_______________
"The Guildsmen"

STAR TREK: The Next Generation

A Novel
By
Kenneth Glenn Simmons

Copyright 1997 Kenneth Glenn Simmons
(All Rights Reserved)





CHAPTER ONE




Dragons, with fire breath, .
Swept away, 
Passing silently, into oblivion

-Anonymous, circa 2018, Old Earth Date.



A soft chirp from the Tactical Station, located aft of the command arc
on the bridge of the Enterprise, alerted its Captain, Jean-Luc Picard,
to a potential problem.  He felt the familiar  and not entirely
unpleasant, rush of adrenaline which always accompanied a break in the
normal routine of the vessel he commanded.  Picard did not allow
anything he might be feeling to detract from the icy calm authority he
projected while on the bridge, however.  And if Ship's Counselor 
Deanna Troi, seated immediately to the Captain's left, noticed his
momentary lapse, she gave no outward indication of it.

"Captain, ship's sensors have detected a disturbance in the Neutral
Zone."

"What type of disturbance, Mr. Worf," this from the Enterprise's First
Officer, Commander William Riker.

"Unclear at this time, Commander," Worf growled in reply, obviously
displeased that he could not offer a better response.

Riker looked toward the Captain and, taking Picard's brief nod as an
order, issued instructions to the Conn.  "Ensign, plot an intercept
course to the Federation Boundary, opposite the co-ordinates where the
disturbance was detected, warp factor eight!"  He then turned his
attention to the officer occupying the Ops position.  "Mr. Data,
continuous long-range sensor sweep.  If there's a Romulan patrol out
there, we want to see them before they see us."

Data cocked his head to the side, in apparent puzzlement.  "Commander,
it is highly unlikely that we would be able to 'see' such a patrol, as
standard Romulan doctrine requires that their vessels remain cloaked
when approaching the Neutral Zone."

Riker and Picard both smiled.  "A figure of speech, Mr. Data," the
Captain said quietly.

"Ah!" the android replied, and turned his attention back to the task of
monitoring the ship's long-range sensor array.

Data is becoming positively circumspect, Picard thought, appreciating
his Second Officer's restraint. It was not so very long ago that he
would have felt compelled to launch into an exhausting comparison of
similar figures of speech, much to the frustration of his Captain!

Taking a last look around the bridge, and satisfied that there was
little more for him to do until they made the intercept, Picard rose
from his chair.  "You have the bridge, Number One," and with that final
order, he walked over to the door of his ready room, and disappeared
inside.


****


Picard sat in front of the computer terminal in the ready room,
reviewing Starfleet communications and sensor data from this sector of
the Romulan Neutral Zone.  As far as he could determine, there was no
clue to be found in any of these reports, as to what could have caused a
disturbance of such magnitude that the Enterprise's sensors could detect
it at such an extreme range.  The fact that it was Lieutenant Worf's
tactical array that had brought it to their attention would seem to
indicate that it was the type of disturbance the Enterprise's computers
considered a possible threat.  That usually indicated the presence of
high-density ion trails associated with a space vessel, but as Picard
knew only too well from long experience, it was best not to jump to too
many premature conclusions.

He decided that he would let Data review the files, perhaps the android
could see a pattern that was not readily apparent to him.  What an asset
Data has been over the years, Picard mused, remembering how he had at
first balked at the idea of having a machine as Second Officer on the
Enterprise. But Data was much more than a machine he now knew for
certain, having seen first hand how, in some respects, Data was more
human than some people he had met who professed to being a member of
that species.
I wonder if Starfleet Command will ever consider him for a Captaincy. 
He certainly proved he could do the job, when he took command of the
Sutherland, during the Klingon civil war.  Data's quick thinking, and
liberal interpretation of orders, prevented the Romulan resupply of the
Durrass faction, and ensured that Gowron, the present leader of the High
Council, emerged from the conflict victorious. In the process, ensuring
that the alliance between the Klingon Empire and the Federation was
maintained.

Picard sighed.  The likelihood of Data overcoming the prejudiced
attitude that was still held by some members of Starfleet, who refused
to believe that Data was in fact a unique life-form, rather than just a
sophisticated combination of circuits, was remote.  In moments of
introspection such as this, Picard was forced to admit to himself that
he greatly feared what the future would hold for the Enterprise's, very
special, Second Officer. It was only a matter of time until Bruce
Maddox, or some other officer, attempted to prove again that Lieutenant
Commander Data was a piece of property that Starfleet Command could
dispose of at its whim.  How sad, thought Picard, that the Federation
could have come so far in technological terms, and yet still harbor
such primitive attitudes.  Data's creator, Dr. Noonan Soong, had
forever blurred the line between man and machine.  Unfortunately, it was
Data himself, who would be forced to fight a continual battle to be
recognized as an independent, sentient being, who was guaranteed equal
rights under Federation Law.  In his more depressed moments, Picard
doubted that even Data, with all his unique abilities, would be equal to
the task.  Commander Riker's voice over the comm line, interrupting
Picard's thoughts, was a welcome intrusion.

"Captain, we are coming into visual range of the disturbance in the
Neutral Zone."

"Understood, Number One.  On my way!"


****


Picard strode onto the bridge, taking his place in the Command Chair
that Riker had just vacated. "On screen, Mr. Worf.  Let's see what we've
gotten ourselves into."

"Aye, Captain.  Visual coming in now," the Klingon officer
acknowledged.  All eyes on the bridge swung towards the main viewscreen.

Picard pursed his lips in concentration.  "Magnify!" The terse command
was obeyed instantly.

The scene displayed on the viewscreen was at first met by stunned
silence on the part of the senior bridge crew.  Lieutenant Worf was the
first to speak.  "Sensors indicate no life-signs present, Captain!"

"Continue scanning, Mr. Worf."  Picard rose from his chair and moved
closer to the main viewer, as if that alone could give him some idea of
what had happened to the two shattered Romulan cruisers, hanging nose to
nose, a thousand kilometers from the Enterprise!

Riker was the next to respond, anticipating Picard's orders.  "Red
alert, Lieutenant!  Arm phasers and photon torpedoes!"

"Aye, Commander!"

"Mr. Data?" Picard asked quietly.  "Are your sensors giving any
indication of what happened to those two vessels?"

"Negative, Captain.  Both ships have severe molecular scarring, but it
does not appear to be  consistent with what one would expect from conventional
phaser or disruptor fire.  I am attempting to access the Romulan command
logs, but it may be some time before those records can be downloaded
into the Enterprise's computer."

Picard nodded in acknowledgment.  "Very well, carry on then.  Mr. Worf,"
he said, turning back to the Tactical Station, "Maintain red alert, and
open a Captain's Priority Channel to Starfleet Command."  Picard and
Riker shared a grim look. "Commander Riker, my ready room.  Data, you
have the bridge!"

As Riker and the Captain exited the bridge, Data took the Command Chair,
bringing the auxiliary Ops console on line to continue his efforts to
download the Romulan logs.


****



"Sit down, Will," Picard said softly, as the door to the ready room slid
closed behind them. He then took his own chair on the other side of the
desk.  "Recommendations?"

Riker paused thoughtfully before responding. "I think we may have a
serious problem, Captain," he began, "If a Romulan patrol should come
across us, given the circumstances, they might jump to exactly the wrong
conclusions!"

Picard nodded in the affirmative.  "Agreed! My instinct tells me that
the prudent course would be to withdraw, at least until we have some
firm indication as to what the hell happened here!"

Their discussion was momentarily interrupted by Worf informing the
Captain that his priority channel to Starfleet Command was now
available. Riker got up to leave, but Picard waved him back to his
seat.  "Stay Will.  From this point onward it's important for you to be
fully briefed." Picard then turned his attention to the computer
terminal on his desk, activating the monitor, which displayed the Starfleet Command graphic for a few seconds, before requesting voiceprint
identification.

"Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain, USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D."

"Identity confirmed," the computer replied.  "Captain's Priority
Communications Channel is now open."

The Starfleet Command graphic then dissolved into the stern countenance
of Admiral Clark Turner, Starfleet's Chief of Operations.

"Jean-Luc," Turner greeted him, his manner curt.  "I assume you've run
into a problem.  Not with the Enterprise, I trust?"

"The Enterprise is performing exceptionally well, Admiral," Picard
replied.  "I am afraid our problem has to do with the discovery of two
Romulan cruisers, adrift in the Neutral Zone.  Both vessels have
sustained very severe damage, possibly as the result of a battle of some
kind.  One of my officers is now trying to access the Romulan logs to
find out what happened to them, but we are feeling somewhat exposed.  If
the Romulans should arrive in force, they may assume that it was the
Enterprise that attacked their vessels."

"I see," Turner responded ambiguously.  "I take it you have not crossed
the Neutral Zone boundary. How close to our side of the line are they?"

"We are maintaining station within Federation space," Picard assured
him.  "The Romulan ships are at a range of one thousand kilometers, and
are drifting slowly toward the Federation boundary."

"And what exactly is it you are proposing, Captain?" Turner asked.

"Once the Romulan logs have been downloaded into our computer,  I
believe that the Enterprise should withdraw deeper into Federation
territory. This will give us time to develop a rational hypothesis as to
what has happened to the Romulan vessels. At that point, we will have
something to say to the representatives of the Romulan Empire when the
finally do come across us, as they undoubtedly will, sooner or later."

Admiral Turner was seen to consider Picard's statement for a moment. 
"There is another dimension to this situation, Jean-Luc," he finally
replied. "We have been presented with a unique opportunity to study
Romulan technology.  An opportunity that may never present itself
again.  I'm not sure Starfleet can afford to let the potential benefits
of such a situation remain unexplored."

The Admiral's comment hung between them, causing Picard and Riker to
exchange a look that spoke volumes about what they thought of Turner's
suggestion.

Turner continued before either of them could respond.  "The Excalibur is
within six hours of your position, the Hood can rendezvous in twenty-six
hours.  I agree with your premise that the Enterprise is in an exposed
position, and a tactical withdrawal is prudent, but it is essential that
you are able to maintain sensor contact with those two Romulan ships! 
Therefore, you are instructed to limit your withdrawal to five thousand
kilometers. Once Excalibur and Hood have made the rendezvous, you are to
form a Task Force, built around the Enterprise, and proceed with salvage
operations. You will, of course, be in overall command, Jean-Luc," he added.

Picard allowed himself one deep breath, before coldly stating his
objections.  "Admiral, I must protest this action in the strongest
possible terms! If the Romulans find three Federation starships swarming
around two of their own vessels, inside the Neutral Zone, they will
consider it an extreme provocation!"

"Captain, the Romulan ships are within one thousand kilometers of
Federation territory, on the Federation side of the Neutral Zone! 
Clearly, they have no business being there!  Federation rights of
salvage apply, and will be recognized, in this situation!"

Picard tried one more time to dissuade him. "I hardly think that a
Romulan Commander is going to bother taking the time to study the
nuances of Federation Law, pertaining to the salvage of derelict
vessels, Admiral!"

"You have your orders, Picard!" Turner replied, his voice brittle. 
"Carry them out!'  The screen abruptly went black as the connection was
broken.

Picard snapped off his own terminal with a flick of his wrist.  "Merde!"


****



Data was becoming increasingly fascinated with what he was learning
about Romulan computer architecture. Unfortunately, he was not having
much success in gaining access to the files containing the ship's log
entries.  The Romulans seemed to favor a file format which
automatically destroyed records, if the person attempting access did not
have the properly coded authority, and so far, both Engineering and
Command files were being denied to him.  No records had yet been lost,
but he knew that the probability of this occurring was growing
exponentially.  His efforts were interrupted by Captain Picard and
Commander Riker's return to the bridge.

Picard did not waste any words on pleasantries.  "What progress have you
made, Data?" he asked peremptorily.

"The Romulan records are loaded into their computer utilizing a very
complex methodology, Captain.  In addition, there is the problem of the
Romulan language itself.  Although the Enterprise's computer is able to
process this language, through the universal translator, the records are
in a compressed file format which use a key word or number to decompress
the file for retrieval, as well as a security access code for the
Engineering and Command functions.  Our computer is having difficulty
breaking through these inter-locking layers of language syntax, without
destroying the
records we are trying to retrieve."

"I see," Picard replied.  "We are going to pull back five thousand
kilometers.  Will you be able to continue your efforts from that
distance?"

"Yes, Captain," Data replied.  "May I inquire as to the reason for this
withdrawal?"

Picard nodded in the affirmative.  "We have been ordered to attempt a
salvage of the Romulan ships, but before we embark on that mission, we
will be rendezvousing with the starships Excalibur and Hood.  They
are to provide a perimeter security force during the mission.  Excalibur
is due in six hours, with the Hood to follow sometime tomorrow. You have
until then, Data, to unravel the mysteries of Romulan computer
technology."

"I will do my best, Sir."

Picard smiled.  "Yes, Data.  I'm sure you will."

"Captain, perhaps we should stand down from red alert," Riker
suggested.  "We can maintain full shields at yellow alert."

"I agree, Captain," Counselor Troi interjected. "The tension level on
the ship is very high," she pointed out.

"That is to be expected, Counselor, but I will agree to downgrade the
alert status, pending the arrival of Excalibur.  Make it so, Mr. Worf!" 
The alert strip ringing the bridge changed from red to yellow, as
Lieutenant Worf complied with Picard's order.


*****



"I don't understand it, Data!  These Romulan files should dump right
into our memory banks without any problem.  In the past, we've accessed
all kinds of alien records.  The computer should be able to download the
files, regardless of the format, and then decode them once they're in
our own system!"

"I agree, Geordi.  It is a perplexing problem."

