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From: Anton_Sanderfoot@qms1.life.uiuc.edu (Anton Sanderfoot) Subject: STORY: Wisdom of the Ancients 1 Date: 26 Jul 92 21:49:18 GMT _______________________________________________________ Open onto Enterprise warping through starfield, pan through to bridge as Picard voices-over the log entry: Picard: [vo] Captain's Log: Stardate 46988.3. The Enterprise is proceeding at warp 3 for the Cardassian border due to the hostilities that have erupted there. Fortunately, Federation intelligence allowed us to be prepared for the assault, or the damage could have been significant. Losses were light for the Federation, though the Cardassians were not so fortunate. Conflicts continue to erupt sporadically, and the Enterprise is on the way to mediate any potential cease-fires and to provide needed fire-power, if necessary. Worf: Captain, priority message from Star Fleet, coded for senior officers only. Picard: Very well, [to ceiling] senior officers to Conference Room. Riker, Worf, Data, & Troi leave bridge for Conference Room. As they enter, Crusher and Geordi enter from opposite door. Picard: Computer display message... Screen shows standard fed title screen, and is replaced by typical Admiral. Picard: Admiral duJour, how are things progressing on the Cardassian border? duJour: Better than expected. But, the situation is still quite volatile. Unfortunately, that's not the reason I've contacted you. Seven days ago, we lost contact with the ZetaOmega science station. Due to the conflict, we were unable to spare a vessel to investigate. The long range probes sent to the area have provided some unsettling data: the station is gone, ripped off the surface of the planet. Picard: The Borg... duJour: That's what we're afraid of. Star Fleet is still stretched pretty thin covering both the Cardassain and Romulan borders, but I've managed to rush a vessel out of the Ontario 3 ship yard, a Nebula class, the Gregarious. Picard: Surely one vessel can be no match for the Borg... duJour: Certainly not, we will not make that mistake again. It's mission will be recon only. Data: Though ZetaOmega is pretty far out, seven days is more than enough time for the Borg to reach the center of the Federation. duJour: Exactly, something else is up. We need to find out what. The Gregarious is currently steaming for ZetaOmega, but it is currently without a captain. Star Fleet needs an experienced officer out there, we believe that officer is you, Commander Riker. Riker: [surprised] Me, Sir? [looking around at other crew] I am honored. duJour: Very well, William Riker, you are hereby given field promotion to Captain. I am transferring any information as well as the crew manifest of the Gregarious to the Enterprise. Rendezvous will be set up at Diego Marta in 29 hours. Data: [to group] Diego Marta is a planet at the fringe of Klingon territory, it is considered frontier, and is somewhat lawless. Control over the planet is considered thin at best. Is it wise to arrange a meeting there? duJour: Time is of the essence, Diego Marta is the shortest meeting point for the two vessels. By the way, Capt. Riker, the Gregarious is currently short on command staff, so, with Capt. Picard's permission, you may choose a First Officer from the E. Riker: [staring at Worf] Captain, I wonder if you could spare Lt. Worf? Picard looks over to Worf and nods. Riker: Mr. Worf, would you be interested in joining me as first officer of the Gregarious? Worf: I, too, am honored. duJour: Excellent, Mr. Worf, you are hereby field promoted to Lt. Commander, and designated first officer of the Gregarious. Any further news we receive will be relayed to you on the Enterprise. duJour out. Picard: Well, Mr. Riker, Mr. Worf, I believe a change in uniform is in order. Mr. Data, how long will it takes us to get to Diego Marta at warp 3? Data: 28 hours, 37 minutes. Picard: Very well, relay the coordinates to the helm and change course. Dismissed. All but Picard and Crusher leave. Picard: Dr. Crusher, is there something I can... Crusher: The Gregarious, thats Wesley's ship. He was so happy to get assigned to it...and now... Picard: Doctor...Beverly, there is no such thing as a safe assignment...he could have easily been on one of the ships that was hit by the Cardassians during their first assault. Crusher: Yes, but with the Cardassians he at least has a chance...with the Borg... Picard: [walking over to her] Beverly, he has become a fine officer. Your worrying doesn't help him, or you. In fact, from my experience with Wesley, he may be just what Riker needs to stop whatever they will face... Crusher: You're right, it's just the Mother in me. I just wish...oh, nevermind...