Spock is meditating in a darkened room.  The door beeps to signal someone wishes entry.  Spock ignores it and the door beeps twice again in quick succession.  Spock slowly lifts his head and says,

Spock

Enter

Captain Scott comes in carrying a bottle in one hand.

Scotty

Mr Spock, you are indeed a sight for sore eyes, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to welcome you aboard, wee problem in engineering you know, the engines weren’t really replicated to go into battle, they were really only for show at the museum.

Spock

Captain Scott, it has been a long time.  However I am not offended by your absence at my embarkation.  It was indeed a breech of starfleet protocol but I understand the needs of the ship take precedence over minor protocol matters.

Scotty

All these years, and yer still haven’t lighten up.  Mr Spock, its me, Scotty, can yee really believe we’re back on the original Enterprise, once more on a mission to save mankind.

Spock

Mankind?

Scotty

You know what I mean, all Federation species, and even the Klingons.

Spock

We are fortunate to have lived through so many interesting times.  However, neither of us are as young as we used to be.  And Jim is no longer with us.

Scotty

Jim?  I think perhaps you have mellowed a wee bit.  Will you no join me in a wee dram remembering the old times.

Spock

Captain Scott, I am in the middle of my meditation preparing for our encounter with the Founders.  It would be more beneficial to my state of mind for the negotiations if I were to continue to meditate.

Scotty tilts his head and raises an eyebrow and lifts up the bottle.

Scotty

Are ye really going to turn me away when I’ve got this bottle of pure malt?

Spock

Meditation is important, but so is how we behave with our friends.  I will join you in a glass.

Scotty

Good man Mr Spock!!  We are two birds out of our natural time.

Scotty pours two glasses and gives one to Spock.

Scotty

To absent friends.

Spock

Captain Kirk, Dr McCoy and the others have died Captain Scott, they are not absent.

Scotty

While we remember them they will always be with us.

Absent friends.

Spock raises his glass and lightly chinks it against Scotty’s.

Spock

Absent friends.

They both drink, Scotty knocks his back in one.  Spock coughs on his.

Scotty

Ha. Vulcans never really acquired a taste for refined liquor.  They do say its a sign of good luck if a Vulcan coughs at your drink.  Isn’t that what Cochraine said when we found him on that planet.

Spock

(recovering his composure) Yes, I do believe he did.

Scotty

We’ve had some fine times together, and although I was so pleased when Casey and Barclay asked for my help in making her (Scotty bashes the bulkhead) ready for deep space travel I can’t help feeling we’d have a better chance with the old crew.

Spock

Captain Casey is one of the most decorated officers in Starfleet, he has twice been decorated with the Christopher Pike medal of honour, he has led many successful campaigns.  Admiral Picard is widely known for his strategic and innovative thinking…

Scotty

Yes, I know they’re a fine bunch… Starfleet’s finest and all, its just I think we’d have had a better chance if Captain Kirk were here as well, and …. Between you and me, I’m not at all comfortable at the idea of Klingons and Romulans in the party.

Spock

As Captain Kirk is plainly not here, there is nothing to be gained by wishing he were.  I think it is a remarkable achievement that the expedition comprises all the Alpha Quadrant allies.

Scotty

All the same, there’s some I instinctively trust, and some I’d always keep a weather eye on, if you know what I mean. (Scotty taps the side of his nose.)

Spock

Without trust and co-operation both our species would still be hunting animals on the savannahs of our homeworlds.  Its true that trust can be broken, but, if we are not prepared to put our faith in a better future we will be trapped in the past.

Scotty

Fine words, and I know you’re right, yer see, I knew I’d feel better coming to talk to you.

Another drink?

Scotty pours himself another.

Spock

No thank you, I haven’t finished this one yet.

Scotty

No problem, Hey do you remember when Abraham Lincoln arrived on the bridge, the look on Jim Kirk’s face was something else……..

The scene fades out.

Tuvok

I believe I have located the fleet.

Janeway

Excellent, where are they.

Tuvok

They are at, Gamma, four seven five, point nine degrees, bearing two, two four from galactic core.

Janeway

Our ETA to intercept?

Paris

I estimate four point five hours.

Tuvok

Four hours, twenty eight minutes, 30 seconds.

Janeway

Are they in a planetary system?

Tuvok

Negative.  They have dropped out of hyperwarp and are proceeding at warp three point five on a heading of nine, seven, three, vector four two to the galactic core.

Janeway

When will they meet a planetary system.

Tuvok

They’re present heading takes them through a…

adjusting sensors…. New readings are coming through…

They are heading for a gas nebula at Gamma reference six, six, six.  There may be a solar system embedded within the nebula which would require enormous power devices to maintain such a hollowed out region.

However the sensors are detecting five thousand four hundred and twenty two cloaked ships in the nebula.  Energy emissions are consistent with Dominion configurations.

Janeway

O no.  They’re heading for a trap.

7of9

Confirmation of Tuvok’s readings, the fleet will enter the nebula in forty seven minutes.

Janeway

Options people.

Tuvok

They are out of communications range.

Paris

Normally you’d ask B’Elanna to get more out of the engines.

Janeway

Good thinking Tom.

Paris

It was a joke.

Janeway

Doesn’t matter, its given me an idea.

Computer activate the Emergency Medical Hologram.

Doctor

Please state the nature of the medical emergency.

I’m sorry I think you have mis- activated me, there appears to be no medical emergency here.

Janeway

Doctor, are you still able to represent the ship’s computer systems as amended by number one.

Doctor

Captain, you know how much trouble that caused me.  It took Mr Kim twelve hours to reboot me from back up files.

Janeway

I know, and I promise we’ll do it again if we need to.

Doctor

The better way would be to reboot the Doctor taken hostage by that programme and give him - or her - a new identity.

Janeway

This is serious doctor, I need to get more speed out of this ship.

Doctor

Is transwarp not fast enough for you?

Janeway

No.  Now please doctor.

Doctor

Well, if you insist, you are the captain after all.  Mr Kim, load Doctor programme stardate, XYZABC.

Kim

Yes doctor. Activating Doctor programme stardate XYZABC

A second doctor hologram appears.

Janeway

I think you’re right doctor, maybe we’d better have an alternative holographic form.

Doctor 1&2

For him or me?

Janeway

Mr Kim, please find a new body for Doctor two.

Kim

Aye Aye captain.

The second doctor phases into a different body but then phases back again.

Kim

I am unable to complete your order captain, the second doctor has overridden my commands.

Doctor 2

Don’t worry captain, I just prefer this representation as you and your crew appear more comfortable with it.

Janeway

I don’t have time for this.

Look, I need your help. We need to get to Gamma six, six, six in the next 45 minutes. Can you help.

Doctor 2

One moment while I compute the options.