"It's almost as if the Engineering and Command control files don't
exist, but we know that you can't fly a vessel that complex without
them!" Geordi fumed.

"Perhaps you have hit upon the answer, Geordi," Data suggested.  "It is
possible that the files no longer exist."

Data called up the graphic of the two Romulan cruisers on his terminal,
and then overlaid a schematic of the computer retrieval system.  The
computer system schematic was interrupted in several areas by severe
damage.

Geordi, looking over Data's shoulder at the computer screen, exclaimed,
"That's it, Data! The liquid memory cells have been ruptured!  No wonder
you couldn't access the ship's log."

"This will greatly complicate our salvage mission. Captain Picard will
not be pleased."

"More importantly, Data, if the Romulan computers can't be brought back
on line, is there anything worth salvaging?"

"Also, we still have no idea what actually happened to the Romulan
vessels.  Captain Picard considers that information to be a crucial
element in any analysis of Romulan intentions", Data added.

Geordi frowned.  "What do we know about the weapons used against the
Romulan cruisers, Data?  Considering the position we found them in,
maybe they fought each other."

Data pondered this for a moment.  "Computer, request comparative
analysis of damage sustained by Romulan vessels to known weapons
systems."

The computer responded almost immediately.  "Damage is inconsistent with
all weapons systems presently in use by Federation, Klingon, or Romulan
vessels."

Geordi shook his head in confusion.  "Computer, extrapolate.  What type
of weapons system was used against the Romulan vessels, and where is
such a system presently in use?"

"Working... damage sustained by Romulan cruisers is consistent with
high-density, charged photon, particle beam weapons.  That system is not
presently in use anywhere in the explored portion of this galaxy."

"It looks like we've come to a dead end, Data."

"Not necessarily, Geordi.  Computer, where has such a weapons system
been used in the past?"

"Working... subjective data inconclusive." 

"What does that mean?" Geordi wondered aloud.

"List all pertinent information available on said weapons systems." 
Data ordered

The computer screen quickly filled with written words and graphic
analysis, scrolling at the speed with which Data usually absorbed
information, much faster than Geordi or any human could follow.

"Fascinating!" Data said softly to himself.

"What is it, Data?", Geordi demanded.

Data waited until the last screen of information scrolled by, before
replying.  "It would seem, Geordi, that the only place in the known
galaxy where this type of weapon has ever been used, is Earth!"


****



The door of the Captain's ready room chimed softly, indicating that
someone was seeking entry.  "Come!" Picard called out.

The door slid open to admit Commander Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data,
and Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge. Riker came right to the point. 
"Captain, we may have an even bigger problem than we first suspected."

Picard leaned back in his chair and asked, "How so, Number One?"

Riker turned to the android. "Data?"

"Captain, Geordi and I have determined that the computer records of the
Romulan vessels are beyond recovery.   There is simply too much damage to
the areas of the ships where the core memory cells are located.  As a
consequence, all engineering and command control functions will be
unavailable to us during our salvage mission."

Picard stroked his chin thoughtfully.  "I see. Is the anti-matter
containment field of the Romulan vessels intact?"

"No, Sir", Geordi answered.  "We assume that the Romulans initiated an
anti-matter jettison sequence prior to losing their containment field,
otherwise there would be nothing left of them."

"A tricky operation at the best of times, Mr. LaForge!"

"Yes, Sir!

"It is also possible that their attackers, whoever they were, could have
been destroyed before they were forced to jettison any anti-matter",
Picard theorized.

"That hypothesis is highly unlikely, Captain", Data said. "An analysis
of the damage inflicted on the Romulan vessels indicates that their
primary hull was ruptured fatally after the loss of computer control. 
They would need to have their engineering control program functional to
complete an anti-matter jettison sequence."

Picard nodded in agreement.  "Of course, Data. That would seem to be a
reasonable assumption."

"Data and Geordi have found something else as well, Captain", Riker
said.

"Yes", Data continued.  "The type of weapons system used in the attack
on the Romulan cruisers has been identified by our computer, as a
high-density, charged photon, particle beam.  This weapon has only been
used, successfully, once before in recorded history."

Picard waited expectantly for a few seconds. "Well! Please don't keep us
in suspense, Mr. Data!"

Data looked slightly embarrassed by the Captain's sharp words.  "Yes,
Sir."  He turned to the Captain's computer terminal and called up the
appropriate file.

"The high-density, charged photon, particle beam weapon, is considered
to be extremely unstable. This is primarily due to the difficulties
associated with isolating the photon accelerator from the vessel in
which it is mounted.  Also, there are problems in preventing
catastrophic frequency feedback, which usually results in the
destruction of the weapon itself."

"Go on, Data", Picard said quietly.

Data changed the display on the terminal.  It now showed the wreckage of
a twenty-first century spacecraft, the vessels name prominently
displayed on the remains of what appeared to be a vertical stabilizer. 
The name was Enterprise.

Picard and his First Officer exchanged a pained look.

"The spacecraft displayed in this graphic is the USS Enterprise, an
American long-range shuttle, used to ferry persons and materials to the
first lunar colonies.  The year is 2017.

"Three years previous to the incident portrayed here", Data continued,
"a private corporation called the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild was
formed. The company was registered simultaneously in the United States
of America, Canada, the European Economic Union, and Japan.  The stated
objectives of the corporation were to peacefully explore the Sol system
for exploitable resources."

"The Guild unveiled a radical new spacecraft, which was able to perform
seemingly miraculous high-speed maneuvers in atmosphere, and achieved
extra-orbital velocities that approached the speed of light.

The governments of the time were extremely suspicious of the Guild's
real intentions, and a series of legal challenges to a private
corporations right to possess such technology were launched.  Citing
reasons of international security, the United Nations Security Council
attempted a world-wide seizure of Guild assets in the year 2016."

"Excuse me, Data", Picard interrupted.  "Was this seizure accomplished
with the use of military power?"                  

"Yes, Captain.  However, the attempt was a failure."

"A failure, Data?" Riker asked.

"Yes, Commander", Data replied.  "The Guild managed to evacuate all
personnel and records, including scientific and engineering studies,
only hours before the United Nations military forces arrived at their
facilities."

"Where did they go, Data?" Geordi asked.

"That information is not available in Enterprise records, Geordi. 
Following the failed attempt to seize Guild technology by force, the
United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1446 which officially
declared that the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild was an international
criminal organization."

"Unbelievable!"  Geordi exclaimed.

"Knowing the history of that era, Mr. LaForge, it is all too
believable!"  Picard sighed   "If not for the stupidity of a few
individuals, man might have made the major discoveries which ultimately
led us to the stars more than fifty years before they actually
occurred.  How sad!"

"May I continue, Captain?"

"Yes, Data.  Please do."

"On July 27, 2017, the long-range shuttle Enterprise was in transit
between Earth and the lunar colony Alpha One, when it discovered one of
the Guild's spacecraft, apparently adrift.  The American shuttle
attempted to close with the disabled craft to  attach a grappling
mechanism.  When the Enterprise approached to within five hundred
meters, the Guild vessel opened fire."

Data paused to call up a split-screen comparative analysis graphic on
the computer terminal.  "As can be seen by this graphic, the residual
effects of the attack on the shuttle Enterprise, in terms of molecular
distortion of the damaged surfaces, is virtually identical to that
suffered by the two Romulan cruisers in the Neutral Zone."

"And the computer has positively identified these effects as resulting
from a high-density, charged photon, particle beam", concluded Riker.

"No, Commander.  The computer felt the information was subjective ,and
therefore inconclusive, for the shuttle."

"None-the-less, Data, you believe this to be the case", Picard said.

"Yes, Captain."

"Very well.  Mr. Data, I want you to review all Starfleet
communications and sensor readings from this sector, over the past
several weeks, and also pull all the information you can on the
Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild from Starfleet's main computer. Look
for any anomalies that might explain Admiral Turner's throwing caution
to the winds in order to salvage these two Romulan ships.  We'll have a
full staff meeting in one hour, Briefing Room One."  Data and Geordi
both nodded and left the ready room.

Picard then turned to Riker.  "How far away is Excalibur?"

"They should be about two hours out."

"Do you know the Captain of the Excalibur, Number One?"

"Only by reputation." Riker smiled.

"Which is?"

"She's young, ambitious, and so I'm told, strikingly beautiful!"

It was the Captain's turn to smile.  "Let's hope that won't be too much
of a problem for you, Commander."

"I think I'll be able to handle it, Captain."

"I hope so, Will.  I also hope that if our Romulan friends put in an
appearance, the recently promoted Captain Christina Wilson, will not prove to be a
liability we can ill afford."

Riker's surprise showed.  "It sounds as if you know something about
Captain Wilson that the rest of us haven't heard?"

"Perhaps I do, Number One", Picard said rather cryptically   "Senior
Captains possess some very interesting sources of information."

Changing the subject, Picard asked, "What do you think of Data's
briefing on this Inter-Planetary Guild business?"

"Interesting, but I'm not sure what relevance it has to our situation. 
In my opinion, it's highly unlikely that the two incidents are related."

"Unlikely, but not impossible, Commander."


****



Counselor Troi was feeling unusually troubled. She occasionally reacted
to the continual emotional bombardment she was subjected to as the only
Betazoid member of the Enterprise crew but this was something entirely
different.  It was a dream that was bothering her.  A dream she couldn't
remember the details of when she woke up.

The tension on the ship must be affecting me more than I imagined, she
thought.  Almost unconsciously, she searched the ship for that special
presence named William Riker.  It was a kind of ritual to her, and her
day would not have been complete without that intimate first touch, mind
to mind.  "Imzadi".

He was sleeping, catching one of his famous 'power naps'.  Will knew
that on a ship in a potential combat situation a good officer caught
what sleep he could when he could, she thought.  That caused her to
smile gently, in remembrance of a time when she and Will were more than
just senior officers assigned to the same vessel.  They were more than
that now, she knew, but it was very complicated.  Unnecessarily so, in
her opinion.  Why Will Riker could not take what she offered had caused
her much grief over the years they had known each other, but lately they
had developed a kind of comfortable understanding of one another.  It
was not what either of them really wanted, but for each of them, it was
better than the complete separation that they knew was the only other
alternative.

Imzadi... she once tried to explain to him what that word really meant,
but without the free flow of thought that could occur between two
Betazoids, she had only been able to give him a kind of definition
rather than the full emotional flavor that the word had for her.  Even
the rudimentary definition had scared him so badly that he left her on
the Yorktown without saying goodbye.  At those times when she was
completely honest with herself, she admitted that his abandonment of her
still hurt.

Deanna's thoughts turned back to her dream. She had the feeling that
there was a man involved in it, but she could not recollect who it was,
or even if she knew him.  Strange, she thought, I can always recall a
dream.  Why can't I remember this one?  The shrill sound of her combadge
interrupted her musing.

Deanna tapped her combadge, opening the two-way communications channel. 
"Yes."

"Counselor", it was Captain Picard speaking. "Your presence is required
in Briefing Room One for a staff meeting."

"I'll be right there, Captain", she acknowledged.

"Very well.  Picard out.

As Deanna walked into the passageway on her way to the briefing room,
she was aware on some subconscious level, that Will Riker was now awake.



****


Chapter One: Part Two- Plain Text

Captain Picard called the meeting to order as soon as all the senior
staff were present.  Deanna wasn't surprised by the fact that Commander
Riker was the last to arrive.  The Captain was in his command mode,
Deanna noted, and was completely unreadable to her.  The Counselor knew
that this was not necessarily a good sign.

"All right, Mr. Data, let's begin", the Captain ordered.

"As per your orders, Captain, I have completed a review of all Starfleet
communications and sensor readings from this sector of the Neutral Zone,
over the past several weeks.  I have discovered a series of anomalies
which may be related to the incident recorded by the Enterprise sensors,
the result of which is our current mission."

"Go on, Data", Picard prodded.

"As can be seen by this holographic display", Data continued, activating
the holographic viewer in the center of the conference table.  "Starfleet was first
alerted to increased activity in the Neutral Zone three
weeks ago when long-range sensors noted a substantial increase in
Romulan sub-space communications in the sector bordering this one.  The
communications were tagged by Starfleet Intelligence as normal ship to
ship traffic.  However, the volume of traffic is in itself an indication
of an appreciable change in Romulan patrol patterns."

"Two weeks ago, the Romulans began operating their patrols in elements
of two, for the first time since Starfleet began monitoring this
quadrant fifty-two years ago.  This seems to be a change with no
rational motivation, considering the fact that there are no space faring races in
this quadrant of the Neutral Zone, and the change in patrol patterns is limited to
this quadrant alone."

"It sounds to me as if the Romulans are looking for something, Captain",
Riker speculated aloud.

"Or someone", Counselor Troi added.

"It would seem, Commander, that Starfleet is as well", Data responded. 
"Four days ago, the starship Excalibur was pulled from its regular
patrol station and instructed to proceed to this sector at best possible
speed."

Captain Picard was obviously surprised by this information.  "Are you
telling me, Mr. Data, that Starfleet Command is purposely keeping us
from knowing all the facts in this case?"

"That would appear to be an accurate assessment, Captain", Data replied.

The Captain looked around the conference table at each of his senior
officers in turn.  He's wondering if some of us are going die during
this mission, Deanna thought with astonishment.  When her turn for the
Captain's scrutiny came, he held her gaze for a fraction longer than he
had with the others.

"Anything else, Data."

"I have also obtained further information on the Inter-Planetary
Exploration Guild."

"Proceed."