[smiling weakly]...thank you Jean-Luc. [she gets up and walks out] Picard watches her leave, pauses, then exits to bridge Cut to Riker, who is now wearing 4 pips, sitting at a table in Ten-Forward drinking some blue colored drink. As he is about to set down his empty drink, Guinan appears to claim it. Guinan: Com..er.. Captain Riker, may I have a word. Riker: Certainly, have a seat. Guinan: Could I join you on the Gregarious? Riker: I don't understand. Guinan: Picard and I have discussed it, and we agreed that I should accompany you on the Gregarious, with your permission, of course. If you are facing the Borg, I could be helpful... Riker: [smirking] This is a surprise, a welcome one, of course. Actually, I was looking over the crew manifest, and noticed that I am without a ship's Counselor... Guinan: [hiding a smile] I'm not sure I'd want to get involved in all...Counselor, huh? Riker: I would be most pleased if you would join me as Counselor of the Gregarious. Guinan: It would be my ple... Picard: [vo]: Capt. Riker, will you have you crew report to the conference room Riker: [pointing to door] After you, Counselor... Cut to conference room, Riker, Worf and Guinan are present as well as the usual Enterprise senior staff. Worf sports a red uniform and a third hollow pip. Picard: Mr. Data is about to present the latest information from the Cardassian front, I thought you may wish to hear this. Go ahead Mr. Data. Data: The Cardassians launched a second attack near the Romulan edge of the border. The attack was halted by Federation forces including the Excelcior class vessels: Wisconsin, Kingfisher and Sydney as well as the Klingon cruisers Bechkai and Pucghcha. Each vessel suffered damage, yet managed to destroy 3 Cardassian heavy cruisers before reinforcements arrived and the main Cardassian force retreated. Meanwhile, Romulan ships have been detected approaching and departing the neutral zone, but appear to only be testing the Federation forces. Cardassian losses are now at 23 vessels destroyed, 13 severely damaged. Federation losses at 8 vessels lost or disabled, 4 vessels severely damaged. It is now felt a cease-fire can be arranged, and a new treaty written. Picard: Capt. Riker, the other reason I asked you here is that it appears our presence at the border is required as soon as possible. I would like to increase to warp 8 and drop you on Diego Marta early for your rendezvous. Riker: I understand, I'm sure we can fend for ourselves for 12 hours... Ensign: [vo] Bridge to Riker. Incoming message from the Gregarious. Riker: Pipe it into here... The screen clears to show a young female lieutenant, in standard red uniform, sitting at command, Wesley, also in red, can be seen at the Helm. A vulcanoid male in a yellow uniform sits at Ops. The remainder of the bridge appears sparsely crewed. Rild: Capt. Riker, this is Lt. Rild. We have a problem, our anti-matter mixing chamber has developed a fissure and we must slow to impulse for repairs. Chief Engineer Thomas tells me it can be replaced in 12 hours. That would put us at Diego Marta in 24 hours from now. Riker: Proceed Lieutenant, keep me apprised. Rild: Thank you, Sir. Gregarious out. Riker: [to Guinan and Worf] Well crew, it appears we will be staying the night at Diego Marta. Mr. Worf, make the necessary arrangements. Cut to the surface of Diego Marta. The surface is very desert like, and structures similar to a 20th century city of Earth with some moderately tall buildings. Decay and debris litters the streets. Riker, Worf and Guinan materialize in front of what appears to be a hotel. Riker: Riker to Enterprise, we are down. Good Luck... Picard: [vo] And to you,...Captain Riker. Worf: I have arranged rooms in this RhotelS, the communications equipment has already been transported inside. Riker: So, let's see what Diego Marta has to offer in the way of accommodations... They enter hotel. Cut to the 3 walking down hall of third floor. The interior appears to be as a normal hotel with hinged doors opening into the rooms. Worf is reading his tricorder as they walk along. Guinan: No one is around, it's kind of eerie... Worf: I asked that the floor be cleared, for security reasons. I am reading no life forms on this level, and the lift doors have been locked. Riker: Excellent, Mr. Worf. With luck, we should have no need for such precautions. Worf: Our rooms are here, they are connected. The Captain's room is on the right, I am in the center, Guinan you are in here. They enter Guinan's room to find an typically furnished room, near the window is a vase of white flowers. Guinan: What beautiful flowers... Worf: [suspiciously] They are...unexpected. Riker: I think I recognize them, they are from