I am unfortunately unable to assist.  Without number one time/ matter portals, the most efficient time we can be at Gamma six, six, six in is fifty four minutes.

Janeway

I’ll settle for that, make it so.

Doctor 2

I’m making the necessary adjustments to the ships systems.

Adjustments complete.

Tuvok

Our transwarp speed has just increased by a factor of three point one two.

Cut to external scene of Voyager flying very fast through the transwarp conduit.  Cut back to scene on Voyager’s bridge.

Janeway

All hands, now here this, in less than one hour we will be joining the expeditionary fleet who will be in battle with a very large Dominion force.  We will need everyone to be at their best.  I know I can count on you.

Chakotay.  Sound battle stations. Anything could happen in the next hour.

Klaxons go off and red alert signs start flashing.

Janeway

Also, I have another idea. 

Seven, I wonder if we could invite some friends to join us?

The scene is of the expeditionary fleet flying at warp.  The Enterprise -E has a tractor beam on the -D.  The fleet is no longer in the hyperwarp bubble. The spacecraft move very slightly in relation to one another.  Cut to scene of Enterprise - E’s ready room. Picard is seated at the table examining a computer pad.  The door sounds.

Picard

Enter.

Riker comes in with Counsellor Troi, Picard stands up.

Picard

I was just about to have afternoon tea, would you care to join me?

Troi

Yes, that would be nice.

Riker

Certainly.

Picard walks over to the replicator.

Picard

Will, rakdajino?  And Hot Chocolate for you Deanna?

Riker and Troi smile and nod.

Riker

Always the sign of a good commander, to know what one’s troops need before they do.

Picard

Cup of Earl Grey, hot, cup of rakdajino hot, cup of drinking chocolate hot.

The replicator whirr’s and dispenses the three drinks.  Picard hands the hot chocolate and rakdajino to Troi and Riker.  He takes the tea himself.

Picard

And how are the troops?

Riker

Well the ships never been in better shape, despite the pounding we took last week.

Picard

That’s good to hear, but that’s not what I asked.

Troi

There is a great feeling of apprehension amongst the crew.

Picard

That’s understandable, this is a mission the like I have never been on before.

Troi

They are comforted by the fact you are leading them.

Picard

That’s kind of you to say.

Troi

It is the truth.

Picard

Will, I’ve been reviewing our course and navigation plans.

Riker

The nebula?

Picard

Yes, the nebula.  Assuming the Dominion know of our plans it would make an ideal ambush site.

Riker

We’d have to drop to impulse to broach the nebula perimeter, and the gases could shield hundreds of ships.

Picard

The obvious thing to do would be to traverse the perimeter singly.  The Dominion would not know which ship contained the Omega furnace, if they attack the first vessel through it would allow us to set it off outside the nebula.  If they let the first ship through they may be letting the furnace through.

Riker

I’ve always had a taste for poker.

Picard

Maybe, but our first objective is to negotiate, our last resort is Omega.

Riker.

The Romulan and Klingons have cloaking devices, as does the Defiant. We could send them on ahead to scout.

Picard

Good idea, I was thinking that perhaps we could use the phasing device as you did in Spacedock and allow us all to silently slip through.

Riker

Stealth rather than

The ship rocks in a blast from outside. The three are flung across the room.  Cut to external view as the fleet is brought to an abrupt halt. They are enmeshed in a mine field.  Cut to scene of the ready room.  Riker is helping Troi up.  Picard is unconscious.

Riker

Riker to bridge, what’s happening?

Sunni

Sir, we appear to have hit a mine.  Its knocked the fleet out of low warp sir.

Riker

Are we under attack?

Sunni

No sir.  Wait. Multiple contacts made, bearing four nine nine, mark three.  Eight minutes to intercept.

Riker

Riker to sickbay, medical emergency, Admiral Picard and Counsellor Troi have received injuries.

Dr Picard

Acknowledged, I’m on my way, we have reports of multiple casualties, no fatalities.

Troi starts to come round.

Riker

Are you OK.

Troi

I’ve been better, O my head.

Picard

Will, your first duty is to the Enterprise.

Riker

Yes sir, she is safe for the moment, when medical relief is here I will take my place on the bridge. 

Picard

Sorry Will, I didn’t mean to question your command.

Riker

That’s OK, you appear to have been knocked out as well, you’re bleeding.

Dr Crusher and an assistant enter and start treating Troi and Picard.

Picard

Will, the mission.

Riker

I’m on my way.

Riker leaves the ready room and enters the bridge.

Riker

Report.

Sunni

A cloaked photonic mine was triggered and we sustained some damage to the inertial damping field.  We have been able to restore the dampers.

A large Dominion fleet is approaching.

Riker

How large?

Sunni

(checks her console first) Five thousand four hundred and twenty two.

Riker

Status of the fleet?

Sunni

All ships report fully operational.

The exploding mine has de- cloaked the rest of the mine field which is surrounding us on all sides.

Riker

Riker to the fleet, Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Data

Sisko here Captain. the mine triggered by the Enterprise -E has been replicated, so we cannot simply blast our way out.  As we were allowed to pass the outer walls of mines it might suggest that this is a deliberate trap rather than a mere impediment to progress.

Riker

And your suggestion is?

Sisko

The mines must operate on a frequency that allows them to communicate and replicate.  We need to find the frequency and jam it, then we can start blasting.

Riker

Good, allocate frequencies to the rest of the fleet and start straight away.

Sisko

Captain, I feel as though I should point out it took the Cardasians 6 months to break our frequencies.

Riker

Well we have 6 minutes before we become a turkey shoot.  Otherwise in five minutes 45 seconds I will order the Omega device to be activated.

Sisko

Acknowledged.

Cut to scene of each bridge furiously trying to crack the frequency needed.  Data on the Enterprise- D is doing so at a highly accelerated pace.

Cut to scene of Enterprise - E bridge.

Sunni

Sir, the first Jem Hadar ships are approaching, the main fleet will arrive in two minutes.  They are opening fire.

Cut to external scene of the expeditionary fleet trapped within the minefield while several Jem Hadar ships start to fire shots between the mines at the ships.  Their shields flare in defence.  Cut to scene of Enterprise -E bridge.

Riker

Return fire, keep working on those frequencies.

Sunni

Returning fire sir, direct hit on lead ships.

Sir, I am reading new signals.

Riker

More Jem Hadar ships?

Sunni

No sir, it appears to be multiple transwarp conduits, they are opening in the space around us.

Riker

Transwarp conduits?

Sunni

Yes sir, the ship signatures are…..

Riker

What are they Commander Sunni!!

Sunni

They are Borg ship signatures

A brief scene of Voyager traversing a transwarp conduit is shown.

Cut to scene of Enterprise -E bridge.

Riker

The Borg?

Sunni

Yes sir, the first cubes are exiting dead ahead of us.

Riker

On screen.