"I have discovered that the Guild was unique in several respects. 
Perhaps its most unusual aspect, was the fact that it was a corporate
entity formed by scientists.  Among the Guild's founders, are some of
the leading scientific minds of the late twentieth, and early
twenty-first centuries. They included experts in the fields of
astrophysics, microbiology, chemistry, metallurgy, electronic
engineering, optics, medicine..."

Picard held up his hand, stopping Data's recitation in mid-sentence. 
"We get the point, Data.  Please move on."

"Yes, sir.  These experts were recruited, without regard to nationality
or political affiliation, by one man, Dr. Charles McLaughlin of the
University of Edinburgh."

"Is this the same Charles McLaughlin who wrote McLaughlin's Theorem of
Hyper-Spatial Mechanics?" asked Commander Riker.

"Yes, Commander.  McLaughlin was a true giant in his field from a very
young age, the treatise that you refer to was published when he was only
twenty-three years of age, and forms the basis for much of what we know
about navigation at velocities exceeding the speed of light."

"And this was the same man who was labeled as an international
criminal by the authorities of the time?", Geordi asked incredulously.

"McLaughlin was also considered a rebel, Geordi, with a deep suspicion
of authority, both academic and political."

"Unfortunately, it is often the rebels who make the great leaps forward
in science and technology, and society at large is often suspicious of
men who consider themselves to be free thinkers",  the Captain noted. 
"The man who created you is a prime example, Data."

"I see your point, Captain, but in this instance there was more involved
than mere academic or political misunderstanding.  After forming the
Guild, Dr. McLaughlin put forward the idea, that because of its
apolitical nature, the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild should be
granted a complete and total monopoly on deep space     transport and
exploration.  In exchange, the Guild would pledge not to interfere in
any international conflicts on the planet Earth.  The implied threat,
was that if they were not granted this monopoly, the Guild would be free
to intervene in any international dispute it perceived to be a danger to
mankind."

"The threat might have been implied, Data, but its obvious that it was
never acted upon!" Dr. Beverly Crusher said, speaking for the first time
during the meeting.  "Maybe if this Guild had acted, the horrible
bloodshed of those years could have been avoided!"

"I agree, Doctor, that the implied threat was never acted upon. 
However, I submit that the governments of the time had no way of knowing
that it would not be."

"The question that begs to be asked," Riker wondered aloud.  "Is why
wasn't the threat acted upon?"

"Perhaps they lacked the courage," Lieutenant Worf snarled.

"Issues such as this are rarely so cut and dried, Lieutenant," Picard
chided his Chief of Security.

"Hmph," was the Klingon officer's only response.

"The answer to your question, Commander," Data resumed.  "May have to do
with the choice that UN Resolution 1446 forced upon McLaughlin and his
followers. They could either embark upon a military campaign to defeat
the governments arrayed against them, or they could abandon those same
governments to whatever fate had in store for them.  Being men of
science, they chose the latter course, as the less dangerous one for
humanity as a whole."

"That would make sense from a purely military perspective as well," Worf
allowed.  "If their primary objective was to deny the governments of
Earth access to their technology, they made the correct choice. In any
military conflict, there is a certain amount of technology transfer
between the opposing forces."

"That would seem to explain the incident with the American shuttle as
well," Commander Riker agreed.

Captain Picard listened for a moment before bringing the discussion back
to the matter at hand.  "This is all very interesting, Mr. Data, but
what has it got to do with the mission that the Enterprise has been
assigned."

"I have come to believe, Captain, that Starfleet suspects that the
Guilds technological advances may have been more substantial than first
thought. I have accessed an Admiralty file, which details Starfleet
Intelligence assessment that the recent disturbances in the Neutral Zone
might be linked to surviving elements of the Inter-Planetary Exploration
Guild.  Furthermore, these suspected advances in technology during the
second decade of the twenty-first century possibly by-passed warp-drive
technology altogether and achieved a scientific breakthrough of
monumental proportions."

"Hyper-Warp," Geordi whispered in awe.

"Exactly, Geordi.  Theoretically, once the "absolute" warp threshold of
ten has been exceeded, there is no  limit of the velocities that might
be achieved."

This revelation was greeted with silence, as the senior officers
absorbed the implications of the information Lieutenant Commander Data
had given them.  It was Commander Riker who first broke the silence that
had descended on the meeting.  "How did you get access to this Admiralty
file, Data?" Riker demanded sharply.

Data was momentarily taken aback by the question. "I... broke in to it,
Commander."

Riker grinned.  "My compliments on your initiative, Mr. Data!"

"Yes, Data, well done," the Captain agreed.

Data looked puzzled.  "I do not understand, Captain? I violated several
Starfleet regulations to obtain access to the Admiralty's classified
intelligence records."

"And by doing so, Data, you have obtained information that may be 
vital to the continued survival of the Enterprise, and all aboard her!" the Captain concluded.

Lieutenant Worf was the next to speak.  "Captain, I am greatly concerned
with the danger these Guild weapons, if they exist, pose to the
Enterprise. It may be necessary to recalibrate our shields."

"Is it possible to recalibrate the shields to counter these weapons
without degrading our ability to withstand a conventional phaser or
photon torpedo attack?" Riker inquired.

"The Guild's charged photon weapons, are very similar in effect to the
Enterprise photon torpedo, Commander," Data answered.  "The differences
are primarily in the amount of time the shields will be under
bombardment.  With a photon torpedo, the explosive effects are
instantaneous and dissipate rapidly.  In the case of a charged photon,
particle beam, there is the possibility that a sustained bombardment
will have a cumulative effect, causing a cascade breakdown of the
shields."

"In other words, Commander," Worf snarled. Primary and secondary shields
will collapse at the same moment."

"I believe that is what I said, Lieutenant," Data said innocently.

Worf merely growled an incoherent response.

"Can you recalibrate, Worf?" Riker persisted.

"Yes, Commander."

"Very well," the Captain asserted.  "Make it so!"  Then, looking around
the table, Picard asked, "What is the status of other departments?"

"Engineering is fully up to speed, Captain. Warp engines are at
ninety-nine point three percent," Geordi replied.

"Medical is on twenty-four hour combat alert," Dr. Crusher answered.

"Counselor?"

"The crew is tense, but I detect no serious problems, Captain."

"Fine.  When Excalibur arrives, Number One, I'll expect you and the
Counselor both at my meeting with Captain Wilson."  The Captain turned
to Counselor Troi. "It's important that I get a feel for what Captain
Wilson is thinking, Counselor.  I need to know if she is withholding any
information from us."

"Data, Mr. LaForge, I would like to know if it will be possible to link
the tractor beams on Enterprise, Excalibur, and Hood, to pull those two
Romulan ships into Federation space before we send anyone aboard them. 
Report to my ready room when you've completed your analysis.  This
meeting is concluded, dismissed."


****
Chapter Two: Part One

Deanna sat looking out at the stars that seemed to hang just outside
the huge, floor to ceiling, observation windows in the Ten-Forward
lounge. Ten-Forward was always a good place to come and gauge the tension
level on the Enterprise, Deanna thought. Two-thirds of the Enterprise
crew was off duty at any one time, and so Ten-Forward had become a focal
point of recreational activities at all hours of what would normally be
day or night.  Deanna liked to come and look out the windows, and just
observe people coming and going.

The mood was subdued this evening, although the place was nearly full of
off-duty personnel, many of them waiting expectantly for the arrival of
Excalibur. There was nothing quite like the spectacle of a starship
decelerating from warp-speed, and Deanna herself admitted she was
looking forward to witnessing the event.

She was not looking forward to her meeting with Captain Christina
Wilson, however.  When her name was mentioned during the staff meeting,
Will Riker's reaction was one of curious expectation, with an
Undercurrent of sexual tension.  She wasn't quite sure why that bothered
her so much, she and Will hadn't actually been lovers for some time, but
she had the nagging feeling that Captain Wilson was going to be a
problem for her personally.

Deanna wasn't generally intimidated by anyone, with the possible
exception of her mother, and the fact that Christina Wilson was supposed
to be extremely beautiful shouldn't have any affect on her impression of
liar.  In her job it was an absolute necessity that she be able to see
past external physical appearances1 to get at the root personalities of
the people she dealt with.  Never the less, Deanna was a woman, and she
was forced to admit that where Will Riker was concerned, she was not
immune to the sensation of jealously.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," she chanted softly to herself.  I haven't even
met her yet, and already I dislike her!  What's the matter with me? Will
has made it quite clear that if he has to chose between me and his
career, I come second.  It's not like he's been leading a celibate
life!  None of his affairs has bothered me before, and for all I know he
and Captain Wilson will take an instant dislike to each other.  That
thought made her feel a bit better.

At that moment, there was a flash of light of a cascading rainbow of
color as the starship Excalibur arrived.  Almost simultaneously, her
combadge beeped.

"Counselor Troi, report to the Captain's ready room."

"On my way, Captain."  As she got up to leave, she looked out the
windows at Excalibur, hanging in space A kilometer away, and was filled
with a feeling of dread.


****




Commander Riker walked into Transporter Room Three and nodded to the
Transporter Chief.  "Have you received the co-ordinates from Excalibur,
Chief?"

"Aye, Sir."

"Energize, Mr. O'Brian!"

There was a faint hum, as the Transporter Chief stroked the console to
begin the transport, and immediately two forms began to materialize on
the platform.  Riker experienced a flash of irritation that Captain
Wilson wasn't arriving alone, but then he realized that the captain of a
starship, particularly a newly promoted one, was unlikely to travel
anywhere without her First Officer.

As the materialization of the two officers from Excalibur firmed up,
Riker realized that the rumors of Christina Wilson's striking beauty
were not exaggerated.  She was probably the most beautiful woman he had
ever laid eyes on.

Her long, blond hair, was worn loose, framing a face that an ancient
Greek sculptor would have been struck blind by.  Her lips were full and
sensuous, with a slight pout, that didn't detract in the least from her
obvious authority.  She appraised him with a cool look from her
brilliant blue eyes before stepping down from the platform and offering
her hand.

"Christina Wilson," she said, taking Riker's outstretched hand.  "This
is Commander Arthur McFadden, Starfleet Intelligence," she added with a
casual gesture toward the man on the other transport pad.

Riker covered his surprise and shook hands with each of them in turn. 

"Commander William Riker, First Officer of the Enterprise.  Captain
Picard is waiting for us in his ready room.  Would you follow me,
please?" Riker said, ushering the two officers out the door and into the
passageway.

"How long before the Hood is scheduled to arrive, Commander?"  McFadden
asked, rather peremptorily, Riker thought.

"At last report, the Hood is nineteen hours away."

"I trust that will not delay the implementation of our mission,
Commander," McFadden responded.

"I am sure Captain Picard will apprise you of his intentions, Arthur. 

He has been appointed as Task Force Commander," Riker replied, his
sarcasm not lost on Captain Wilson, who managed to flash him the
briefest of smiles, before the three of them stepped onto the
turbo-lift.

"Bridge," Riker ordered, returning the smile.

As they stepped off the turbo-lift, and on to the bridge, Commander
McFadden barely gave it a second glance.  Captain Wilson, on the other
hand, took in every detail.  Riker didn't have to be an empath to read
her ambition, it was written all over her face.  So, he thought, she
thinks she would like to command the Enterprise someday.  That's a
weakness.  Ambition should be evident, but not quite so obvious.

The door to the Captain's ready room chimed softly as the three officers
stood in front of it, and Captain Picard's voice came through the
communications panel, "Yes."

"Captain Wilson from Excalibur, and Commander McFadden of Starfleet
Intelligence to see you Captain," Riker stated for the benefit of the
ship's log, and just in case Chief  O'Brian hadn't alerted the bridge to
the presence of the intelligence operative from Starfleet Command.

"Come," was Picard's terse reply.

Captain Picard did not bother to rise from his seated position behind
his desk, Riker noted, as he and the other two officers stepped into the
ready room.  "Captain, I'd like to introduce Captain Wilson of
Excalibur, and Commander McFadden of Starfleet Intelligence."

Picard gave each of the officers a brief nod, by way of greeting and
then introduced Counselor Troi.  "Deanna Troi, Ships Counselor.  She
will be sitting in on our meeting."

Commander McFadden seemed to be about to say something, but Picard
silenced him with a look.  "Do you have a problem with that, Commander?"

McFadden hesitated for an instant, before replying. "No, Sir."

"Good!  Let's begin.  Perhaps you can tell us, Commander, what you know
about the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild?"

The intelligence officer was obviously caught off guard by the
question.  "You have excellent sources of information, Captain Picard,"
McFadden countered.

"Yes, Commander.  My people are quite resourceful, when properly
motivated," Picard replied caustically.

McFadden's mouth twisted into an enigmatic attempt at a smile.  "I can
understand your anger at not being fully informed, Captain, but you must
realize that the Enterprise was never intended to be here. The fact that
your long-range sensors alerted you to a problem in the Neutral Zone was
an accident, that Starfleet Command had no control over."

Captain Picard's anger was bubbling dangerously close to the surface,
Counselor Troi realized. If Commander McFadden continued to be so obtuse
the Captain was quite capable of throwing him off the Enterprise, and
damn the consequences!  She decided to attempt a mediation, before the
acrimony between the two men progressed any further.

"Commander," the Counselor began, "whatever the circumstances that
brought the Enterprise here, we were the first Federation vessel to
arrive on the scene, and Captain Picard is the senior officer present. 

Therefore, it would seem only prudent that he be fully briefed, before
the mission progresses any further.  Unlike you, Commander, the Captain
has almost a thousand peoples lives to consider before making any
decision affecting the Enterprise.~

Deanna's words had the desired affect, and McFadden replied in a
somewhat mollified tone. "Of course, you're right, Counselor.  Please
accept my apologies, Captain."