Earth I think. Guinan: Yes, Carnations, very rare this far out.... Riker: Mr. Worf, let's get the communications equipment set up. They leave. Guinan examines the flowers further. Guinan: [to the air] So, what trouble do you have for me this time? END PART ONE =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 2 Open in Guinan's room on Diego Marta, she is rearranging the carnations on a table near her window. Her communicator beeps. Riker: [vo] Guinan, we have a message coming in from Star Fleet. Please join us in Mr. Worf's room. Guinan leaves through side door into the adjacent room. Inside a portable subspace communications station has been set up, the message is about to start. duJour: Captain Riker, I see you are situated. I have what could be considered good news. The telemetry and visual data from an satellite orbiting ZetaOmega have provided us with some data about the lost station. It appears the station has been obliterated by orbital bombardment. Riker: That would be very unlike the Borg's usual pattern. duJour: Yes, and we also have a visual account of the attackers... duJour is replaced by a picture of a huge vessel which has the appearance of 3 large vessels melded together. The edges of the vessel are smoothed, yet weapons bristle from many places along the length of the vessel. Guinan: It's incredible, the size of a small moon! duJour: Our data suggests that the Gregarious could easily park in the shuttle bay of this vessel. It appears we are no longer dealing with the Borg, yet the danger appears to be as great. I understand you will be delayed in arrival at ZetaOmega, but I would ask you to proceed with all due haste. The more we know of this vessel and its occupants, the better we may be able to face it. Your orders will change slightly. You are to do your best not to engage this vessel, instead, you are to gather as much information as possible and return with that data so that a proper defense can be arranged. Understood, Captain. Riker: Yes, Sir. duJour: Excellent. duJour out. Riker: Mr. Worf, what is the ETA of the Gregarious? Worf: It is scheduled to arrive at 1300 hours tomorrow. Riker: Let's get some rest. We'll meet tomorrow at 0800. Mr. Worf, help me to secure the station. Guinan leaves for her own room. Upon entering she wanders over to the window. Out of the corner of her eye, she notices the flowers in the vase. The carnations have been replaced by a single black rose. Guinan: [shocked, hitting communicator] Riker! Emergency!...uh! Red Alert!! Riker: [vo] Guinan? What?... A crash is heard over the channel, followed by phaser fire. Guinan heads for Worf's room grabbing her phaser from a table. She tries the adjoining door, but finds it jammed. She exits through the door to the hall. A man is fleeing from Worf's room as she exits, Guinan fires and stuns him, then rushes into Worf's room. Inside she finds Riker & Worf standing over a downed man. The communication equipment has been knocked over and is blocking the door to Guinan's room. Guinan: What happened? Worf: Two men rushed into the room. If not for your warning, we would have been in grave danger. Riker: How did you know? Guinan: [haltingly] Um...[smiling] I guess it's just women's intuition.... His friend is out in the hall. Riker nods towards the door, and Worf exits to retrieve the second criminal. Riker: [looking at communications equipment] I don't suppose your women's intuition could repair the subspace communicator. Worf returns, dropping the second criminal onto the floor next to the first. Worf: Shall I take these criminals to the authorities? Guinan: I think we should all stick together, something is up around here. Riker: [examining communication equipment] I agree, we should all go. This equipment is useless, with any luck, they'll have some communication lines we can use. We need to stay in contact. Guinan: We should probably wait until morning... Worf: I disagree. On this world, we are just as likely to be ambushed in daylight. At night, we have the advantage of darkness. Riker: I'm not sure I share your assessment of our Radvantage,S but it is essential that we get in touch with Star Fleet and report our situation. Collect anything important, we move as soon as they regain consciousness. Later. Riker is examining the door to the lift which has been blown open. Worf and Guinan are approaching down the hall, preceded by the two criminals. Worf: They still refuse to talk. Riker: No matter, I'm sure the local authorities will be able to get something out of them. I hear they've been cracking down lately. What's the plan, Mr. Worf? Worf: We go down the stairs and out the back. The nearest precinct is less than a kilometer to the East. They