Sunni

Aye Aye sir.

Cut scene of Borg ships appearing between the captive fleet and the advancing Jem Hadar fleet.  The six early Jem Hadar ships are attacked and destroyed by the Borg Cubes.  The Borg cubes begin to make a simple brick wall pattern.

Borg

Dominion forces you will break off your attack and deactivate the minefield. The Federation fleet must be allowed to complete its mission. Resistance is futile.

Cut to scene on Jem Hadar ship. The Jem Hadar soldiers are confused as is the VORTA.

VORTA

What manner of creatures are these?  They do not appear to be Federation.

Jem Hadar 2

Sir, our databanks of intercepted Federation intelligence indicate they are a species known to the Federation as the Borg.  They originate from the delta quadrant and have been expanding their empire exponentially.  They assimilate conquered lifeforms into their collective.

VORTA

O no, that will never do for the founders.  I thought this was going to be a relatively easy battle but if the Federation have brought the delta quadrant into it as well I do not pretend to know what the Founders will do in response.

We must stop them. 

All ships attention, proceed with battle plan beta four.  Engage the new enemy as well.

Cut to external scene of Jem Hadar ships swarming across the Borg cubes and strafing them.  The Borg shields shimmer as they are struck, the Borg return fire destroying Jem Hadar ships attempt to pass.

Cut to scene of Enterprise - E.

Riker

Are my eyes deceiving me?

Picard

That depends on what they are seeing number o.. sorry Captain.

Riker indicates to wards the viewscreen.

Riker

Glad you’re back on your feet.

Dr Picard

He has a fractured cheekbone, he must have struck the table pretty hard.  I’ve been able to fuse the bone but he’ll be a little groggy for a while.

Picard

My deepest gratitude.

Status report.

Riker

We are trapped in a minefield which we are attempting to deactivate.  A large Dominion fleet has come out of the nebula and is attempting to attack us.

Picard

Time to intercept.

Riker

Two minutes ago.

Picard

Why have they not attacked the fleet?

Riker

Because the Borg have engaged them.

Picard

What??

Riker

That makes two of us.

The camera view pans to take in the viewscreen where the battle continues to unfold before them.

Data

Admiral, I have analysed the Dominion fleet attack tactics and the Borg’s.  The Borg have destroyed or incapacitated three hundred and fifty seven Jem Hadar ships and sustained heavy damage to four cubes.  Extrapolating the battles I estimate the Dominion will overpower the Borg in another seven minutes twelve seconds at the present rate of attrition.

Picard

How are we doing with deactivating the minefield?

Data

I believe there is a fractal encryption code which I am attempting to decipher.

Spock

Excuse me gentlemen.  I have been analysing the codification and it appears to be based on Roman numerals.  I believe that I can be of some assistance in deciphering the command codes.

Data

Ambassador Spock, a Roman numeral algorithm would certainly fit the evidence but would be one of the last approaches I would use to attempt to decipher the code with.

Spock

Call it instinct, but I believe the minefield is now deactivated.

Data

I can confirm Ambassador Spock’s assessment.  He has deactivated the minefield.

Picard

Well done everyone.

Riker, signal the Borg fleet, we wish to advance, we will tuck in behind their defensive wall.  As a moving target and with our additional firepower that should buy us some more time.

Riker

Aye aye sir.

Data

Admiral, one of the Borg cubes has been destroyed.  With the new tactics I estimate it will be seventeen minutes twenty seconds before the remaining Dominion forces over power us.

Picard

Acknowledged.  We’ll have to start working on plan B.  Will, I assume you’ve warmed up the furnace?

Riker

Yes sir, 48 hour countdown, 15 second hot countdown.

Picard

Good, now what else can we do to get through?

Sunni

Sir, I am picking up new signals from the nebula. 

It appears to be Dreadnoughts, eight confirmed contacts sir.

Data

Admiral Picard, I have updated estimates based on the Dreadnoughts joining the Dominion fleet, with the present damage to the Borg fleet, I estimate two minutes.

Riker

(under his breath) what no seconds?

Data

No Captain Riker, we now have one minute fifty -seven seconds.

Picard

Options?

Picard

Q!!!

Get off my bridge we have enough trouble to contend with.

Q

Mon Capitaine, o, pardon moi, Mon Admirale.

Picard

Q, I’m warning you, stay out of my way.

Q

But of course, I just wanted to be here at your finest moment.  Don’t worry, only you can see me, they’ll blame your hallucinations on the blow to your head.

Picard

This is not the end.

Data

Three more Borg cubes have been destroyed.  The dreadnoughts have engaged the lead cube.  It has been destroyed also.  Estimated time to Dominion victory, forty seconds.

Q

You were saying Picard? (Q smirks)

Picard

Prepare the Omega device.

Q

Tut, tut.

Sunni

I am picking up another transwarp signal.

Riker

Is it more Borg cubes?

Sunni

No sir, it is a single conduit.  Transponder signal suggests it is of Federation origin.

Riker

Federation?

Sunni

Yes sir, the conduit is opening just behind us.  It is the USS Voyager sir.

Picard

Janeway.

Janeway

Attention Admiral Picard, this is Captain Janeway of the USS Voyager.  I am aware of your fallback plan, but I have to insist that you do not activate the Omega device. Please allow us to assist your passage.

Picard

Anything you can do to assist our passage would be most welcome.

Janeway

Having reprogrammed their base code we invited some Borg ships to assist us and as they were closer to help you they got here first.

Picard

They have certainly kept us going, but I have my orders, if we are unable to negotiate then I must initiate a fallback option.

Janeway

I will not let you annihilate innocent species, the Omega device will mean the total extermination for countless species.

Picard

We are not going to initiate a holocaust of the Founders or Dominion.

Janeway

No, but you will of other species in other dimensions.

Picard is lost for words.

Janeway

Chakotay, attack pattern delta one.  Target the dreadnoughts first and then the rest of the Dominion attack fleet.

Chakotay

Aye Aye sir.

Cut to external scene.  Voyager manoeuvres up and over the expeditionary fleet and above the damaged Borg wall.

It takes up position and multiple phasers fire hitting all eight of the dreadnoughts, four explode and four spiral away severely damaged.

Voyager then unleashes hundreds of phaser volleys at the attack ships destroying and incapacitating ships with a single blast.

The Jem Hadar break off their attack on the Borg and head towards Voyager.  Voyager unleashes hundreds of micro torpedoes each hitting a Jem Hadar ship and destroying or incapacitating it. 

Within a minute the Dominion fleet is adrift in space.

Picard

Picard to Janeway, that was a most impressive display, we should have invited you along from the beginning.

Janeway

Perhaps, but I am even more worried now at the technology we have acquired in Voyager.

Picard

All the same, thank you for your help.

Captain Riker, signal the fleet to proceed through the nebula at impulse.  Heading dead centre of the nebula.  And Q, get off my bridge.