"Let's just get on with the briefing, Commander. "

"Yes, Sir.  As you know, the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild was a
corporate entity of the early twenty-first century established by an
international consortium of scientists.  These men were apparently
disgusted with the political interference that they felt interrupted the
free flow of ideas necessary to achieve real technological advances. 

Dr. Charles McLaughlin brought the Guild together in the latter
half of the year 2010.  Four years later, the Guild had managed to
develop a spacecraft that was literally centuries ahead of its time."

"Starting with the breakthrough in antigravity technology, the Guild
continued to make giant strides in the fields of astrophysics,
metallurgy, and medicine. They were perhaps, the finest multi-discipline
research team ever assembled."  McFadden withdrew a computer file chip
from his briefcase and gestured toward the terminal on Picard's desk. 

"May I?"

"By all means, Commander."

McFadden inserted the memory chip, and accessed the file.  "Two years
ago, while researching a biography of Zephram Cochrane, an  engineering
student at Starfleet Academy was given a box of papers by the Cochrane
family.  In the box, the student discovered a large file of handwritten
notes authored by Cochrane himself, in which he describes in detail the
path that led to his discovery of warp-drive technology."  The monitor
displayed a flow chart with several sections high-lighted in bright red.

"As can be seen from this flow chart," he continued.  "There are several
rather large leaps of intuition that Cochrane made.  In the past, this
was attributed to the brilliance of the man himself.  However, also
found in this box of correspondence was a three page formula and thesis
describing the specifications for a matter/anti-matter containment
chamber.  The interesting part of this thesis and formula, is that it
uses materials that Cochrane would not be familiar with, because those
materials had not been used in a hundred years."

"I am sure it was not a student at Starfleet Academy who made the
connection between Cochrane and the Guild," Picard mused, intuitively
guessing where this was leading.

"No, Captain." McFadden replied.  "The connection was not made at all,
until quite recently.  The student completed his biography and filed it
with the Engineering Department; the thesis he found amongst Cochrane's
papers was attached as an appendix to the biography."

McFadden called up a new display, and Picard and the others leaned
forward in interest.  "Eight months ago, a Federation survey team
stumbled upon the entrance to an underground complex on Pluto. Inside,
they found four spacecraft in a hanger carved out of the tock one
thousand meters below the planet's surface.  At first, the vessels were
assumed to be alien in design, so different were they from any Terran
spacecraft that there are historical records of."

The monitor now displayed a picture of the inside of a huge cavern.  In
the foreground, were the four Guild spacecraft.  Dull gray in color,
they were the approximate shape of the Enterprise's saucer section,
although not quite as streamlined.  Each of them sat on a landing gear
which consisted of a round tube with four hydraulic struts attached, the
entire assembly sagging slightly, but in surprisingly good condition
nonetheless.

"Remarkable!" Picard whispered.

"Yes, they are in exceedingly good shape, considering the fact that they
have been sitting there for more than three centuries," McFadden
agreed.  "The spacecraft," he continued, "show an extraordinary
sophistication of design.  In fact, the engineering inherent in these
vessels would be considered elegant, even by today's standards."

"Are they space-worthy?" Riker asked. "They might be," McFadden hedged.

Captain Wilson spoke for the first time, in answer to Riker's question. 

"We have all four of them aboard Excalibur."

Riker's brows shot up in surprise.  "I'm glad to see we've come
prepared, Captain Wilson."

"I think Lieutenant Commander Data, and LaForge, should take a look at
these vessels, Number One." Picard said.  Turning to Captain Wilson, he
asked, "With your permission1 of course, Captain?"

Captain Wilson nodded in the affirmative.  "The reputations of the
Enterprise's Second Officer and Chief Engineer, are well known,
Captain.  My people will provide all the assistance they can."

"See to it at once, Number One," Picard ordered. Riker tapped his
combadge, "Lieutenant Commander Data, Mr. LaForge, report to Transporter
Room Three immediately!"  Riker then rose, and left the ready room,
Leaving Picard and Counselor Troi alone with the two officers from Excalibur.

Deanna slowly exhaled, realizing for the first time that she had been
unconsciously holding her breath for at least part of the time Will was
in the room.  Although she detected a mild interest in Will from Captain
Wilson, she was surprised to find the Excalibur's commanding officer was
devoting most of her attention to Captain Picard, and that the attention
was not entirely professional in nature.

There was a certain amount of physical attraction, but something else as
well, that Deanna couldn't quite put her finger on,  She had been
silently compiling a psychological profile of the young Captain, as per
Captain Picard's instructions, and so far did not read any ulterior
motivation in the feelings she was projecting.  That did not necessarily
mean anything, often enough people were able to hide deep-rooted
emotions from her at their first meeting.  It was only after long
working relationships that she was able to interpret the impressions she
received with absolute accuracy.  It was usually easier if the person
she was dealing with did not know she was an empath, and Deanna had no
way of knowing whether Captain Wilson was aware of the fact that the
Enterprise   Ship's Counselor was a Betazoid.  The information certainly
was not a secret.

If Christina Wilson lives up to her reputation, she thought, she will
know at least as much about us as we know about her.  So she probably
knows my background in a general way, but she might not know any
specific personal information.

Why do I still have this terrible feeling of impending doom? she
wondered, and why was I so sure it had something to do with Will Riker? 

Keep your mind on the task at hand, she admonished herself, trying her
best  to concentrate on the ebb and flow of emotion in the room, as
Commander McFadden completed his briefing for Captain Picard.

"Once it was discovered that the spacecraft found on Pluto were of Earth
origin, samples were taken back to Earth for analysis.  It was at that
time that the main-frame computer at Starfleet Command made the
connection between the formula found in the Cochrane papers and the
molecular structure of some of the components found on Pluto."

Captain Picard looked somewhat perplexed by this statement.  "I
understood the Cochrane formula had to do with a matter/anti-matter
containment chamber. Are you saying that these ships found on Pluto were
equipped with warp-drive?"

"No, Captain, but apparently the designers used the same materials for
the construction of these smaller scout-type vessels."

"As I am sure you are aware, Captain Picard," Captain Wilson broke in,
"a vessel constructed from materials designed to contain a
matter/anti-matter mix, will be virtually impervious to phasers!"

"What about charged photon cannons?" Picard asked ominously.

It was Commander McFadden's turn to look perplexed.  "I don't
understand, Captain.  What is a charged photon cannon?"

"A high-density, charged photon, particle beam is the weapon used
against the Romulan cruisers. That is what led Lieutenant Commander Data
to his discovery of the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild," Picard
explained.  "The weapon is very similar to our own photon torpedo,
except for the fact that the effects are continuous rather than
instantaneous."

"How do we defend against such a weapons system?" asked Captain Wilson.

"Lieutenant Worf has designed a modification for the Enterprise's
shields that he is confident will work.  I suggest your own Tactical
Officer talk to him."

Captain Wilson tapped her combadge, "Wilson to Excalibur."
"Yes, Captain," a voice replied from the communication device.

"Mr. Davis, have Lieutenant Ursal contact the Enterprise's Tactical
Officer, Lieutenant Worf.  There is a modification to our shields which
Mr. Worf will send the specifications for.  I want the modification
accomplished by the time I return.
Wilson out!"

"Aye, Sir! Excalibur out."

"Captain Picard," Commander McFadden said.  "Starfleet Command is very
anxious to begin the salvage of the Romulan vessels.  How do you intend
to proceed?"

Picard grimaced in Counselor Troi's direction before responding.  "I do
not intend to proceed at all, until all our assets have arrived.  The
Hood is still eighteen hours away.  I am not prepared to risk a major
confrontation with the Romulans or whatever remains of the
Inter-Planetary Guild, before she arrives.  Once the Hood has arrived on
station, we will co-ordinate the tractor beams of the three vessels in
order to bring the Romulan ships into Federation space.  Then, and only
then, will I allow anyone to board them!"

It was quite obvious to Deanna that Commander McFadden was not happy
with the scenario Captain Picard described.  He was extremely agitated,
and the Counselor was forced to probe deeper to find out exactly why.

"Why are you so anxious to get aboard the Romulan vessels, Commander? 

Data has already told us that there are no computer records that are
salvageable. It would seem, you have some personal reason for haste in
this situation."

"My personal reasons are none of your business, Counselor!" McFadden
retorted, and then in a calmer tone, "I assure you, Captain, my only
concern is the successful completion of this operation.  I simply feel,
that the longer we delay, the more likely it is that the Romulans will
arrive to take control of those two ships."

"That may be, Commander," Picard countered, "But I think you would do
well to remember that those are Romulan ships!  Whether or not the
Federation has any right to attempt a salvage operation, is in some
doubt, as far as I am concerned!  I can also assure you, quite
unequivocally, that the Romulan High-Command will take a dim view of
Federation personnel boarding one of their vessels in the Neutral Zone!"

Deanna rarely saw the Captain lose his temper, but she recognized the
cold vehemence in his voice for what it was, a danger signal!  Jean-Luc
Picard could be extremely sarcastic when he thought a junior officer
needed to be put in his place, and she had a feeling that Commander
McFadden was about to feel the full impact of the Captain's anger.

"Furthermore, Commander McFadden," Picard continued in the same tone of
voice, "You have still not told us exactly what Starfleet has in mind. 

Are we in fact trying to make contact with surviving elements of the
Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild, or are we on some type of personal
crusade to enhance the careers of certain officers at Starfleet
Command?"

McFadden and Wilson both seemed to be struck speechless for a moment,
and then McFadden responded with equal vehemence.  "The mission, Captain
Picard, is to gain the most information from those Romulan cruisers in
the shortest possible time!  The Guild, if they exist, almost certainly
have engaged in hostile acts against the Romulan Empire, and Starfleet
Command is concerned that their actions might be interpreted as a
Federation act of war!"

"So you intend to compound these problems by seizing two Romulan vessels
in the Neutral Zone? I would hardly construe that as an olive branch,
Commander!"

McFadden took a moment to compose himself, before replying.  "There is
also the matter of the HyperWarp Drive, Captain Picard.  We feel that a
certain amount of risk is acceptable  in order to deny such a
technological breakthrough to the Romulans."

"I see, finally we arrive at the crux of the matter.  Just how far is
Starfleet Command willing to go to deny this technology to the Romulan
Empire?"

"If necessary, Captain Picard, McFadden replied, "any Guild vessels we
encounter are to be destroyed, rather than let them fall into Romulan hands."



****


Chapter Two: Part Two

Riker, Data, and LaForge transported directly to the Excalibur's main
hanger from the Enterprise. They were met by the Excalibur's First
Officer, Lieutenant Commander Davis, and her Science Specialist, a
Vulcan named S'dar.  Once introductions were made, the joint team went
straight to work.  It wasn't long before Riker, and he suspected the
same of Lieutenant Commander Davis, was thoroughly confused by the
three-way conversation between Data, Geordi, and S'dar.

After about fifteen minutes of poking around the inside of the four
Guild spacecraft, Data, Geordi, and S'dar made their joint
recommendation to the two senior officers. Data did the talking for all
of them.

"In our opinion, Commander Riker, it is possible to rejuvenate two of
the spacecraft, by cannibalizing the other two."

Riker looked to Davis for his thoughts on this plan.

"Sounds like an appropriate action, Commander."

"I agree," Riker replied as he tapped his combadge. "Riker to Picard."

"Picard here.  Go ahead, Number One."

"After looking at the Guild ship's, the team has recommended that we
attempt to make two of them space-worthy, by cannibalizing the other
two, Captain."

"Excellent!  Make it so, Number One.  Picard out."

"Your Captain doesn't waste words, does he?" Davis asked with a smile.

Riker shook his head.  "Not usually."  He then turned to the other three
officers.  "Gentlemen, you have your orders!"

They started out by doing a complete inventory of the Guild spacecraft. 

The ships were in excellent condition, all things considered, but there
were obviously components missing, and the three of them had not yet
discovered exactly how the craft were powered.  They were attempting to
solve this elemental problem by systematically disassembling one of the
spacecraft.

S'dar pursed his lips in concentration, the closest he ever came to
showing real emotion, and studied the engineering schematic Geordi was
putting -together with the aid of the Excalibur's design computer.

"It would appear that the designers of this spacecraft were
intentionally obtuse in their choices of engineering options," the
Vulcan stated rather enigmatically.

"You can say that again!" Geordi replied in undisguised frustration. 

"Look at all these dead-end loops, they just hang there between the
interior and exterior hulls!  What could they have been thinking of?"

"Obviously, something which has not occurred to the three of us," S'dar
replied calmly.

Geordi grinned.  "Obviously!  I wish Data would get back with that
molecular analysis, maybe that will give us some clue why this thing is
put together the way it is."

S'dar considered this statement for a moment, before observing, "Wishing
for a thing rarely makes it arrive any faster."

Geordi gave the Vulcan officer a sidelong glance. "You and Data should
get along famously, S'dar."

A slightly raised eyebrow was the Vulcan's only reply.

As if to prove S'dar wrong, Data arrived a few seconds later.  He was
pushing an anti-grav sled piled high with various pieces of equipment,
and pulling another one loaded with cylinders of liquid nitrogen.

S'dar and Geordi both eyed the assorted cargoes of the sleds in
speculation.  "What's all this stuff, Data?" the Engineer asked.

"I believe I have discovered the power source for these vessels,
Geordi," Data answered, stopping the two sleds next to the
work-station.  "These supplies will be necessary to activate the power
grid built in to the Guild spacecraft."