will precede us, I will cover the rear. Riker: Excellent, let's move... The six leave by the stairs, and exit into an alley at the rear. They move through various alleys, with Worf reading his tricorder to determine the way. Suddenly, a phaser shot hits Worf from behind. Riker spins to fire but is hit also. Both slump to the ground. Guinan turns to see a partially lit man who carries a carnation in one hand. Guinan raises her phaser, but is hit before she can fire. The two criminals turn to the man who has walked into the light, where the back of his head can now be seen. With shocked expressions they run from the alley. The camera pans around to see Riker, Worf and Guinan sprawled on the ground at the feet of the man. The carnation drops to the ground... END PART TWO =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 3 Fade into large moderately lit room, a man is sitting at a table drinking from a mug. The man's name is Qiti (chee-tie). He appears to be in his mid-thirties,and is dressed in a grey jumpsuit similar to Wesley's acting ensign uniform without the shoulder pads. Pan around to show Riker, Worf and Guinan laying on cots. Guinan slowly rises looking at the man. Qiti: [In a mild British accent] Ah, Guinan...Welcome back to the world. Guinan: You shot me! Qiti: I am sorry, dear Guinan, but it was necessary. Guinan: Necessary? I don't understand... Qiti open the drapes on a large window to show the sunrise over the city which is about 10 km distant across the desert. Qiti: I'll explain when your captain wakes up. Will you join me for some tea? Ask your Klingon friend if he'll join us, perhaps he's tired of pretending to be unconscious? Guinan looks over at Worf who opens his eyes. With a sneer and a growl, he gets up. Guinan limberly puts herself between Qiti and Worf. Guinan: Please, Mr. Worf. Sit down, everything will be fine. Riker: [waking up] What in the hell is going on? Qiti: Perhaps now is a good time for me to explain... Riker: Yes, I think you should start with why you shot us. Qiti: That would be easy. You're probably not aware that there is a price on your heads. You see, the Cardassians and the Romulans are currently having a bidding war over the bounty for your capture. Guinan: Why would anyone want us? Qiti: Well, it's pretty clear why the Cardassians want you. The war is not going well, and they are looking for hostages. The Romulans? One never knows exactly what the Romulans want, but a Federation Captain would likely be quite a prize. Regardless, the bounty is more than enough to get any entrepreneur with a phaser off of this lifeless rock. Riker: And you? Qiti: I like this lifeless rock. That, and I have no need for any bounties, especially on old friends. Worf: Old Friends? How old? Qiti: [jokingly] Shame on you. Asking a lady's age. Guinan: Let's just say, it was well before you were born. Qiti: Anyway, the only way to stop the assorted rabble from taking potshots at you... Riker: ...Was to beat the rabble to the punch. [suspiciously] So, what's your plan for us now? Qiti: First of all, your ship has been trying to contact you. You can get the message here. I assure you the line is secure, and private. I will collect some breakfast. If you will excuse me... Qiti exits through a side door, Riker, Worf and Guinan huddle in the center of the room. Riker: Guinan, can we trust him? Guinan: I'm not Troi, I can't tell you if he's lying. But, what I can tell you is that he has no reason to lie. I'd like to speak with him for a moment... Riker: Go ahead. Mr. Worf and I will speak with the ship. Guinan leaves through the same door, Riker and Worf manipulate the console to receive the message from the Gregarious. Cut to a kitchen where Qiti is preparing breakfast. Guinan enters. Qiti: Ah, Guinan. Pour yourself some tea, and have a seat. Guinan: Why? Qiti: Because you look uncomfortable standing there. Guinan: I mean, why did you capture us? We could have survived long enough to be picked-up by our ship; or, you could have just as easily let us die... Qiti: No need to be so melodramatic. But..., you're right I do have other reasons for bringing you here... Guinan: The vessel in ZetaOmega. Are they coming for you? Qiti: Again so melodramatic. Yes, they've come for me...finally. I had hoped the energy barrier would keep them out. After all, that was it's purpose. Guinan: Purpose? I don't understand... Qiti: Come now, your people know of the energy barrier. Such "secrets" are passed along while you're adolescents. Guinan: There's nobody left to pass on those secrets, anymore. Qiti: The Borg, I had forgotten... Guinan: Tell me... Qiti: Tell you? A race of listeners.... Alright, then. Listen: It was long believed by the