Riker

Aye Aye sir.

Q

Moi? I’m just a passenger and that was a very close call for you.

Picard

Just don’t get in the way.

Cut to external scene of the remaining ships including five Borg vessels moving past the decimated Dominion fleet towards the nebula.

The scene is the Enterprise -E’s ready room, Admiral Picard is at the head of the table.  The other Captains, Ambassador Spock and Odo are seated at the table.

Picard

Situation report.

Riker

We have entered the Founder’s solar system.  There is a level twenty energy field surrounding the third planet.  Odo has identified it as the location of The Great Link.

At present we are holding position at the outer edge of the system. We have not received any communication signals, we are only getting static.

Picard

Ambassador Spock, what would you like to do.

Spock

The logical conclusion is that the Founders are very worried, we have just destroyed their homeworld defence fleet and they are probably aware of the Omega device.

Janeway

If I may interject.

Spock

Captain, your information about its effects on other species is noted.  However, the Founders are probably unaware of this information and are hence likely to believe that our intentions are unchanged.

Janeway goes to make a further point but realises Spock has anticipated her.

Spock

I propose to continue with our plan to seek a peaceful resolution to our differences with the Founders.  I would suggest we do not attempt a large show of force and I would like to take only the original Enterprise into planetary orbit and leave the fleet back here.

I should like yourself, Captain Sisko and Captain Janeway and Odo to join me with a skeleton crew aboard.

General Martok

Why only humans?

Spock

I do not believe I am human. 

However between them they have a unique collection of qualities and experience.  Admiral Picard has negotiated many treaties before.  Captain Sisko has experience of meeting the Founders, Odo is of course of their species, and Captain Janeway has the unique advantage of having traversed the Delta quadrant facing all manner of new challenges in order to gain passage through other species’ regions of space.

General Martok

Logic, always logic with you, why not allow a Klingon warrior to accompany you and show them our heart?

Spock

I have considered Captain Worf, but I believe he is best placed to command the Defiant in Captain Sisko’s absence.  Likewise your strategic battle skills are best served in defending the fleet.

I understand your have some further information on that matter Captain Janeway?

Janeway

That is correct.  Voyager’s long range scanners suggest that, rather like the legions of Roman Empire when Rome was threatened, there has been a general recall of Dominion forces.  We have detected over 82 thousand vessels heading towards these co -ordinates.  They will be here in 36 hours.

General Martok

Are they a match for your vessel?

Janeway

I do not know.  We are still learning about our new found abilities.

General Martok

Ha, you have a vessel that has tipped the balance of war in our favour.  We must exploit it and put an end to this war at once.

Picard

Pandora found it difficult to put back in the box.

Janeway

My thoughts exactly, which is why Voyager was quarantined and shut off from all Federation officials and scientists on our arrival back.

Sisko

An interesting question of philosophy, whether we can unlearn knowledge.  It goes against our grain. 

Janeway

But do we understand the consequences of our knowledge.  The reason why time travel is so rarely allowed is to stop us using our knowledge of the future to change the past to make a better future.  The timeline must be unaltered.

We banned research into the Omega particle because we could not contain and stabilise it.  Up until an hour ago we were planning to use it without understanding the consequences.

Picard

I, for one am truly grateful for your arrival.

Q

Hear, hear.!

Picard

Q!

Q

O, I’m sorry, please ignore me.

Picard

We’re trying, now please be quiet.

Spock

An interesting debate, and perhaps one we can take further after our mission.

I suggest we move on.

Picard

I agree.

Computer, for the record, Command of this mission has now passed to Ambassador Spock as we attempt to initiate negotiations.  I shall be joining the negotiating team. 

Command of the fleet will transfer to, (Picard pauses) General Martok.

General Martok

Thank you Admiral.

They get up from the table and head towards the door. Picard waits and catches Riker’s arm to have a private word.

Picard

Will, I wanted you to know that giving command to General Martok in no way..

Riker

Jean Luc, I think I’ve grown up enough to follow orders now.  Besides, if the roles were reversed I would have given General Martok command as well.

They smile at each other and shake hands and grip the other’s forearm in deep friendship.

Riker

Good luck.

Picard

Thank you, I hope we won’t need it.  Take care of the Enterprise, try not to break her.

Riker

I’ll do my best.

They walk out the door and down past the bridge towards the turbo lifts.

Cut to scene of the five transporting to the Enterprise.  They make their way to the bridge.  Scotty is underneath a control panel with a sonic wrench.

Scotty

Willye just behave once in your life!

Spock

Is there a problem Mr Scott?

Scotty is startled and attempts to sit upright but bumps his head on the console.

Scotty

Ow!!!  Either this ship has got smaller or I ‘ve got bigger.

Spock

As the ship has the same dimensions it has always had and there are no spatial anomalies here, the conclusion must be…

Scotty

Don’t say it Mr Spock!

Spock

(raises an eyebrow) If you insist.

Mr Scott, my original question has not been answered.  Is there a problem with the ship?

Scotty

Och no, the ship’s fine, engines, shields, we even managed a phaser pot shot in that melee back there.  It’s just we did take a couple of blasts and it seems to be giving the museum holograms a few problems.  Some of the routines keep flicking up.

Spock

Does it interfere in any of the ship’s main systems?

Scotty

No, no way.

Spock

Well, in that case I think we should proceed.  If someone would like to take the chair.

Spock indicates the Captain’s chair.

Janeway

Well as the senior officer, it should fall to you Admiral Picard.

Picard

No, this is Ambassador Spock’s ship and he is now in command of the mission.  Nothing would give me greater pleasure than if you were to take the chair.

Spock

I am not motivated by such emotional considerations.  It is not a difficult operation, I would prefer if one of you would take us in.

They look at each other.

Sisko

Actually, its been a bit of a boyhood fantasy of mine.  You know my crew and I served aboard her once at the time of the tribbles, it was an honour to serve under Captain Kirk and Mr Spock.  Ever since meeting Casey at the Academy I’ve always wondered what that chair felt like.

Picard

Be my guest.

Sisko walks around the chair letting his hand touch it as Spock surveys him.

Spock

I do believe I recall you serving with us.

Sisko

Thank you.

Sisko takes the seat, Scotty takes a seat at the helm.

Sisko

Ahead ¼ impulse speed, takes us into orbit above the third planet of the system.

Scotty

Aye Aye sir.

Cut to external scene of the Enterprise leaving the fleet and heading towards the centre of the system.

Cut to scene of the Enterprise entering orbit above the homeworld. And cut back to scene of Enterprise bridge.

Sisko

Hailing frequencies Mr Scott.

Scotty

Aye sir, hailing frequencies open. 

No response sir.

Sisko

Keep trying Mr Scott.

Scotty

Yes sir.

Sisko

Suggestions?