"Excuse me, Mr. Data, but we have found no evidence of a power grid or
any system that could be used for integral power distribution," S'dar
ventured.

"That is correct, S'dar," Data replied.  "Nevertheless, such a system
does in fact exist."

"Please elaborate."

"The molecular analysis of the exterior hull material was pivotal," Data
continued.  "When compared to the material taken from the interior hull,
a subtle difference in composition was discovered. In fact, the two
materials were exact mirror images of one another, molecularly speaking
at least."

Turning to Geordi's engineering schematic, Data began to illustrate his
point.  "The inner and outer hulls are both manufactured from a layered,
composite material, which bears a cursory resemblance, in molecular
structure, to a form of ceramic. By accessing historical engineering
data, I was able to identify these compounds as elements in a
super-conducting circuit. You will notice, that the innermost structure
of the spacecraft is made of a different material altogether, allowing
the relative conductivity of the two super-conducting hulls to be
controlled from an electro-dynamically neutral command area.  This area
is made of materials which form an absolute barrier to all
electro-magnetic radiation."

Data manipulated the controls of the computer design terminal to change
the display to a graphic representation of the structure of the Guild
spacecraft.

"We're still left with the same basic problem, Data," Geordi said. 

"Where is the power for the super-conducting circuit coming from?"

S'dar was studying the display with interest. He moved over to another
terminal, and called up the molecular analysis  that Data had completed.
The Vulcan studied the formula of the super-conducting hulls for a
moment, and then input a new formula from memory, for a relative
comparison.  The computer calculated the differences in the two formulas
in less than a second, and offered a possible hypothesis to explain the
differences.

"The conductivity of the material in the Guild spacecraft is temperature
dependent," S'dar stated without a trace of satisfaction.

Geordi's brow furrowed, as he tried to grasp the point S'dar was
making.  "So, the conductivity varies with temperature, there is always
a degradation in the conductivity of super-conducting elements at
extremely high temperatures."  He shrugged, "so what?"

"The point S'dar is making, Geordi," Data responded patiently, "is that
these elements do not conduct electrons at all, unless the temperature
is dropped below a specific threshold temperature.  You have made the
incorrect assumption that super-conducting compounds of the twenty-first
century react in the same manner as compounds manufactured in the
twenty fourth century," he concluded.

Geordi's expression changed to one of sudden understanding.  "I see! 

Then the liquid nitrogen is used to cool the hulls to the point where
they begin spontaneous conduction."

"That is correct.  I believe we will find an access valve, through which
we can pump the coolant in to the space between the inner and outer
hulls."

"Once the super-conducting laminates in the hulls are conducting,
because of their mirror image, they will try to repel each other," S'dar
stated.

"And that will cause the two hulls to begin rotating in opposite
directions around this command sphere, setting up an extremely dense
electro-magnetic field!" Geordi continued.

"Which in turn, will create a self-sustaining, continuously self-generating
conductance loop," Data finished.

Geordi turned back to his engineering diagram. "So these dead end loops
are actually methods of controlling the shape of the electro-magnetic
field. Thereby, controlling direction, and velocity!"

"I believe that is a valid hypothesis, Lieutenant Commander LaForge,"
agreed S'dar.

"Please, S'dar, call me Geordi.  We don't go much for formality aboard
the Enterprise. 


The Vulcan inclined his head in acquiescence. "If you prefer, Geordi."

"But where is the computer hardware to monitor it all, Data?"

Instead of replying to Geordi's question, Data hooked a large scanning
device up to the computer terminal, and began running it over the
portion of the command sphere that was exposed on the disassembled
Guild ship.  Immediately, what were clearly computer circuits were
displayed on the monitor.  "There is your answer, Geordi.  All the
control circuitry, and computer architecture, has been grafted directly
on to the inside surface of the command sphere. Please notice, that when
I put back this material, which previously covered the command sphere,
the scanner does not read anything, indicating that under operating
conditions, the command sphere is completely shielded from the
electro-magnetic field surrounding the spacecraft."

"A truly astounding innovation, for Terran scientists of the
twenty-first century," S'dar observed.

"I'm impressed, that's for sure!" exclaimed Geordi. 


S'dar began doing calculations on his terminal, and after a few minutes,
turned to the officers from the Enterprise.  "According to my
calculations, given the relatively low inherent mass of these
spacecraft, and the density of the electro-magnetic field they are able
to generate, it would be possible to achieve velocities closely
approaching the speed of light.  It actually works out to warp decimal
nine-nine-three."

"And the field is sufficiently dense to contain a matter/anti-matter
mix!" Geordi added in amazement.

Data processed this information, adding it to what was becoming a
voluminous file in his self contained memory banks.  Although they were
making good progress on discovering the Guild craft's method of
propulsion, each new piece of information brought new questions.  How
did a group of twenty-first century scientists, working without the
support of any government, manage to accomplish so much in such a
relatively short period of time?  Data very much wished that he could
have met Dr. Charles McLaughlin, in order that he might ask him that
very question, but of course he knew that was impossible.

"There is no evidence to suggest that any of these spacecraft were
armed, Data."

Geordi's comment triggered something in Data's positronic brain, in a
human it would have been called intuition, but Data was not prepared to
ascribe that description to what happened in the complex circuitry of
his consciousness.  "Computer, given the engineering parameters already
assigned to the Guild spacecraft, detail the modifications needed to
install a high-density, charged photon, accelerator."

"Working... no modification of existing engineering specifications
necessary."

"Explain," Data prompted.

"Photon accelerator is inherent to current design specifications."

"It would appear, the propulsion and weapons systems are symbiotic in
nature, impossible to manufacture one without the other," S'dar
concluded.



Chapter Three

Captain's Personal Log: Stardate __________ 

The Enterprise is maintaining station five thousand kilometers from the
Neutral Zone boundary, directly opposite the two destroyed Romulan
cruisers we discovered twenty hours ago.  We have been joined by the
starship Excalibur, and are awaiting the imminent arrival of the Hood. 
Starfleet Command has sent an Intelligence Officer, Commander Arthur
McFadden, ostensibly to observe the salvage operation we have been
ordered to undertake, but Counselor Troi feels the man is concealing his
real mission, and I must admit I agree with her assessment.

When pressed, he admitted that Starfleet Command is of the opinion that
any technology that survivors of the Inter-Planetary Exploration Guild
might possess, must not fall into Romulan hands.  The man had the
audacity to attempt to order me to destroy any Guild spacecraft that we
encounter, rather than see that happen!

Captain Christina Wilson, the Excalibur's commanding officer, is an
unknown quantity.  The only certainty I have concerning her, is that she
is possibly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.  Not a glowing
recommendation for senior command, in my opinion! Counselor Troi has yet
to tell me her assessment of the young Captain, but even with my
severely limited empathic abilities, I detected tension between them.

The arrival of the Hood will be a relief to me. Captain Desoto and I are
old friends, and I value his judgment greatly.  I believe that the
attempt to salvage the Romulan cruisers is ill conceived, and I am
hoping Desoto will agree.


Picard closed the log entry, swiveled his chair to look out the
observation window behind him, and sighed softly.  Ever since he was a
boy, gazing at the stars had enabled him to put his thoughts into
perspective.  The view was much better as Captain of the USS Enterprise,
than it had been from his father's vineyards in southern France, as an
introspective and sometimes rebellious youth. The journey from that
point in his life to this one was not without its disappointments, but
all in all, Jean-Luc Picard was satisfied with the course his life had
followed.  The few regrets he carried with him, were locked away in
their proper compartments, and he thought of them rarely.

It was one of those regrets that surfaced now, however.  And the more he
thought about it, the more troubling it became.  Jean-Luc Picard was, in
the deepest recesses of his soul, a romantic.  It was a flaw in his
character which no amount of analysis, or outright rejection, had been
fully able to eradicate, and every now and then he allowed himself the
luxury of embracing his loneliness.

There was no soul mate with which he was able to share the triumphs
and tragedies of his life. The joy of his first command, and the
overwhelming sorrow he experienced when he was forced to abandon her,
crippled beyond repair, to the dubious mercies of space.  No one to
offer support of a personal nature, on the long climb back from the
trauma of losing the Stargazer.  No one to share his pride at accepting
command of the Enterprise.

Invariably, it was the appearance of a beautiful woman that triggered
these sophomoric retreats into the game of  "what if" he thought in
exasperation. No doubt the crew would be scandalized if they knew that
their austere commanding officer had a weakness for blue-eyed blondes. 
I am sure Riker would be especially amused.

The chime that notified him that someone was seeking entry, brought his
mind back to the task at hand.  "Enter."  It was Counselor Troi,
returned from escorting Commander McFadden to temporary quarters aboard
the Enterprise.

"I've seen to the settlement of our new guest in his quarters, Captain."

"Very good, Counselor, and Mr. Worf has been instructed to keep our
guest under observation?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What's your reading of him, Counselor?"

"I don't believe he's telling us everything he knows, Captain."

Picard scowled.  "Agreed!"  Then he paused, before asking, in what he
hoped was a thoroughly neutral tone, "And Captain Wilson, what is your
impression of her?"

A smile played at the corners of Troi's mouth, as she tried not to
notice the Captain's discomfort. "She's attracted to you, Jean-Luc," she
stated matter of factly, suppressing the urge to laugh out loud.

"Oh," was all the Captain managed to say in response.

"Yes, Captain   I would characterized her emotional response to you, as
being quite sexual in nature," she teased, enjoying immensely the rare
sight of Captain Jean-Luc Picard at an absolute loss for words!

Picard felt the color rising in his face, which only served to increase
his already substantial state of embarrassment.  Counselor Troi's eyes
were clearly sparkling in amusement, he noticed, and that did nothing to
improve his state of mind.  When he finally got his vocal cords working,
he too was beginning to see the humor in the situation.  "That was a
damned impudent thing to say, Counselor!" 

Troi's smile broadened, to the point where she could no longer contain
her amusement, and began to laugh softly.  "I'm sorry, Captain... I
couldn't resist, the opportunity presents itself so rarely!" 

"Of that  I am grateful," Picard said, his dignity finally reasserting
itself.

"To get back to Captain Wilson, for the most part she holds herself
tightly in control.  I detect no guile in her, but I feel that she is
still a little unsure of her ability to command, partly because of the
fact that the senior staff on board Excalibur have all served together
for many years. She still considers herself to be an outsider, and
covers her own insecurities by projecting an image of aloofness."

Picard nodded in understanding.  "I'll let you in on a little secret,
Counselor, all Captains resort to that tactic at some point during their
first commands!"  Picard reflected for a moment on his own first months
in the center seat.  He too had been the outsider, younger than some of
the people he was commanding, but supremely confident in his ability to
command them well.  He knew, as only a senior Captain could, exactly how
Christina Wilson felt.  It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times, he thought, indulging in a moment of nostalgia. And none of us
could ever imagine doing anything else with our lives!

"I need to know how she will react under pressure, Counselor.  The
tactical plot is liable to get very complicated, very quickly, if the Romulans and
the Guild arrive at the same instant!"

Deanna considered her reply carefully, before responding.  The feeling
that something terrible was going to happen still assaulted her, but she
was less sure that it had anything to do with Captain Wilson, and
Excalibur.  Deanna knew very well that Captain Picard relied on her
judgment, and that her feelings about Wilson were colored by personal
insecurities of her own.  "I believe Captain Wilson is exactly what she
appears to be, an outstanding officer with a stable emotional make-up. 
She will react as well as any Captain would, with her limited
experience."

Picard frowned.  "I believe I detect a caveat, Counselor.  Do you think
I should give temporary command of the Excalibur to Commander Riker?"   

"That is your decision to make, Captain.  However, if you relieve
Captain Wilson of her command before she's had an opportunity to prove
herself, you might do irreparable damage to her confidence."

"These kinds of decisions are never easy, Counselor.

I must weigh the risks to Captain Wilson's psyche against the risks she
might pose to the mission.  A mission, which I am not comfortable with,
and which I believe has not been well defined!"

Picard got up from behind his desk and walked over to the food
dispenser. "Tea, Earl Grey, hot. Would you like something, Counselor?"

"No, thank you."

Picard retrieved his tea from the dispenser, returned to his seat, and
took an appreciative sip.  "There really is nothing like a good cup of
tea," he said in satisfaction.

"I've always been curious, Captain... France is famous for its cafe's,
and the rich coffee they serve.  How is it you became a tea drinker?"

"Ahh! An interesting story, Counselor."  Picard smiled, before launching
into his narrative.


****


Captain Wilson strode into the hanger bay on Excalibur, and came to a
surprised halt when she realized what the joint Enterprise/Excalibur
engineering team was doing to the Guild spacecraft.  All four vessels
were completely disassembled, and the various components were being
catalogued.  She stood there for a moment, surveying the apparent chaos,
before spotting S'dar standing beside a computer console being operated
by the Enterprise's android, Lieutenant Commander Data.  Across the
hanger, the Chief Engineer from Enterprise was examining a large half
sphere with a scanner.

What a mess! she thought angrily.  She resolved to find out what was
going on, without further delay! "S'dar!"

The Vulcan turned toward the sound of his name being called, and then
stood patiently as his commanding officer marched toward him.  He was
instantly able to read the Captain's body language, and come to the
conclusion that she was irritated in some way. What could be disturbing
her, eluded him, he had long-ago decided that the motivation behind the
mercurial mood swings of most humans  were beyond his comprehension, and
so he no longer attempted to anticipate the emotional outbursts that
seemed to follow the human species like a plague.

"Captain," S'dar said placidly, as Wilson arrived at the console where
he and Data were working.

"Report, Mister!" Wilson demanded.