many races that the universe began with the "Big Bang": a cataclysmic explosion creating all that we see... Guinan: ...Yet, what came before? Qiti: Well, myself for instance. Cycles begin, cycles end. "My" cycles ends, "yours" begins... Guinan: Only your's didn't end? Qiti: Yes. The last collapse was unusually weak, and several galaxies on the fringes were spared, including the one in which my people were contained. Guinan: But what does this have to do with the Energy Barrier? Qiti: [curtly] Aren't you supposed to be listening? [smiling] Ever wonder why there are so many RomnipotentS beings running around? Quite simply, they persisted from the last cycle. Trillions of years of evolution can let you in on a few secrets. But, anyway, the survivors, "The Ancients" banded together to watch the new universe unfold. They... Guinan: They? Not "We"? Qiti: At the time, my people we no more advanced than the humans of this day, content to roam our galaxy, and somewhat beyond. One day, we roamed across the Ancients. We were "adopted," and they let us share their seat in watching the cosmos. Guinan: Quite generous of them. Qiti: Not as generous as you might think. You see, the weak collapse of the last cycle left this cycle perilously short of the heavy elements which were essential to the eventual evolution of life. The Ancients had written off this cycle as lifeless, and had decided to stop looking, or at least have someone else look. While looking fervishly, we discovered the start of life, in a galaxy which is likely quite familiar to you. As this was rare for this cycle, the galaxy was set aside, as a preserve. Only, one race chose not to preserve it. They looked into the future of this life, and were disappointed: limited life span, limited mental capacities, etc. They decided they could do better; by extracting this life, and dispersing it about the galaxy. Manipulating it into new forms and varieties...Ironically, the peoples that resulted would name this race "The Preservers." Needless to say, this was considered a violation of the highest order. But, what was done, was done. Though further violations were not to be permitted. A barrier was put up around the galaxy to prevent further incursions. Guinan: So where do your friends in ZetaOmega come in? Riker: [entering with Worf] Yes, what about your "friends" in ZetaOmega? Qiti: I think "friends" in an incorrect term. I believe "mortal enemy" may be more appropriate. Worf: So, that is the reason you have brought us here: You wish to use us to destroy your enemies! Qiti: No, I doubt the combined firepower of the Federation could scratch the paint on that vessel. But, you are partially right. I need you to take me to ZetaOmega. Riker: Surely you don't plan on taking on the vessel by yourself! Qiti: I don't intend to destroy the vessel, I intend to surrender to it... END PART 3 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 4: Open in the Kitchen. Qiti is preparing breakfast, Guinan is seated, Riker and Worf are standing. Guinan: I don't understand, why would you want to surrender to them? Surely they'll kill you! Qiti: Oh, most certainly! But, they are coming for me. Once they have me, they'll leave. Riker: And you just expect me to drop you off so you can commit suicide! Qiti: You really have no choice. There are 15 civilized worlds between here and ZetaOmega, over 11 million beings. Each will be destroyed until they get here. Guinan: I thought there were 16 civilized planets? Riker: There were. We just received word that a second planet has been hit, Balthazar 6. Guinan: [to Qiti] How did you know? Qiti: [looking down] I felt them die... Many more will meet the same fate, if you don't deliver me to the Zenrabi. Riker: So this menace has a name, do they have a story? Qiti: Yes, I suppose they do. But, I don't talk well on an empty stomach. Qiti carries a plate over to the table, and begins to eat breakfast. Qiti: Please, join me. You must be hungry. Come, sit down, and I'll tell you a story. Guinan sits down and begins to eat, Riker and Worf eventually join them. Qiti: The story begins while your Earth was still cooling. My people lived in a quiet system near the edge of our galaxy. We had lived in peace for eons, and had begun to search the systems around us. We came across many other peoples, some contacts were pleasant, others deadly. It was a misspoken word with an extremely xenophobic group that would spell the ultimate doom of my people. These people, the Zenrabi, fell upon my system, they destroyed every planet, every soul that remained. Guinan: What did you say to these people? Qiti: I honestly don't remember. Fortunately, we had warning of their attack, and our people had fled