Spock

Clearly they know we are here.

Odo

Yes, very much so.

The others turn and look at Odo.

Odo

I can feel them.

Spock

I was not aware you had empathic abilities.

Sisko

Nor I.  What is it Odo?

Odo

I cannot explain it, when I’ve been here before I’ve not felt like this.  But now I can feel their presence, across the distance between us I can feel them.

Janeway

Perhaps we should go to the planet’s surface to make contact.

Elder

There will be no need for that.

They turn to see an elder Founder on the bridge with them.

Spock

You are welcome aboard.  I am Spock.

Elder

I know who you are and why you are here.

Spock

Then you know we come seeking peace.

Elder

You call the destruction of over 5,000 vessels and your Omega device peace?

You have a strange way with words Ambassador Spock.

Spock

We do not wish to harm you, we are defending ourselves.

Elder

By killing our allies and the Founders themselves?

Spock

We do not claim to be perfect, but we did not start the war with yourselves.

Elder

And you know you will lose it if its left to run its course.

Spock

I am empowered to discuss many matters with your people.

We are prepared to agree never to visit the Gamma Quadrant without your express permission.  We are prepared to allow your union with Cardasia to evolve.  All we ask is that you recognise our right to evolve.

Elder

And was your new ship Voyager natural evolution?

Janeway goes to speak but Spock holds up a hand to silence her.

Spock

Voyager was not natural evolution, it was external intervention

Elder

And now that you think have the upper hand you will destroy us.

Spock

Nothing could be further from the truth.  We have no intention of destroying you.

Elder

In the last 50 million years, every species we have come into contact with has either tried to own us or destroy us.  In the 100,000 years before our encounter with the Federation only two founders have died, one of natural causes, the other was murder.  In the 10 years since the wormhole opened six founders have died. With each death the extinction of the Founders becomes closer.

Spock

An alternative solution to extinction is procreation.

Elder

A typically carbon DNA response.

Spock

In my experience, all life strives to continue its line, DNA lifeforms, silicon lifeforms, energy based lifeforms.  It is part of the definition of life.

Elder

Perhaps we have different definitions of life?

Spock

I would be interested to understand your definition of life.

Elder

Founders are life.

Spock

I do not understand your definition.

Elder

Without us, there would be no other species in the galaxy, or those in the galactic string we occupy.

Spock

Are you necessary for our existence?

Elder

We are a pre- requisite.

Spock

Do you mean you were the first sentient lifeform in the galaxy?

Elder

I can see why you are so well regarded in the Federation

Spock

Admiral Picard found a holographic program from beings that claimed to be the first explorers in the galaxy, they left parts of it in the DNA of many alpha quadrant species.

Elder

Yes, I know of that, they were early explorers, but only after we had already retired from our exploration of space in order to explore ourselves at our retreat. It does not surprise me that they left a coded message in your chemical make up.  They followed us; we have left coded messages in every species’ minds.

Spock

Are you the common source of all our legends?

Elder

No.  We are the source of your ability to think, to question, to reason. We discovered mathematics, we discovered language, feelings and emotion.

To think, to be. 

Before us, there was no life, there was just chemical reactions.  No purpose other than energy release and rearrangement.

We began life 20 billion years ago as the Universe was just forming.  We evolved much as you have, from simple single cell organisms, to amphibians to insects to bipeds; but over a much, much longer timescale than you, 10 billion years. 

We too explored the galaxy and found it less than us.  We continued to grow and explore.  To evolve as you might put it.  Since our development every species has followed the same generic path, there have been different paths because of local circumstances.  Some sentient species retain insect origins, others have mammalian, others fish.  Some skip particular steps but all follow the same general pattern, from single cell, to multi- cell, to biped, to technological, to telepathic, to liquid and then multi -dimensional.

As we evolved into empathics and liquids our society split.  There were those that wanted to continue to expand their minds and left our retreat. 

The elder changes into a Talosian and then reverts back.

Elder

They developed telepathic abilities and remained corporeal.  We continued and evolved out of solids into liquid form.  We have some telepathic abilities, but our ability to merge completely with one another, to take whatever form we choose is our liberation and evolution.  I am sure you have lifeforms on your own planet that start of as one thing and end up as another, such as a fish and then a land animal, or a grub that pupates and then turns into a flying insect.

Sisko

We have frogs and butterflies.

Elder

Well our present liquid form is that pre-final state.  We are ‘born’ liquid’ and over time, about a million years, we transcend our liquid form and become inter- dimensional beings, not restricted by time or space.

Sisko

The prophets.

Elder

We have heard tell of your relationship with the wormhole aliens but we have never experienced meeting them ourselves.

Then, about a billion years ago, a newer species became very afraid of us. They were afraid of our power and knowledge and wanted to steal it and rule us.  We wanted peace, we attempted to live peacefully and to negotiate amicable accords with them but to no avail.  They decided they wanted to conquer us as they were afraid of what they did not understand.

They developed a transgenic weapon and used it upon us. 

All but four founders who were off world were affected.  Once we were translucent, now our natural state is golden brown and we have lost the ability to reproduce and to transcend our form into the final state.

Every time one of us dies, our total extinction becomes one step closer.

Spock

Can we help you to reproduce.

The elder laughs

Spock

I’m sorry if I have offended you

Elder

No, you haven’t offended me, I just find it difficult to believe that a species as far behind us in evolutionary terms can think it can help us.  We do not follow molecular genetics as you understand it, it is a much more advanced concept.

Spock

I have learned that necessity is a powerful tool for innovation.

Odo

Ambassador Spock, I would like to ask a question.

Spock motions to Odo ‘yes’

Odo

You say we have not been able to reproduce, yet my experiences suggest I am only 50 or so years old.  On a previous visit you said you sent out a hundred like me to explore the galaxy.

Elder

That is true.

You see Odo we have tried to rectify our situation for hundreds of millennia.  Since we dispensed with ‘hard’ technology like this starship we found it hard to apply ourselves to the task.

The four untainted Founders were all of the same kind.  What you (indicating Spock and the others) might see as analogous to gender, they were all male for the sake of argument.  They believed that there was still an embryo ‘female’ at our old homeworld but we had lost contact with it such a long time ago, we were not sure if it even existed any more.  They set off to see if they could find the female.  Even then they would probably need assistance from the Talosian sect to complete the triangle of forces and strands we used to use in creating offspring.

Odo

And was I one of those offspring.

Elder

No, my dear Odo you were not.  After many millennia, the four had not returned and another group of Founders decided to try an alternative strategy, to clone us.  There were many disappointments.  Eventually they managed to mimic the founder liquid dynamics and make up and 350 founders volunteered to be cloned.  We sent one hundred babies out around the galaxy as a way of gauging the future threat to us, expecting them to come home over the next thousand millennia.