Data turned from the console, surprised by the tone of voice the
Excalibur's Captain used when she addressed the Vulcan Science Officer.

There was a pregnant pause as S'dar gathered his thoughts before
replying.  "We are in the process of assessing the relative condition of
each of the components in the four Guild spacecraft.  Following the
completion of this inventory, we will begin the reconstruction of two of
them."

From the curious looks she was getting from the two officers and several
crewmembers who were helping S'dar, Wilson belatedly realized that she
might have insulted the Vulcan with her sharp words. Damn!  Why do I
always shoot my mouth off before thinking.  "Very well.  How long is my
hanger going to look like a disaster area?"

S'dar contemplated this question carefully, and then he answered with
absolute candor, "The hanger deck will continue to be in disarray until
the reconstruction of the two spacecraft is complete."

Captain Wilson wasn't sure, but the Vulcan's reply sounded suspiciously
sarcastic to her, and she wasn't about to let one of her officer's
undermine her authority.  She was about to snap back an angry retort,
when the red alert klaxon sounded, and all hell broke loose!

"Captain to the bridge!  Captain Wilson, report to the bridge!"

Wilson slapped the channel open on her combadge. "This is the Captain! 
Situation report Mr. Davis?"

"Two Romulan warbirds have de-cloaked in the Neutral Zone!  Range, seven
thousand kilometers.  Tactical reports their weapons systems are fully
powered!"

"On my way!"  She turned to S'dar.  "Mr. S'dar, you'll be needed on the
bridge.  Mr. Data, Mr. LaForge, return to the Enterprise."

At virtually the same instant, both Data and Geordi's combadges beeped. 
It was Commander Riker.

"Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Commander LaForge, you are needed
aboard the Enterprise immediately!" 

Geordi responded for both of them.  "You'll need to drop the shields to
beam us over, Commander."

"We are coordinating with Excalibur's Tactical Officer now, stand-by."

A few seconds later, the two officers disappeared in the shimmer of the
transporter beam.  Wilson and S'dar were already on their way to the Excalibur's
bridge.


****



Picard came on to the bridge a few seconds after the red alert sounded. 
The atmosphere was tense, but orderly, and people went about their
duties in a calm, professional manner.  He took his seat, before asking
for a situation report.  "Status, Number One?"

"Two Romulan warbirds, D'Deridex class, just decloaked, Captain."

"Position?"

"Six thousand five hundred kilometers, and closing," Data reported from
his station at Ops.  "Still within the Neutral Zone."

"Lets get some room to maneuver, Number One. Helm, one-quarter impulse
power," he glanced at his own tactical navigation display on the arm of
the command chair, "Course zero two zero, mark, zero two one.  Take us
to a position one thousand kilometers from the Neutral Zone boundary. 
Mr. Worf, advise Captain Wilson of our actions, and ask her to maintain
station, pending further developments."

"Aye, Sir!" Worf replied crisply.  "The Romulan vessels have raised
shields, and their forward weapons array is fully armed!"

"Understood."  Picard surveyed the bridge, satisfied that all was as it
should be, he ordered, "On main viewer!"

"Excalibur acknowledges receipt of message, Captain. Captain Wilson
concurs with our actions," the Klingon reported cynically.  "Visual
coming in now."

"Captain," Data said, "The Romulans are on a direct intercept heading to
the two cruisers."

The Romulan ships were of a design that was equal to the Enterprise in
mass and weaponry.  They were also aesthetically pleasing to look at,
Picard reflected. Pale gre6n in color, their hulls had a translucent
quality that was different from any other spacecraft design in the
galaxy.  Picard seemed to remember that Federation scientists had
theorized the strange color was, in itself, a part of the Romulan
cloaking device.  Perhaps Admiral Turner was right, he thought, and I've
just thrown away the opportunity to get a close look at that technology!

Commander Riker was staring at the two Romulan vessels on the main
viewer, drinking in their clean lines, and obvious power.  "Say what you
want about the Romulans, they sure build them pretty!"

Picard gave his First Officer an appreciative look.  "I agree, Number
One!  They do have a certain flair, don't they?"

"They are also quite deadly, and completely without honor!" Worf
growled from Tactical.

Picard didn't bother to reply to his Security Officer's assessment of
the Romulan people.  He held his own opinions of the Romulans
themselves, colored somewhat by a recent mission he and Data had
completed on the Romulan home world.  The differences in living
conditions between the ordinary Romulans, and the members of their
ruling class, appalled him.  He could no longer quite bring himself to
think of the Romulans as enemies, after that eye-opening experience,
regardless of the policies of the Romulan government.

"We have reached the designated co-ordinates, Captain, one thousand
kilometers from the Neutral Zone boundary," the Conn officer, Ensign Rho
Laren, announced.

"Very well, all stop.  Mr. Worf, open a hailing frequency," Picard
ordered.

"Hailing frequency open, Captain."

Picard rose from the command chair and walked toward the central area of
the bridge.  "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation vessel
Enterprise," he began, "Romulan vessel, please identify yourself and
state your intentions.  Do you require assistance?"

Lieutenant Worf manipulated the controls on the communications board,
scanning all possible channels and carrier frequencies, for a Romulan
reply to the Captain's hail.  "No response, Captain."

"Are they receiving our signal, Mr. Data?"

Data checked his sensor board, and concluded that the Romulan
communications array was operating properly.  "According to my sensors,
they are receiving us, Captain."

"Ensign, move us in closer.  Hold at one hundred kilometers from the
Neutral Zone."

"Aye, Sir!" Rho acknowledged.

"Captain!  One of the Romulans has altered course," Lieutenant Worf
warned.  "They are moving to intercept us!"

Picard watched closely as the Romulan ship swept toward the Enterprise,
trying to visualize what was going on in the mind of the Romulan
commander. There was no doubt that the Romulans were violating the
Neutral Zone treaty by their presence this close to Federation
territory, but the legal niceties of the treaty between Romulus and the
Federation were of less concern to him than the motivation which drove
them to such a flagrant violation.

"Our position is now one hundred kilometers from the Neutral Zone,
Captain," Ensign Rho confirmed."

"The Romulan vessel is continuing on an intercept course.  Range... one
thousand kilometers, and closing," Worf snarled.  "Request permission to
arm weapons?"

"Granted!" Picard stated tersely.

"Phasers and photon torpedoes armed, and on line!" Worf said, his relief
evident.

The Captain turned to his Security Officer, and ordered sternly, "Do not
fire, unless we are fired upon!"

The Klingon grunted, in undisguised displeasure, but he acknowledged the
order.  "Yes, Sir!"

Picard again tried to open a dialogue with the commander of the Romulan
ship.  "Romulan vessel, you are in danger of violating Federation
territorial boundaries.  What are your intentions?"

"No response, Captain!"

Picard tried one last time, before being forced to act.  "Unidentified
Romulan vessel, if you do not change course, you will be violating
Federation space!  I will be forced to open fire, without further
warning!"

"The Romulan vessel has come to a stop, Captain," Data reported. 
"Exactly one hundred kilometers from the Federation boundary."

"It appears, they intend to match us move for move, Captain," Commander
Riker stated.

Picard looked at his First Officer, his jaw set. "No, Number One.  I
have no intention of accommodating them in that regard!"  He turned to
Lieutenant Worf. "Mr. Worf, open a secure channel to Excalibur."

"Channel open."

"On screen!"  The image of the Excalibur's bridge appeared on the main
viewer.  "Captain Wilson, we seem to be at an impasse, the Romulan
commander refuses to acknowledge our hails."

"We've been following your attempts at communication, Captain Picard. 
How can we assist?"

"I wish Excalibur to take up a position five hundred kilometers off our
starboard, and one hundred kilometers from the Neutral Zone.  On my
command, you will lock phasers on the Romulan warbird opposite the
Enterprise, but do not fire."

Captain Wilson was seen to take a deep breath, and then, "Wait one,
Enterprise!"  The transmission from Excalibur was abruptly cut off.

Riker's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but Captain Picard just smiled,
and he and Counselor Troi exchanged a meaningful glance.  Picard's
estimation of Christina Wilson's command capabilities went up a notch.
Rather than blindly following the order of someone who was only
nominally her superior, she was consulting with her senior bridge crew,
the mark of a good commander!  "Very good, Captain," Picard whispered to
himself.

"Secure channel to Excalibur re-established, Captain," Worf said, just
as Captain Wilson came back on screen.

"Captain Picard, is it your intention to try and bluff the Romulans into
withdrawing?"

"That is correct, Captain."

"Very well, we concur.  Excalibur out!"

"She certainly has a mind of her own, doesn't she?" Riker joked.

"I would be very disappointed if she didn't, Number One," Picard replied
softly.

"Excalibur is moving into position, Captain," Data informed them.

"Any action on the part of our friends, Mr. Data?"

Riker asked.

Data looked confused by the Commander's query, and then comprehension
dawned on his face. "Ah... you were being sarcastic, Commander.  By
friends, you actually are referring to the Romulans, who are technically
our enemies," he concluded.  "No, Commander, so far the Romulans have
not responded to Excalibur's movement."

"Stay sharp, everyone," the Captain cautioned.


****


Captain Wilson drummed her fingers nervously on the side of her command
chair and then, realizing what she was doing, forced her hand to be
still. She was tense, but confident in the abilities of herself and her
crew.  Picard's tactic is risky, she thought, for all we know there
might be four other warbirds out there with their cloaking devices
engaged.  As she surveyed each of the crew stations on the bridge, she
wondered if these men and women had as much confidence in her, as she
had in them.  Probably not, she admitted.  After all, she was the new,
untried as far as they were concerned, Captain. They, on the other hand,
were a unit, and that sometimes made things difficult for her.  She was
their commanding officer, but she was not yet part of the team, or at
least, that was the way she felt.  She knew that her command style was
much different from the last Captain of the starship Excalibur, and that
some of the crew considered her cold, but she wasn't sure how she could
change that without compromising her authority.

"Captain, incoming transmission from the Enterprise," Lieutenant Ursal,
Excalibur's Tactical Officer, informed her.

"On screen!"

Captain Picard's image appeared instantly, and Wilson unconsciously
leaned forward in anticipation. She was terribly attracted to this man,
and that surprised her.  He was technically, old enough to be her
father, but there was something magnetic in the way he carried himself
and the cool authority he projected with every carefully chosen word he
spoke.  She wished that she could get to know him better, maybe some of
his style would rub off on her.

"Captain Wilson, are you ready to proceed?" Picard asked.

"Affirmative, Enterprise!" she replied. "Excalibur is awaiting your
order."

"Very well, lock on phasers ten seconds from my mark.  Mark!"

"Understood!  Excalibur out!"  She turned to Lieutenant Ursal at
Tactical.  "Target the command cupola of the Romulan vessel, Mr.
Ursal."  She then rotated her command chair to face the Ops station.
"S'dar, if the Romulan engages his cloaking device, go to optical
sensors and try to stay with him as long as possible'"

"Yes, Captain," the Vulcan acknowledged, preparing his control board to
comply with Wilson's order.

Wilson anxiously awaited the completion of the ten second countdown, and
then... "Lock on phasers! Helm, stand-by for evasive maneuvers!"

"Aye, Sir!" Tactical and Helm acknowledged simultaneously.

As she waited for the Romulan ship to respond, Wilson could feel her
heart rate increasing.  He could only do one of two things, she thought,
run or fight!  For all their sakes, she hoped that the Romulan commander
would choose to withdraw, but she knew that Romulans were unpredictable,
some might call them inspired, tacticians.  That could mean, they were
in for a rude surprise!


****


Jean-Luc Picard was not a man who was easily surprised.  He expected one
of three things to happen when Enterprise, and Excalibur, locked their
phasers on to the Romulan warbird.  One, the Romulans would hail them,
demanding an explanation for Picard's aggressive behavior.  Two, they
would withdraw. Or three, they would open fire on one or the other, of
the Federation starships.  They didn't exactly do any of these things,
and that was a surprise!

Data was the first one on the bridge to notice that something was
amiss.  "Captain, sensors are picking up a rapid build-up of power in
the Romulans' warp engines."

Commander Riker came out of his seat to stand beside Data at the Ops
station.  "He must be intending to withdraw, Data?"

"I do not believe so, Commander."

"The warbird is moving!" Lieutenant Worf snarled. "Straight at us,
Captain!"

"Helm, evasive action!"  Picard slammed his hand down on the collision
alarm located close to his
right hand, causing a loud klaxon to sound throughout the ship. 

"Too late," Data stated calmly.

The Romulan vessel instantly filled the main view screen... and
stopped.  "All stop!" Riker yelled.

"All stop, Commander!" Ensign Rho screamed back at him.

"The Romulan vessel is too close to safely fire phasers, Captain!" Worf
reported.  "The Enterprise would be destroyed by the explosive
feedback!" The Klingon grunted in admiration, and almost inaudibly
murmured, "A bold tactic."

Data analyzed the readings he was receiving from the Enterprise's main
sensor array.  "The Romulan vessel is exactly one-hundred-fifty meters
from the Enterprise, Captain.''  Data turned from his console to look at
him.  "The Romulan commander cut it very close, Sir.  There is a ninety
eight point two probability, that a collision should have occurred."

Picard exhaled explosively at this piece of news. "Thank you for that
bit of information, Mr. Data," he said, after taking a deep breath.

"Captain, after playing back the tactical display, the computer verifies
that the Romulan vessel executed..." Worf paused, apparently savoring
the moment, "the Picard Maneuver."  

There was a beep from the Communications Console at Worf's station. 
"Commander McFadden requests permission to come to the bridge?"