across the galaxy in the first exodus. The first of many. The Zenrabi were not content to simply destroy our worlds, they would only be satisfied with the extinction of our entire race. [pause] After fleeing from our 13th home world, it was decided that we should fight back. War and battle was foreign to my people, and the thought of fighting was abhorrent to them. But, our leader, Malqi, was adamant in the desire to fight. It was decided that the next generation would be bred for battle... Riker: Bred? I don't understand. Qiti: I am from an extremely long lived people, reproduction to sustain the race was unnecessary. Through genetics and training, a generation of warriors was created. A first strike was planned on the Zenrabi home world. Their fleet had temporarily been berthed there for some celebration. Worf: An excellent opportunity. Strike when your enemy is weakest. Qiti: Precisely. The battle went extremely well...too well. The entire fleet, the entire planet, and all upon it were destroyed. We had gone too far.... The agreed plan had been to simply persuade the Zenrabi to abandon their chase, instead, we were fooled into committing genocide. Worf: Such destruction is dishonorable, there is no need for such destruction when defeating an enemy. Qiti: There is never a need for such destruction! Malqi was removed as a leader, due to his deceit. But, Malqi, and those loyal to him, felt that our people were truly built for war. In his delusion he felt we could conquer the entire universe. A civil war resulted. It was while we were slaughtering our own that we discovered the presumed genocide of the Zenrabi was premature. A portion of their fleet remained. Divided and unprepared, our people were destroyed. In the end, only eight of my people survived. Realizing their fate, the remaining 8 dispersed across the universe. Riker: How long ago did this battle occur? Qiti: Around 9500 years ago. While the civilization of your people was just beginning to live, my civilization was dying. Guinan: Yet, your people survived. Otherwise, how would you be here to tell the story. Qiti: No, my people did not survive. My people are extinct. I am one of the 8 survivors... Riker: No humanoid could possibly live that long! Qiti: Of course not, but then, I'm not as human as I appear. Worf: So, you take on human form to deceive us. Qiti: Not to deceive you. I am,...was, hiding among you. It would be difficult to hide among humans were I to have remained in my natural form. One of the survivors was a physician, and each of us were surgically altered to resemble the species in which we hid. You see, we knew the Zenrabi would continue to pursue us, until all were dead. Riker: So, how can you be sure that when they take you, they will leave us alone? Qiti: The Zenrabi are mere ghosts of themselves. They have mindlessly pursued us for so long, that they no longer have a life of their own. Once all of my people are gone, they will have no reason to continue, and they can die. They know this as well as I do, I have felt their wish to die. They have already found the other seven survivors. I am the last of my people. Take me to them and no others must die. Riker: Except for you and the Zenrabi... Qiti: Together, we are the final specimens of two extinct races. In many ways, we are already dead. The hailing sound of Riker's communicator sounds as the Gregarious contacts him. Rild: [vo] Gregarious to Riker. Riker: [hitting pin] Go ahead. Rild: [vo] This Lt. Rild, we have arrived in orbit. Riker: [looking intently at Qiti, then to Guinan] Four to beam up... END PART FOUR =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 5 On the bridge of the Gregarious. Lt. Rild is standing at mid-bridge. Wesley is at the Helm. A vulcanoid, Lieutenant Mirok, in yellow uniform, sits at Ops. A yellow uniformed Lt. Rimpole stands at Tactical. Riker: [voice over] Four to beam up... Rild: Four, Sir? Riker: [vo] Yes, Lieutenant. Rild: Yes, Sir. [walking off towards turbolift] Inform Transporter Room 3 to prepare for arrival. You have the bridge Mr. Mirok. Cut to hall outside Transporter Room 3. Rild is approaching the door as Chief Engineer Elsa Thomas, a Lieutenant Commander, nears from the other direction. Rild: How are repairs going? Thomas: Not as fast as I'd like. I was hoping to speak with the Captain about slowing us down a bit so I could get things in order. They enter into the transporter room as Riker and company are materializing on the pad. Riker: [stepping off the pad] Permission to come aboard? Rild: Granted, Sir. Welcome to the Gregarious. This is Chief Engineer Elsa Thomas. Riker: Nice to meet you Chief. This in Lt. Commander Worf, Guinan, and our guest Qiti. Lieutenant, will