Your arrival home so early shocked us.  It meant there were faster and fiercer evolving species in the Alpha quadrant.  When we met them we were proved right.

Unfortunately, the cloning was ultimately a failure because as the babies grew, the source founder who was cloned began to grow weaker.  The technique only allowed one clone from one source Founder.  I do not know where my clone is, but I can tell it is developing as I am growing weaker by the day.

Odo

I am sorry.

Elder

Do not be sorry.  I wanted to be cloned, I wanted us to continue.  Now it seems we are doomed.  If not this year, then next, or perhaps the millennia after, but ultimately we are doomed to die.

At that point the hologram begins to flicker.

Elder

What is the purpose of this.

Scotty

I’m sorry I’ll have it sorted out in a minute (Scotty presses buttons on the console)

Picard

We’re sorry, this is a museum ship, with holographic emitters to show stories.

Kirk bursts into life.

Kirk

I don’t believe in the No Win Scenario.  I reprogrammed the computers to win.

Scotty

Ah, there we go.

The hologram disappears and there is a momentary silence.

Spock

Perhaps, Captain Kirk is right.

Sisko

I’m sorry.

Spock

We should take Captain Kirk’s advice and not believe in the inevitability of failure.  The human spirit, please correct me if I’m wrong, is a source of indefatigable optimism and adversity a source of ingenuity.

Sisko

I cannot argue with you on that but I do not follow you.

Spock

I am privy to the location of the Talosians.  It was my first mission aboard a human vessel.  Our encounter so shocked the Federation that is became a proscribed planet under General Order 7 in the Alpha quadrant.

Elder

You are attempting to deceive me.

Spock

I assure you I am not.  Come join with me if you doubt me.

Elder

Perhaps at a later time.

Janeway

And I have met your 4 founders.  I believe my security officer Tuvok has a message from them for Odo and you.

There is a pause, again the Elder looks disbelieving and suspicious of the story unfolding.

Elder

Bring me this Tuvok.

Janeway

Janeway to Tuvok.

Tuvok

Tuvok here captain.

Janeway

Would you mind joining us on the Enterprise.

Tuvok

Certainly captain.

A moment or two later Tuvok materialises on the bridge of the Enterprise.

Tuvok

Ah, Chief Odo, I have a message for you which I cannot access.  It will be necessary for us to mindmeld to retrieve it.

Odo

I would be delighted.  Perhaps we can do it together (to the elder)

Elder

Yes.

Odo and the Elder start to meld their arms together but retain their torsos. Then the Siamese pair move towards Tuvok who holds out his hand to Odo’s face to mind meld with them. They encompass him much as the liquid creatures had before.  After a couple of minutes they slowly extract themselves and separate into three.

There is a pause for a minute or so.

Odo

I think you should tell them.

Elder

Yes.  Ambassador Spock, this has been a most enlightening experience.

Tuvok has indeed a message for the Great Link. You have made contact with the four.  Unfortunately The Great Link will not be able to hear it. 

Spock

What would prevent them from hearing it.

Elder

When we learned of your destruction of our defence force we instigated our own contingency plan.

Spock

Which is?

Elder

At this moment in time, Dominion Forces in the Alpha Quadrant are preparing to attack each home planet in the Federation.  Their shields are down because destruction of the ships will not prevent completion of their mission.

They each carry a modified genetic virus that will extinguish all DNA lifeforms on a world.  The effect is 100% complete.  There is no antidote, there is no cure.  It is quick, it is painless, your people will simply fall asleep and never wake up.

Destroying the ships will just allow the virus to spread across many systems rather than just the Federation ones.

Their orders are to fire the virus in torpedo if they detect an Omega weapon has been triggered in the Gamma Quadrant, or in 48 hours if your Federation force has not returned.

Picard

But that is outrageous.

Janeway

As outrageous as our Omega weapon.

Picard

But that didn’t destroy life in the same way.

Janeway

Yes it does, just not in our dimension of space and time.

Spock

So we are faced with a retreat in order to save our worlds from death.

Odo

There’s more.

Elder

Yes, that was our stance that I was to tell you in order to make you leave The Great Link.  However, the Dominion forces are ordered to carry out the mission irrespective in order to preserve us.

Spock

We cannot allow this to happen.

Elder

The future is an undiscovered country.

Spock

What can we do to draw back both sides.

Elder

I do not know.  I am old and weak.  I volunteered to come here as my time is now short and I will not join the Great Link again.  My clone must be becoming self aware.

Our homeworld has erected a Metaphasic force field which you will not be able to penetrate with a ship, or weapon or your transporters.  The Great Link want nothing more to do with you and simply want to be left alone.  They will not communicate with you.

Picard

Mad, that’s what this is.

Sisko

I’m inclined to agree with you.

Picard

Mad, M.. A..D, it was an acronym from 20th Century Earth History.  The political superpowers of the day built weapons of mass destruction.  Except they knew the other side had a similar capability.  So they knew that the only thing stopping a pre-emptive strike was the ability to totally destroy the enemy.  Mutually Assured Destruction.

Earth however, did find a way through it all.  The stockpiles eventually were destroyed and accords eventually reached.

Janeway

Tell me, would it make any difference if we could bring the four pure Founders to The Great Link? Or even number 1?

Elder

Number 1?

Janeway

Number 1 is a proto- liquid lifeform that is powering, or rather co-ordinating an incredible region of space at the centre of the galaxy.  I believe it was your former home before you formed The Great Link.

Elder

What good would that do?  If you cannot commune with the Great Link.

Janeway

Well I’m sure we can find a way round that problem as with everything else.  The first step must be to bring them home.

Spock

And later we can introduce you to the Talosians

Elder

By then, the virus will have been introduced.

Janeway

Excuse me a moment.  Janeway to Voyager.

Chakotay

Chakotay here Captain.

Janeway

Chakotay, how long would it take us to travel back to the centre of the Galaxy from here.

Chakotay

One moment, about 2 hours 10 minutes.

Janeway

Good, stand by.

We could be back in 5 or 6 hours.  Would that be enough time?  I’ll leave the rest of you to work out how to get through the force field in a peaceful manner.

Spock

It sound like a good plan to me.

Elder

Agreed.

Janeway

Just one more thing, with your permission admiral. I think Captain Data might like to join us.  As its really his home planet as well.

Picard

I think that’s an excellent idea.  Make it so.

Voyager is flying through a transwarp conduit to the centre of the galaxy.  Voyager traverses the barrier and makes its way to the central system where it enters orbit.  Cut to scene of Janeway, Data, and Odo beaming down to Number 1’s planet.  They make their way through corridors, Data takes a great interest in his true home world.  They enter the sanctum of number 1.

Janeway

Hello number 1.  I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.

Number 1

Singh led to me to believe that I might encounter you again soon.

Janeway

Number 1, I’d like to introduce you to two friends of mine.  Data and Odo.

