able to destroy the base we were on," said Serena.
"That was a measly outpost. Starbases are a more dangerous proposition. The Breen aren't very likely to tangle with it," he said.
"Well, I suggest we get some sleep now," said Darien.
"I was about to suggest the same thing. I'm going to nap, too. I have the computer set to auto-alert, if we see an anomaly or hostile ships. I'll need all my attentiveness for the last twelve-hour stretch," yawned Pazrek.
The team exchanged looks as they all settled down to rest.
* * * *
A steady, light beeping brought Samantha back to reality. She roused herself, then glanced out the cockpit window, only to stare. The beauty of the surrounding space held her gaze. Orange gas clouds mixed with light pink and yellow to create an amazing panorama. Stars flashed by as the shuttle stayed on the outskirts of the cloud.
"Wow," she whispered.
"Nice, huh?" asked a smiling Pazrek in the pilot's seat. Samantha sat down in
the one next to him.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"We have about another hour of the Patch left to bypass, and then we reach the most dangerous part. Starbase 375 is on the other side of an asteroid field that usually takes about two hours to go above, at maximum recommended speed, which is Warp 5. I'm not intending to rush that part. I'm already in contact with several ships, and no Breen contact has been reported. They'll let us know if that changes," said Pazrek.
"So we slept for ten hours? Geez," said Samantha. The other Scouts were now beginning to stir. "And we only have 13 hours left to go?"
"Correct," said Pazrek.
"I'm hungry," complained Reeni. The rest of the team murmured agreement, and Pazrek proceeded to show them how to use the replicators for food.
* * * *
"Roger that. Thank you, Captain," said Pazrek.
"We'll keep you informed. One final warning. We lost several detection arrays in the region about three hours ago, so there may be a few Breen attackers that we can't find. I would be alert. Other than that, call if you need us. Yorktown out." The screen bleeped off. Pazrek sat back, glancing at his displays and then out the cockpit view port. The tension was evident in his posture.
"One hour to the asteroids," he murmured to himself.
* * * *
The asteroids loomed out in front of them as Pazrek brought the Concorde into a gentle climb, rising near the topmost layer of the asteroids, reducing speed and raising the shields. He took a deep breath, and concentrated on flying.
"Can't you set the autopilot?" asked Amy quietly.
Pazrek shook his head. "Most asteroids are contained in the gravity fields of this entire asteroid field, but you never know when a loose one might fly up at you."
"Oh," said Amy. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "But wouldn't the sensors warn you?"
"With all the interference generated by this place? Sensors are erratic as a Cardassian here. I can't really depend on more than short range sensors," Pazrek said, concentrating on his instruments, occasionally glancing out at the surroundings.
"What's that green flash over there?" asked Melanie.
"Green flash?" asked Pazrek, looking in the direction she was pointing. He concentrated at where she had seen it, studying carefully. Another glint of light.like starlight reflecting off of a starships' hull with a touch of green.
The Scouts saw Pazrek go really pale.
"What?" croaked Serena. Pazrek suddenly swooped down, dropping out of warp and diving towards the asteroids. A blast of energy exploded in front of them. Three Breen attackers roared towards them. The shuttle rocked from a disrupter impact.
"Damn," muttered Pazrek. "They're jamming all frequencies. We can't talk to anyone. I guess it's cat and mouse through the asteroids. Hang on!"
The shuttle flipped over, diving under a particularly large asteroid, coming left as two more Breen flashed towards them. Disrupter fire rippled across their shields. The shuttle shook heavily. The team was hanging on for dear life. Pazrek ducked the shuttle left, straight for a large asteroid, with a Breen on his tail. Sweat dripped on his forehead as he swung the shuttle viciously around the asteroid. He powered up his point phasers, and fired at a small asteroid nearby, blasting part of it off, causing the remaining section to revolve erratically to the leftÖ.right into the Breen ship, which disintegrated from the impact. Free of that trailer, the Concorde whipped upwards, on top of the field once more. The four Breen ships were hot on his tail. Pazrek punched the Concorde to Warp 8, the shuttle's max speed. The shuttle fairly screamed from the effort. Suddenly, disrupter bursts nailed the Concorde right in the warp drive, wrecking it and causing a shower of sparks to rain down upon the terrified passengers and pilot. Pazrek brought her back down into the field, screening the Concorde from further damage with asteroids. Several times, asteroids rubbed against her shields, jerking the ship roughly around.
"Uh oh," the team heard Pazrek say.
"What?" exclaimed Amara.
"The shields are almost gone. We'll be dead in here without them."
"What are we going to do?" asked Trista.
An explosion flashed to the left, marking the death of another Breen ship in an asteroid collision.
"We're almost there." muttered Pazrek grimly. Suddenly, they shot out of the field, turning straight towards a huge structure. The Breen followed, and then tried to break off upon sighting where they were and what they were facing, but it was too late. Powerful phasers and torpedoes ripped into them, disintegrating them as the Concorde gracefully moved towards the dock area of Starbase 375.
* * * *
"Well, it was nice meeting this version of you," said Serena to Pazrek as he configured the node. The O-frame was already rotating.
He grinned. "Likewise. You take care, and hurry home. We're depending on you."
"Where are we going now?" asked Amy.
"D-53. D-stacks are interesting, combining technology and mythical power in one set of realities. And we're just about ready." He trailed off. White energy burst into the O-ring, opening the node.
"Now!" said Pazrek. "Good luck!"
The team exchanged glances, and then jumped into the white energy.