you escort Mr. Qiti to quarters. Thomas: Captain, I was hoping to speak to you about repairs to the ship. Riker: We can talk on the way to the bridge, let's go. They exit. Rild and Qiti turn away from the group as the rest proceed to the bridge. Cut to the bridge. Riker, Thomas, Worf and Guinan exit from lift. Riker: It comes down to this Chief, we need to get out there as fast as possible, and I need a functioning vessel. Thomas:You're asking the impossible! Riker: [smiling] It's the job of the Captain to ask the impossible, and it's your job to give it to me... [looking to Wesely at the Helm] Mr. Crusher, set course at the best possible speed. Thomas: I've only got a skeleton crew, Riker! I need more people! Riker: This whole ship is running on a skeleton crew, I'm not sure there are any spare crew... While Riker speaks, Rild enters the bridge and relieves Wesely at the Helm. Wesely walks to the relief position at the back of the bridge. Riker watches him... Riker: Actually, I think I can spare Mr. Crusher. Ensign, would you care to give Commander Thomas a hand in Engineering. Wesley: Yes, Sir. Riker: Excellent. I want a meeting with senior officers at 1900 hours. I'll be in my Ready Room, Mr. Worf, you have the bridge. Riker enters his Ready Room. After walking around, examining every aspect of the room, he sits at the desk and leans back in the chair putting his feet up. The door chimes. Riker: Come... Guinan enters and walks to the front of the desk. Riker: I could get used to this... Guinan: The benefits of the big chair...I think we need to speak with Qiti, again... Riker: Is their something else he can tell us? We pick him up, deliver him to the Zenrabi, they kill him, they leave. Seems like a simple enough plan. Guinan: You know, as well as I, that it's not that simple. Last I heard, you weren't very high on this plan of his. Frankly, I was surprised you brought him on the ship. Riker: On the ship, I can keep my eye on him. I have a feeling that if we hadn't taken him, he would have gotten out there on his own. He seems quite resourceful. But, you're right, we should speak with him. [to ceiling] Computer, locate Qiti. Computer: [neutral male voice] That name does not correspond to any on the ship's crew. Riker: Right, I knew that... The door chimes. Riker: Come... Qiti enters from hall entrace to ready room. Riker: We were just looking for you. Actually, before I forget. Would you please state your name for the computer. [to ceiling] Computer, recognise the voice of Qiti. Record and save. Qiti: [to ceiling] Computer, I am Qiti. Computer: Recognise: Qiti. Qiti: Keeping an eye on me? Riker: Are you saying that's a bad idea? Qiti: [smiling] Regardless, I have a feeling you wish to speak with me further. Riker: I'd like you to speak at a meeting I have set for 1900 hours. I'd like you to give us any information you have concerning the Zenrabi: tactics, capabilities, etc. Qiti: I'd be happy to. Riker: Perhaps I could have a preview? Guinan: I think I'll wait for the meeting. I have some unpacking to do. Follow Guinan into the hall as Riker and Qiti continue speaking in the background. In the hall, Guinan meets with Wesley as she walks along. Guinan: Hello, Wesley. How are things going for you on your first assignment? Wesley: Until Captain Riker sent me down to Engineering, I've really been doing nothing but relief duty on the bridge. But, I guess everyone must start somewhere. Guinan: That's a good attitude. By the way, your Mother sends her love. Wesley: Thank you. [pause] What's with this Qiti? He's a strange guy. Guinan: Strange? Yes, I suppose he is. He's an old friend. I knew him while I was a child. Wesley: Is he one of your people? Guinan: No, he came to my people from [pause] ...somewhere else. Wesley: That's a bit vague. Guinan: He's a very old soul, even by my people's standards. He knows things that we can only imagine. It's amazing. He knew that Balthazar 6 had been destroyed before we did. Wesley: How could he know that? Guinan: He said he felt them die.... But, I think I've spoke out of turn. You should get back to work, Ensign. I should get to my unpacking. Cut to Conference Room. Riker, Worf, Guinan, Rild, Thomas, Mirok and Qiti are present. Riker: Thank you all for comming. I'd like to introduce you to Qiti. He has some knowledge of the Zenrabi vessel that I think will be helpful. I know you have all received the background information in the briefing file, I would like Qiti to now fill us in on the vessels specifications. Qiti: Well, you know their past. Their present is not much different. Their weaponry is primative, yet effective. Basically, they throw huge amounts of "flak" at their target: metal