Data

I am delighted to meet you number 1.

Odo

Likewise.

Number 1 oscillates wildly and shimmers through light.

Data

I am data.  My creator was Dr Sung.

Number 1

Did you know that Dr Sung was an android as well?

Data

No, I did not know that.  I know his wife, the person whom I called mother was an android, although I had assumed that was because the real Mrs Sung was injured and Dr Sung had transplanted her memory prints onto an android.

Number 1

This planet is a machine planet but it has always required me to be here to run it.  Androids are employed but in non-sentient roles. 

Behold your kingdom.

Janeway

Why I do believe you are pleased to see your grandson.

Number 1

I do not understand all the intentions in your words.

Janeway

Don’t worry in time you will.

Number 1, we have come here for another reason.

We believe you were only meant to be here a little while until another took your place.  This place is like a nursery for members of your species.  You learn all you have to know about space, engineering, time, mathematics and then you join the rest of your kind in the Great Link.

Unfortunately another species attacked the Great Link preventing them from reaching their full potential and stopping them having more offspring like you.

However, the four creatures you have incarcerated on the far system are of your kind and came to commune with you.  Your defensive machines must have mistaken their intentions for one of kidnapping you against your will and hence taking away their reason to exist.

Data

Your creation of Dr Sung and now, myself shows that the machines can procreate themselves.  You are no longer required to remain here if you do not wish.

Number 1 oscillates wildly and changes from silver to red.

Janeway

Of course you can stay if you wish, or you can leave and come back.

Number 1 we desperately need your help.  Your people need your help.

Number 1

We must establish the reproduction cycle for Data-oids

Data

An eminently sensible suggestion.

From my conversations with Dr Singh I believe that you can cause time to pass more slowly here than anywhere else.

Number 1

Space and time are merely expressions of thought patterns.

Data

An interesting if somewhat philosophical answer.

If it is true then we can establish the ‘Adam and Eve’ machines to continue your work.

Janeway

Number 1, Odo is of your kind, though not exactly as you.  He was cloned from another and carries an important message for you from an Elder of the Great Link.  Will you allow him to commune with you.

Number 1

You may approach Odo.

Odo moves towards number one and outstretches an arm.  As it liquefies and extends towards number 1 a force field shimmers.

Janeway

You have to trust us.  Odo be gentle.

Number 1 deactivates the force field.

Odo

We will become one.

Odo and number 1 meld into one slowly.  They mix like a Swiss roll with their respective colours swirling around.  After a minute or two they separate out and return to their original forms.  Then number 1 seeps out from his spherical shape and takes on a humanoid form.  She is translucent.  she holds out a hand to Data.  Data shakes her hand.  Janeway shakes her hand.

Number 1

Come let us regenerate Dr and Mrs Sung’s programme.

Data

If I might make a suggestion, I have observed that human and other species tend to have different individual forms, sometimes the product of diet but actually due to a variety of reasons.  I believe we should introduce some randomness of form to assist each android in developing their own personality.

Odo

I would tend to agree.

Janeway

Happy families.

Cut to scene of new androids being created and then Number 1 and the away team beaming back to Voyager.

Voyager makes its way to the far planet where Janeway, Odo and Number 1 beam down to the shore of the sea.  The damaged Delta Flyer can be seen in the distance in a large blackened crater.

Janeway

I’m sure they’d like you to call them.

Number 1

Hello.  I….. Number one is here.

Janeway

A little louder perhaps.

Number 1

(very, very loudly) I am here.

The sea starts to rise and fall and then four columns of water arc up and out onto the shore.  They form the 4 beings met by Janeway earlier. They encircle number 1 who stretches out her arms to them.  They meld together.  After a minute or so they separate.

Genesis 1

We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Janeway

You are welcome.  Would you like to go home?

The Genesis beings smile.

Janeway

Janeway to Voyager, seven to beam up.

Cut to scene of Voyager’s bridge as Janeway takes her chair.

Janeway

Janeway to Data, how are preparations on the central system.

Data

They are complete.  The Androids will be activated momentarily.

Janeway

Data, do you wish to remain with your, …. your children?

Data

They are not quite my children as they are Dr and Mrs Sung who were my parents, although I do know what you mean.  This is my home, the place of my birth and it will always be special to me, but my family is Admiral Picard and the crew of the Enterprise.  That is where I belong.  Besides, is it not customary in most species religions to have a creator who leaves them to develop on their own?

Janeway

I do believe you’re right.  Transporter room, are we able to transport Captain Data over this distance?

Transporter room

Affirmative captain.

Janeway

One to beam up then.

Mr Paris, set course for the Founders homeworld.  Maximum transwarp.

Paris

Aye Aye sir.

Cut to scene of Voyager leaving orbit and jumping into a transwarp conduit.

Voyager arrives back at the Founder’s homeworld. Cut to scene of original Enterprise bridge. As Janeway Odo and Number 1 enter from the turbo lift, Admiral Picard, Ambassador Spock and Captain Sisko great them.

Sisko

I’m delighted to meet you.

Number 1

Likewise, Odo has shared his experiences of you with me, he admires and trusts you greatly.

Sisko

I’m honoured to have met him.

Janeway

Have we worked out a way to meet the Great Link?

Sisko

We have one suggestion.

Sisko and Picard eye each other.

Janeway

I have the feeling I’m not going to like it.

Sisko

We freefall.

Janeway

Pardon.

Sisko

We don micro EVA suits and freefall through the forcefield.  Its not designed to prevent small organic objects from penetrating.  We noticed our waste products went through it before burning up in the atmosphere.

Janeway

Burning up in the atmosphere?

Sisko

You must have heard of high altitude skydiving?  Its very popular, we’d be doing the same just from very much higher.

Janeway

I know what atmosphere surfing is as well, don’t people generally practice in holosuites before trying it out for real?

Sisko

Yes, some do.

Picard

Only two need go.  Captain Sisko has volunteered as has the elder. 

Spock

I should like to go as well.

Picard

There really is no need.

Number 1

Let us all go.  The other four are happy to wait until we get back.

Janeway

In for a penny… I’d suggest Odo and number one sharing a suit with one of us.

Odo

That is acceptable, I do not believe I would be very good at it otherwise.

Sisko

OK, Odo you’re with me.

Janeway

And number 1 with me.

Cut to scene of all of them wearing EVA suits with very small oxygen packs but another package for their parachute.  Spock, Picard, Sisko and Janeway exit from an air lock and float gently away from the Enterprise.  They activate small rockets which head them off to the planet.  The adopt a diving posture with their hands outstretched above their heads.  They start to glow as they enter the atmosphere.  In a few seconds each has a red conical wake.  They start to slow down as they descend and pass through clouds before adopting the spread eagle approach.  Their parachutes deploy and they fly towards the edge of the shore of the Great Link.  They land and disrobe from their chutes and EVA suits.