Picard's first inclination was to deny the Starfleet Intelligence
officer's request.  The last thing he needed was the distraction of
someone from Starfleet Command second guessing his handling of the
situation, but then he changed his mind.  Perhaps Commander McFadden
might have some valuable input, as to why the Romulan acted in, what was
for them, such an unusual manner.  "Permission granted, Mr. Worf."

"He is on the way, Captain," Worf replied.

Riker walked back to the command area of the bridge, and sat down.  "The
Picard Maneuver?" he asked rhetorically, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"An interesting choice, wouldn't you say, Captain?"

Picard smiled in grim amusement.  "An effective one, at any rate, Number
One!"



****


Wilson, at first, couldn't believe her eyes. When the Romulan kicked in
his warp engines, the Excalibur lost phaser lock, and in the brief
instant when he came to a sudden stop, almost on top of the Enterprise,
the Excalibur's targeting system couldn't decide which of the two
Romulans appearing on the sensors was the real one, and which was the
ghost image.  By the time the ghost disappeared, the warbird was too
close to the Enterprise to engage. What she couldn't believe, was that
neither the Enterprise nor the Romulan, had been blown to pieces in the
collision which she was certain was going to occur!  It was the most
terrifying thing she had ever witnessed.  She could only speculate on
how the bridge crew of the Enterprise must have felt, watching the alien
ship come crashing toward them!  "The Picard Maneuver!  How
extraordinary that it should be used against the man who invented it!"

"My father used to say its always the unexpected that kills you in
space," Commander Davis said in a subdued voice.  "That was the scariest
thing I've ever seen"

"You'll get no argument from me on that, Mr. Davis!" Wilson emphatically
agreed.  "Lieutenant Ursal, replay the tactical plot on the main viewer,
please."

The bridge crew watched in awe as the entire millisecond spectacle was
replayed on the main view screen.  The Captain watched her crew watch
the playback.  The only one not visibly shaken by the near disaster was
S'dar   That's to be expected, Wilson thought, Vulcans  were known for
their equanimity in the face of danger.  In fact, the Vulcan did not
seem to be watching the tactical replay at all, he was engrossed in
manipulating the controls on his own sensor array.  "Have you found
something interesting, S'dar?" she asked tersely.

"The second Romulan vessel has just used its transporter, Captain.  I
believe they have boarded the two derelict vessels."

Wilson immediately activated the sensor repeater on the arm of her
command chair.  The frequency spike from the operation of a transporter,
at the co-ordinates of the second Romulan vessel, was readily visible. 
"Lieutenant, open a secure channel to the Enterprise," she ordered.

"Channel open!"

"Enterprise, this is Excalibur, be advised we are detecting transporter
activity from the Romulan vessel on station in the Neutral Zone."


****


Chapter Three - Part Two

"Roger Excalibur, we copy your transmission, Picard out."  Picard
signaled to Worf to close the channel to the other starship.  Commander
McFadden came on to the bridge in time to hear the last transmission
from Excalibur, and he was not happy about it.

"So Captain, it appears as if we have lost the opportunity to study
Romulan technology, and find out what they know about the
Inter-Planetary Guild!"

"Commander, as I told you at our first meeting, the computer records of
the Romulan cruiser's no longer exist.  It is doubtful we could have
learned anything useful about the Guild from salvaging the two
derelicts.  As for Romulan technology, the Enterprise is close enough to
a Romulan warbird to count its observation windows!"  Picard gestured
toward the main viewscreen.

McFadden turned to follow Picard's gesture, and for the first time,
noticed the Romulan vessel which filled the floor-to-ceiling viewer at
the front of the bridge.  "My God!  How close is he?"

"One hundred and fifty meters from our forward shields.  He has dropped
his, in order to get as close as possible," Picard replied.  "They will
not respond to my repeated attempts to hail them, but I get the distinct
impression that they are not interested in engaging us."

"They are in Federation territory!  We have the right to blow them out
of space!"

Picard shook his head in disbelief.  "We may, theoretically, have the
right to destroy them for an incursion into our territory, but at the
moment we do not have the capability to do so.  The Romulan commander
has precluded our using force, unless of course you are in favour of
destroying the Enterprise as well, Commander!"

McFadden seemed to actually be considering this scenario, Riker thought
with dismay.  The man must be insane!  He looked at Deanna to see how
she was reacting to McFadden's grating personality, and was surprised to
find she didn't seem to be paying any attention to what the Commander
was saying. "Deanna, what's the matter?"

Picard and McFadden both turned at Riker's question, and the Captain
quickly realized that something was very wrong with his Ships
Counselor.  Her face went suddenly pale, and her eyes widened in shock.

"Incoming message from the Romulan vessel, Captain," Worf announced.

"On screen!"

"Audio only, Captain!" replied the Klingon, keying his communications
console to allow the bridge crew to hear the message.

"... Federation vessel Enterprise, clear the area!  You are in grave
danger!  Repeat... Federation vessels, you are in grave danger!  Clear
this area'"

"Captain!" Counselor Troi's voice was filled with fear.  "The Romulans
are very agitated!"

The Captain was unsure what to do with this information, the Enterprise
sensors were not picking up anything unusual.  Then again, the Romulans
had been acting in anything but typical fashion, and that was unusual.
Picard was just about to order a deep-sensor scan of the Romulan
warbird, when it engaged its cloaking device and disappeared from the
Enterprise viewscreen. "Mr. Data!" Picard ordered.

"Switching to optical scan, Captain.  Both warbirds have engaged
cloaking device, and are proceeding away at high warp, course zero five
zero, mark zero one zero."  Data frowned as a sensor reading caught his
attention.  "Captain, they have left their away-team on one of the
derelicts."

"That's odd," murmured McFadden.  "Why would they do that?" he asked of
no-one in particular.

"That I do not know, Commander, but I intend to find out!" resolved
Picard. "Number One, take a security team to Transporter Room Three. 
Data, how many personnel in the Romulan away team?"

"According to my sensors, Captain, the Romulan team has three members. 
Only one of them is armed," he added.

"Number One, instruct Chief O'Brian to beam the two unarmed members of
the Romulan away team, to Transporter Room Three.  The armed Romulan is
to be relieved of his weapon in transit, and transported directly to one
of the security cells."

"Yes, Sir!"  Riker got up to head to the turbo-lift.

"Captain," Worf interrupted, "Permission to accompany Commander Riker to
the Transporter Room."  He turned to Riker, who was halfway to the
turbo-lift.  "No offence, Commander," the Klingon growled, "But even and
unarmed Romulan is much stronger than a human!"

Picard nodded in the affirmative.  "Agreed! Proceed Lieutenant!"

****

Chapter Four

Riker and Lieutenant Worf entered the turbo-lift, and Riker ordered,
"Transporter Room Three."

The two officers rode in silence, each of them preoccupied with their
own thoughts.  Worf was concentrating on his pathological hatred of all
things Romulan.  Ever since he was orphaned at the age of six, revenge
against the people he knew were responsible for the death of his
parents, was of paramount concern to him.  It was a matter of honor,
and no amount of association with his human crewmates could convince
him that forgiveness was an admirable attribute.  Forgiving ones enemies
was the path chosen by the weak, he thought with a scowl.  No Klingon
warrior could ever forgive the Romulans for their treachery, and
although Worf was a Starfleet Officer, he was also a Klingon warrior!

Riker, noticing the Security Chief's expression, attempted to find out
what was on his mind.  "You don't like Romulans very much, do you,
Lieutenant?"

The Klingon's scowl deepened.  "I will not allow my personal feelings to
interfere in the performance of my duty, Commander."

"I never suggested that you would, Worf.  If I thought that, you would
be relieved of duties immediately!"

Worf was silent for a moment, and then he said, "May I speak frankly,
Commander?"

"Always!

"I believe that this warning the Romulans have given us, may be a
trick.  Deception is one of the cornerstones of Romulan tactical
doctrine. I suspect that this entire mission may be a fool's errand!"

Riker digested the Klingon's statement, and then asked, "So, you don't
necessarily believe that this Inter-Planetary Guild still exists?"

"I find it more plausible to suspect that it is the Romulans themselves
making mischief, as an excuse to infringe on Federation territory."

"You may be right, Lieutenant.  Hopefully, the Romulan away-team will
provide us with some answers."

The turbo-lift came to a stop, and the two officers walked out the door
and across the hall to Transporter Room Three.  Chief O'Brian was
expecting them.

"The armed member of the Romulan team has already been beamed to the
security cells, Commander.  I'm holding the other two in the transport
buffer and can finish the transport at your discretion."

Riker nodded in acknowledgement of O'Brian's report  "Very well,
proceed!"

O'Brian stroked the transporter console, and the soft hum of the
transporter beam filled the room, as the two Romulans began to
materialize on the platform.  Worf drew his phaser, before the Romulans
were fully formed, Riker noted.  He obviously was not about to take any
chances!

The two aliens did not seem to be particularly surprised at
materializing on board the Enterprise, but it was hard for a human to
judge such things. Although more expressive than Vulcans, the Romulan
race could be quite good at suppressing any outward show of emotion. 
Riker knew that if he himself were suddenly beamed aboard an alien
vessel, he too would be wearing his best poker face.

One of the Romulans was the first to speak, in an extremely melodic
feminine voice, which was at odds with her severe looking expression.   
"Commander William T. Riker, First Officer of the Federation starship
Enterprise.  Am I to assume we are aboard the Enterprise?"

Riker attempted to cover his surprise with a witticism.  "I didn't
realize I was so famous among the fairer sex of the Romulan Empire?"

The Romulan officer allowed herself a small smile.  "I have been fully
briefed, Commander. Unfortunately for you, your reputation in areas
other than official ones, has not yet made itself known in the Romulan
Empire."  She looked around the Transporter Room, and her expression
changed. "Where is my other officer?" she demanded.

"We thought it best to beam the armed member of your party direct to a
holding facility.  He is quite safe I assure you."

She held Riker's gaze for an instant, as if attempting to measure the
truth of this statement, and then her eyes moved to Lieutenant Worf, who
still had his phaser pointed straight at her chest. "Ah, so it is true,
the Enterprise does have a trained Klingon on board.  I am surprised you
do not have such an animal tightly leashed, Commander!"

The barb did not have the desired effect.  Worf's face remained
impassive, and his phaser never wavered from its target.

Riker appreciated Worf's restraint, he knew that Klingons were easily
offended, and the Romulan had gone out of her way to insult him. 
Strange, Riker thought, the enmity between Romulans and Klingons,
considering that the two species had been allies for generations prior
to the Federation making peace with the Klingon Empire.  Reason enough,
he supposed, for the Romulans to dislike their traditional
comrades-in-arms!

Ignoring the Romulan's remark to Worf, Riker asked coldly, "And you
are?"

"I am Commander Srelal, by your ranking system I am First Officer of the
Warbird Ko'Luer."  She turned to the officer standing next to her on the platform, "And this is Centurion Saalesh, a computer specialist.

For the first time, Riker looked at the second Romulan, also a female,
and he was struck by the dissimilarity of the two aliens.  Where Srelal
was tall, and filled out her uniform; Saalesh was small, almost
delicate, and her uniform looked like it was two sizes too large for
her.  The Romulan Commander wore her black hair in a severe military
style, while Saalesh's hung loose to her waist, and was so dark as to
appear almost blue in color.  Her features were finely chiseled, her
skin color unusually light for a Romulan, dark upswept eyebrows gave
her a singularly exotic look, and her eyes were... gold! That was the
only color he could think of to describe them, like honey.  For the
second time in as many days, Riker had met a woman who was
breathtakingly beautiful, and he was a man who appreciated such things.

Srelal watched with interest, Riker was clearly captivated by the
Centurion, and this did not displease her.  The orders she received upon
embarking on this mission were quite specific, there was to be full
co-operation with any Federation representatives that arrived in the
area of operations, provided of course that such co-operation could not
be avoided!  If the little twit Saalesh could keep Riker occupied, so
much the better.

"Saalesh, a beautiful name, Centurion," Riker said, walking over to the
platform and offering her his hand.

The Centurion hesitated, and then reluctantly took the human's hand. 
Saalesh found Riker's skin to be cool to the touch, a result of his much
lower body temperature.  She allowed him to support her slightly, as she
stepped off the platform, and then quickly disengaged her hand from
his.  "Thank you, Commander."

"Now that mutual introductions have been made, Commander Riker, perhaps
you can tell us why we have been beamed aboard your vessel?" Srelal
asked.

Riker tore his eyes from the lovely face of Centurion Saalesh, and tried
to concentrate on the Romulan Commander's question.  "When we received
the warning from the warbird, and then they disappeared, we discovered
that your away team was still on the derelict cruiser.  We concluded
that you might be in some danger, and so Captain Picard ordered that you
be beamed aboard."

Srelal felt her blood run cold.  "Warning... what warning, Commander?"

Riker caught the sudden change in the Romulan's tone of voice, and that
worried him.  He found it incredible that the Romulan's could have
abandoned their away team without warning, but if he read the
Commander's question correctly, that is exactly what happened.  "You
mean to tell me your people didn't notify you that they were leaving?"

Srelal realized she was at a severe disadvantage. If what the human said
was true, then she and her two person team were the only representatives
of the Romulan Empire present.  Damn that coward Talar! What kind of a
Captain would leave members of his crew so exposed, this close to enemy
territory! She really had no choice but to try and bluff her way out of
this situation.  "Of course they notified us of their withdrawal!  I am
surprised that they notified you, however!"

Riker let that line of questioning drop, for the moment, but he still
needed to know what the Romulans were trying to warn them about.  "What
happened to your two cruisers, Commander?  What is the nature of the
danger we face?"