Picard

Quite a remarkable sight.

Sisko

Yes, a community like no other.

Slowly two founders form and exit the lake.

Elder 2

Why have you come here?  We do not want you here.

Spock

I apologise for the manner of our arrival, it was imperative that we meet to avoid a galactic catastrophe.

Elder 2

You should have thought of that before you brought your Omega device here.

Sisko

We will not use the device.  We have learnt of its effects. 

We have good news for you.

Odo and Number 1 emerge from the discarded suits.

Elder 2

What is the meaning of this?  What have you done with the Elder?

Sisko

She is aboard our starship.  We did not think it wise to risk bringing her down as well.  She is communing with the four pure founders whom we have helped return to you.

Elder 2

The pure founders?  And who are you (to number 1)?

Number 1 holds out her cupped hands.  There is a small silver blob in them.

Number 1

Behold, a new founder is born. 

Each of the four other founders is also now with child.  In time we can re-establish the line.

Elder 3

This is joyous news. I can hardly believe it.  Come join the Great Link.

Number 1

I’d very much like to.

Spock

If you release the Force field we can beam the others down.

Elder 3

It is done.  Odo we have done you a great disservice.

Ambassador, we may also have misjudged your Federation and Alliance.

Spock

Mistakes have been made on both sides.  I would be misleading you to promise there will never be mistakes made in the future between us.  However we have put the past errors behind us and we can build forward from here.  We will of course respect your right to privacy.

I would though like to discuss how we might prevent your virus plan being used in the Alpha Quadrant.

Elder 2

Give us some time with our new family.  Some of the elders will travel back to the Alpha Quadrant with you and stop the virus’ use.

Spock

On behalf of all the peoples of the Federation I thank you.

I hope today becomes a great day of celebration throughout the galaxy for peace.  The search for peace must never end.

Picard

I’ll signal the fleet to make their way here.  We should organise a celebration.

Elder 3

We have no need for that.

Picard

It is our way.

Spock

We should take these steps slowly, so as not to fall.

Picard

I understand.

The party is getting ready to leave the planet’s surface

Scotty

(Via comms) The fleet are entering synchronous orbit, the Romulan vessel appears to be having trouble with its engines and is 500m Kilometres behind the others.

Picard

Thank you Mr Scott.  Picard to Riker, the Founders have dropped their force field.  Please can you beam myself and the Founder next to me up.

Admiral Picard beams up to the Enterprise -E.  Sisko signals the Defiant and beams up and Janeway does likewise to Voyager.  Ambassador Spock returns to the original Enterprise. Cut to scene on Enterprise - E bridge.

Picard

Picard to General Sela, is there a problem?

General Sela

No problem Admiral.   I need to speak with Ambassador Spock.

Spock

Go ahead General Sela.

The viewscreen on the bridge is spilt between an image of the Romulan Warbird’s bridge and Ambassador Spock.

General Sela

Ambassador Spock, the Romulan High Council have asked me to convey a message. 

Spock

Yes.

General Sela

We are grateful for all your efforts in bringing about an end to the present hostilities and your work in bringing about the Federation Romulan Accord has been recognised with the award of the High Council Meritous Service medal.

Spock

I am honoured.

General Sela

Ambassador, being a disciple of pure logic I know then that you will understand that what I am about to do is completely logical.

Spock

You must not take any action, we have reached a peaceful conclusion to the war.

General Sela

Any solution that leaves the Romulan Empire exposed is unsatisfactory.  By ending the war here, from a position of strength, the Romulan Empire can continue to be strong and independent in the future.

Spock

Our future is together, as a united collection of independent species and people.  We can co- exist with the Dominion without either of us needing to fear the other.

General Sela

Perhaps one day that may be true, today I have my orders, we are 50 hours into the mission and no peace treaty is signed.

Spock

We have reached an accord, the paperwork can follow.

General Sela

Not according to my orders, if a peace treaty is not signed and the Federation has failed to set off its Omega device then to protect the Romulan Empire I have to do what I’m about to do.

Picard

No!!  General Sela you do not understand, the Dominion have sent their own Doomsday scenario to the Alpha Quadrant.  If we set off the Omega device or attempt to destroy the Founders they will extinguish all life on all our homeworlds.  We are no longer their enemy, we have saved them from extinction!

Shelby

This is Captain Shelby, I’m sorry to interrupt.  Captain General Sela, I too was given a final solution.  The presidential attaché, ordered me to deploy a genesis device in the same scenario as you have described.  I can tell you that I will not, not because I am afraid or I cannot follow orders but because I will not allow defeat to be snatched from the jaws of success.  We command starships because we can be counted on to make the right decision, not just follow orders.

Bateman

And this is captain Bateman, I too was given a genesis device but I’m not going to use it.

General Sela

You do what you think is right, For Romulans, not to carry our an order is the ultimate disgrace.

Picard

General Sela, no! The choice is live with peace or not to live.

General Sela

I will do what I have to do.

Sisko

Sisko to Worf, plot an intercept course and destroy the Romulan warbird with extreme prejudice.

Worf

Aye Captain.

Cut to scene of the Defiant breaking off from the orbiting fleet and engaging the warbird.  Phasers and torpedoes fire from both sides.

Picard

Picard to all ships, engage the warbird, it must be halted at all costs.

Cut to scene of all ships except the Enterprise - D and original Enterprise breaking out of orbit to pursue the warbird.  The warbird fires four torpedoes astern of the Defiant and they hurtle past the other ships.  Three strike the Enterprise -D and one the original Enterprise.  Cut to scenes on board both ships of being rocked by blasts and subsequent damage.

Worf

Captain Sisko the warbird has cloaked, attempting to monitor gravitmetric distortions.

Janeway

This is Janeway of Voyager, we can track the warbird and engage.

Chakotay

Chakotay, adjusting sensors, one moment, yes we have the warbird, it is approaching the centre of the system… targeting phasers, fire!!

Cut to external scene of Voyager firing phasers into the darkness of space.  They hit an object which fizzles into view as the warbird. Cut to scene of Warlord’s bridge, heavily damaged and on fire.

General Sela

Goodbye Admiral and Ambassador.  It has been a remarkable adventure with you, it will live forever in our history.

Cut to scene of the derelict warbird in space firing multiple torpedoes at the sun.  Cut to scene of Voyager bridge.

Kim

Commander, the warbird has fired five torpedoes at the sun, they appear to be armed with tri-lithium warheads.

Chakotay

Target them and destroy.

Kim

Acquiring targets, they do not appear to be following normal trajectory paths, they have random turns in their flight plans.

Chakotay

Target manually if you have, just shoot them before they get to the sun.

Kim

Firing phasers, one target destroyed.  Second target destroyed.  Estimated time to impact nine seconds.