Srelal thought about the consequences to the Empire, and to her own
career, if her mission were not successful, and decided on the spot to
actively enlist the aid of the Federation.  "I do not wish to repeat
myself, Commander.  Therefore, it would be best if your senior staff
were all briefed at the same time."

Riker nodded, "Very well, come with me please." Riker started out the
door, and the two Romulans followed, with Worf bringing up the rear, his
phaser still covering the Romulan Commander.


****


Captain Picard walked into the Observation Lounge, having been summoned
there by Commander Riker's message that the Romulan Commander was
willing to co-operate with the Federation.  Picard had informed Captain
Wilson, and she had beamed over to the Enterprise with her First
Officer, leaving the Vulcan, S'dar. in command of Excalibur.  Commander
McFadden had insisted on attending the meeting also, and Picard had
relented, although with some misgivings concerning the intelligence
officer's tact.  Dealings with the Romulan Empire were always delicate
affairs, and a carelessly turned phrase had the potential to ignite an
inter-stellar war.

Also present at the briefing were Counselor Troi, Lieutenant Worf, Dr.
Crusher, Lieutenant Commander Data, and Lieutenant Commander LaForge.

Picard took his seat at the head of the conference table, and called the
meeting to order.  "Proceed, Number One."

"Captain, this is Commander Srelal, of the Romulan warbird Ko'Luer, and
Centurion Saalesh, a computer expert.  They were two of the members of
the away team we beamed off the Romulan cruiser, the third is presently
in one of our holding cells.  Srelal has agreed to tell us everything
she knows about the recent disturbances in the Neutral Zone."  He turned
to the Romulan Commander, "Commander Srelal, please proceed."

Srelal was very conscious of the hostility inherent in such a situation,
and was determined to win the trust of the Federation officers.  She
only hoped that her superiors would understand the necessity of what she
was about to do.  She addressed her remarks to Captain Picard, a man who
was well known to the Romulan High Command.  "Captain, the Romulan
Empire is under attack. For the past seven months, the Empire has been
at war with an unknown enemy. This enemy has an incredibly sophisticated
technology, and the High Command believes that they are being helped by
traitors within the Empire."

Picard wondered if the Romulan was not being a little disingenuous with
this statement.  Picard was well aware that things were not going well
for the government on the Romulan Home-World, having just returned from
a secret mission to that planet, but the likelihood of Romulans somehow
being in contact with elements of the Inter-Planetary Guild struck him
as being remote.  He briefly considered attempting to contact Ambassador
Spock, who he knew was still on Romulus, but then realized that such a
move could needlessly endanger the fledgling reunification movement that
Spock was helping to foster.  "Commander, this unknown enemy you speak
of, what were the circumstances of the Empire's first contact with
them?"

"Seven months ago, the cruiser Ta'Llam was conducting a routine survey
of a star system on the extreme edge of our territory, on the other side
of the Empire," Srelal continued.  "The Ta'Llam came upon a derelict
spacecraft and, as the Captain decided it might pose a danger to
shipping in that area, it was decided that it would be best to destroy
the alien craft.  As soon as the Ta'Llam powered up its weapons system,
the derelict opened fire, seriously damaging the cruiser, and killing
its Captain."

"Was the Ta'Llam able to escape?" Riker asked.

"Yes, Commander, the cruiser did escape.  When the Captain was killed, I
took command and managed to evade the enemy vessel.  They did not pursue
us."

Captain Picard then asked, "Didn't you scan the derelict for life signs
before trying to destroy it?"

"Yes, Captain," Srelal replied.  "The aliens apparently use some kind of
shielding device, making it impossible to deep-scan their vessels. 
There were no life signs present to our scanners because of this
shielding, although even if life-signs had been detected it is doubtful
that would have made a difference.  The vessel was in Romulan territory,
we had every right to destroy it!"

The Captain sighed.  "A Starfleet Officer recently advised me to take
the same action regarding a Romulan vessel infringing on Federation
territory, Commander." Picard said, glancing in McFadden's direction. 
"I chose to ignore his recommendation!"

"Perhaps that is because you are not a Romulan, Picard!  We take our
territorial integrity very seriously!" Srelal shot back.

"It looks to me, Commander," Riker put in, "that you launched an
unprovoked attack on an unidentified vessel, and they responded by
defending themselves!"

"I suppose that is one way to look at it, Commander Riker, but for all
the Federation double-talk, under the same circumstances I seriously
doubt that a starship Captain would have handled the situation any
differently!"

"I tend to agree with, Commander Srelal, Captain," Data interrupted. 
"There have been many instances in Federation history where we have
taken aggressive actions that could be construed as being unprovoked."

Srelal was surprised by the android's statement. She hadn't expected
support from one of Picard's own officers, but she welcomed it
nonetheless. This one speaks his mind, Srelal thought, I wonder if
Picard realizes how valuable that is.  Extraordinary, that an artificial
life-form could have such personality, and strength of character, to
challenge a senior officer such as Riker!  "Thank you, Commander Data.
It will do us little good to criticize each other's defense policies. 
If we are to solve this problem we must co-operate, these aliens pose as
much threat to the Federation as they do to the Romulan Empire."

"I take it that you have never actually seen these aliens, Srelal.  What
makes you think they might pose a threat to the Federation?" Commander
McFadden asked quietly.

Srelal thought she detected a note of urgency in the Commander's voice
when he asked her the question, and that gave her pause for thought. 
She wasn't that familiar with human body language, so she couldn't be
sure, but it seemed as if the other Starfleet Officers tensed when he
posed it.  What is going on here, she thought   Do they know more about
this than they're letting on?  "The encounters between the aliens and
our ships have been steadily moving toward Federation space.  It is
therefore reasonable to assume that you will encounter them yourselves.
They do not respond to any attempts at communication, and have destroyed
over twenty of our vessels. Therefore, Commander, the Federation must
assume that these are hostiles and act accordingly."

"Could it be that they do not respond to hails because they are unable
to receive your communications?" Data asked.

"We have tried all known frequencies," Srelal replied.  "What is it you
are getting at, Mr. Data?"

"Simply this  Commander, if your communications devices are not
compatible with theirs, they might not have understood that you were
attempting to communicate."

Srelal thought about what the android was saying. Could it be possible
that the aliens had not understood our repeated efforts to communicate
for what they were?  "You almost sound as if you know for a fact that
this is the case, Commander?"

Data looked down the table at Captain Picard, asking a silent question
of his Commanding Officer. Picard slowly nodded in acquiescence to
Data's unspoken request.  "Commander Srelal, we have reason to believe
that the aliens at war with the Romulan Empire, are actually surviving
elements of a human expedition which set out from Earth over three
centuries ago."

Deanna watched the two Romulans for a reaction to Data's revelation. 
The senior officer, Srelal, looked genuinely shocked.  The young
Centurion was harder to read, but Deanna could tell that she too was
surprised by Data's statement.  Saalesh was the most striking Vulcanoid
she had ever seen, and Deanna wondered about the Centurion's background.
Could it be that she is not a full-blooded Romulan? Aside from the
delicately pointed ears, she could easily be mistaken for a human of
some exotic origin, and she did not have the pale green pigmentation
usual in a Vulcanoid species.

"Are you telling me, Commander, that these alien aggressors are actually
human?" Srelal asked dangerously.

Captain Picard replied for Data.  "That is the assumption we have been
working under, Commander Srelal.  However, I must stress that the
Federation has had no contact with these people, and we cannot be sure
that they are in fact who we think they are!"

"I am sure the High Command will find that most reassuring, Captain!"
Srelal said contemptuously.

Picard steepled his fingers in front of his face, and contemplated the
Romulan Commander silently for a moment before replying.  "Srelal, we
have told you this because the Federation is concerned that our being 
here not be misconstrued.  We have had nothing to do with the actions
undertaken by these humans, although by your own admission, their
actions seem to be motivated primarily by concerns for self-defense." 
The Captain paused, as if trying to collect his thoughts before
continuing.  "These men and women were unjustly driven from their
ancestral world, by a political climate that suspected anyone who was an
innovator.  They are, or at least were, scientists and engineers.  I
doubt that they are even aware that such a thing as the Romulan Empire
exists!"

"You honestly expect me to believe that humans of three centuries ago,
before you even had the capability for deep-space travel, invented this
unbelievable technology, able to withstand concerted disruptor attacks,
and were driven from their planet! How, Picard?  We have not been able
to drive them from the Romulan Empire using weaponry that twenty-first
century humans could not have imagined in their wildest nightmares!"

Deanna caught the admission that things were not going well for the
Romulans in their conflict with the Guild, and realized that the Captain
had as well.  Judging from what Srelal was saying, the Guild's
technology must be extraordinary.  Even the Enterprise could not
withstand repeated attacks from the weapons carried by Romulan
warships.  "Commander Srelal," Deanna broke in, "Isn't it true that
these encounters have been steadily moving across Romulan space toward
the Federation?"

"That is correct, Counselor, but it doesn't change the tact that acts of
war have been committed against the Empire!"

"Nevertheless Commander, doesn't it indicate that these people are
actually trying to leave Romulan space?"

"Possibly," Srelal admitted.

"Then why don't you call off your warships and allow them to leave!"
Deanna urged.

Srelal was clearly skeptical.  "Surely you realize Counselor, that such
decisions are not made by lowly Commanders   That is a task for the High
Command.  My orders are to seek out the aliens and destroy them, and
that is exactly what I intend to do!"

Deanna turned to the other Romulan.  "What about you Saalesh?  Do you
agree with this policy of seeking out the aliens and destroying them?"

All eyes turned to the Centurion, and it was evident that she was not
comfortable with the attention. Saalesh looked down the table at the
Captain of the Enterprise, and came to a decision that in other
circumstances would have meant her instant execution. "No Counselor, I
do not agree with this policy, but I am just a junior officer, without
any influence whatsoever."

And not likely to gain any with that attitude, Picard thought grimly. 
"Commander Srelal, seeing as you do not presently have a ship, I doubt
that you will be destroying anyone in the immediate future. Furthermore,
if the people you are pursuing cross into Federation space, they will
come under our protection. I will not tolerate any further incursions by
Romulan warships into our territory!  Is that clear, Commander?"

"Perfectly clear, Picard.  However, I must warn you that we will do
whatever we feel is necessary to avenge the deaths of our comrades!"

"Do what you must, Srelal," Picard replied, "But do not make the mistake
of committing an act of war!"

Commander Riker listened to the Captain and the Romulan officer exchange
threats with growing concern.  There was something missing here, he
thought.  How could members of the Inter-Planetary Guild be discovered
on the other side of the Romulan Empire?  How did they get there without
passing through Romulan space? The Romulans were exploring their section
of the galaxy five hundred years before the first rocket propelled
spacecraft were built on Earth, there was no way anyone could pass
through the Empire, even three hundred years ago, without being
detected.  It didn't make sense!  Riker was also a little skeptical
about the weaponry Srelal described.  She made a valid point, if the
Guild ships were able to withstand the kind of punishment the Romulans
had dealt them, how could they be driven from Earth in the early
twenty-first century?

"Captain," Riker asked, "Is it possible that the vessels Commander
Srelal describes are not from the Guild?  Just because the weapons used
on the Romulan cruisers were once used against a vessel on Earth, does
not necessarily mean they were use by the same people."

The Captain turned to Data.   "Mr. Data, what is the probability of such
similar technology being developed independently by two widely separated
cultures?"

Data accessed his memory banks for instances where such a thing had
occurred, and calculated the odds based on the historical record. 
"Actually, the probability of such a thing occurring is quite low,
Captain. Although it is a matter of historical record that certain
scientific breakthroughs have been simultaneously achieved by more than
one culture, this generally happens with what could be considered basic
technology. The warp-drive coil for instance, was first used in Vulcan
scout-craft, but we know that the Klingons, the Romulans, and others
made the breakthrough at virtually the same time.  Also, we have since
discovered irrefutable evidence that several ancient civilizations must
have had faster than light vessels, which leads to the supposition that
they must have had warp-drive as well."

"However," he continued, "with the technology we are dealing with in
this case, there are several factors which would tend to vitiate this
possibility.  Foremost among them, is the fact that this type of weapons
system has been discarded by every scientific team who has ever explored
its possibilities, from all the civilizations that we know of.  With the
exception of the Inter-Planetary Guild.  The charged photon, particle
beam, at the densities required to destroy a vessel, is inherently
unstable.  The unique construction of the Guild spacecraft, where they
have combined the propulsion and weapons systems in to one inter-active
containment field, is a work of true genius, and the odds of the
circumstances which led to this breakthrough occurring in some other
place are on the order of one trillion to one."

"I trust that answers your question, Number One." 

"Yes Captain," Riker replied with a smile.

"Srelal, why would one of your ships issue a warning to the Enterprise,
advising us to clear the area?" Picard enquired.

Srelal knew the answer to this question, but was loathe to inform a
Starfleet Captain.  Military secrets were something not to discuss with Federation
personnel, and she had already strained the bounds of her mission parameters by
holding discussions with the starship officers.  However, her compatriots had seen
fit to leave her and her research team on
their own, without bothering to inform them that they were leaving.  In
effect, abandoning them to their own devices.  Srelal could well imagine
how her Captain would explain her disappearance, no doubt he would say
she had died bravely in the face of the enemy!  Srelal decided that the
only way to salvage the situation was to co-operate fully with Picard,
at least within the bounds of what was necessary to assure her own
survival.  "In all likelihood Captain Picard, the warbirds have deployed
a series of proximity detonated, gravitic mines.  They are designed to
explode when they sense a mass of sufficient density or come in