projectiles, fusion bombs, antimatter, even small asteroids. Accelerated to relativistic speeds and discharged in every direction, any target is unlikely to survive for long. Even after surviving such a pounding, energy weapons carve up the unfortunate vessel, or planet. The Zenrabi vessel itself is mainly just a storehouse for the projectiles, which is the reason for the large size. Only a small fraction of the space is used for the bridge, engines and crew. Speed-wise, the vessel is not to quick. Due to the size and presence of many gravity wells, the craft can go no faster than your Warp 4. Mirok: That velocity is consistant with the time between the two attacks. Riker: Thomas, how long could our shields hold versus such an onslaught? Thomas: It's difficult to tell. It's unlikely we could hold out for more than a few minutes. Worf: If we judge their speed to be Warp 4, they will arrive at the next civilized planet in [reading from computer screen] 42 hours. Since we have the time, I recommend we travel to ZetaOmega and determine if Qiti's data is still relevant. Qiti: It's unlikely. The Zenrabi were never one to change something that had worked so well in the past. Yet, I do think it would be wise to make sure. Riker: I agree. We will divert to ZetaOmega and examine the planet. Anything further? Rild: I have one question for Qiti. If these vessels were so unstopable, how did your people possible stop them. The briefing file said that you had, at one time, destroyed most of their fleet. Were your vessels stronger? Qiti: No, my people had nothing of this scale. Instead, our methods were much simpler. We simply boarded and took over their vessels, then turned them against their own. Rild: Surely the losses in such a boarding were heavy. Worf: It would be an honorable way to meet death. Qiti: Yes, on both counts. Of the 100 warriors sent to each vessel, on average, only 18 would survive. Rild: 82% losses, that's unbelievable. Qiti: When it means the death or survival of your race, such rates become acceptible. Riker: I hope that it never comes to such a point for us. Let's get under way for Zeta Omega. Dissmissed. All file out, Worf stays somewhat behind to speak with Qiti, who has remained seated at the table. Worf: I am impressed. 100 men against a vessel of that size. Truly, you must have been effective warriors. Qiti: It scares me. How after so many years of peace we could degenerate into such weapons of destruction... Worf scowls, then exits, as Qiti remains seated. END PART 5 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, pt. 6 Open with Gregarious slowing as it approaches ZetaOmega. The planet appears quite grey and cratered. Riker's log entry voices over the opening. Riker: [vo] Captain's Log, stardate 46991.7. We have arrived at the remains of the ZetaOmega science station. The reports from the probe underestimated the destruction of this planet. Orbital assessment of the planet has shown that it is likely to break up due to the seismic stresses induced by the bombardment. Mr. Worf has lead an away team down to the planet to examine the surface. Cut to Engineering, Riker is walking in towards Chief Engineer Thomas who is going over some schematics with Wesley. Riker: What's the story Chief? Thomas: I think we have all the bugs worked out. Nothing really unexpected for a vessel rushed out ahead of schedule. Mr. Crusher has been a great help. Riker: Excellent. It's likely we'll need a fully functional vessel if any of Qiti's information is correct. Qiti: [walking up from behind] Unfortunately, the information is quite true. Riker: [surprised] How is that you show up whenever I speak about you? Qiti: Coincidence, I assure you... Riker: No offense, but I would prefer if you weren't in Engineering. Qiti: I understand, I was simply on a stroll. No malice intended. Riker: I'm sure. Mr. Crusher, will you escort Qiti on the remainder of his stroll. Riker and Thomas continue to speak as Wesley and Qiti exit. Cut to random hall as Wesley and Qiti walk along. Wesley: Is there anything in particular you wish to see? Qiti: No, I was just walking. Clearing my head. There are many more minds on this vessel than I am used to dealing with. I've got a bit of a headache. Wesley: Are you an empath? Qiti: Empath? No, I'm no mind reader. I am simply able to sense to presence of life. Wesley: It doesn't seem simple at all. Is it common for your people? Qiti: Somewhat, all of my people are slightly sensitive to such things. It was a skill that was deemed important for a warrior to have, and was amplified. A killing machine should always know the location of its prey. Malqi's delusions... Wesley: Malqi, he was your leader? Qiti: Leader? Yes, I suppose he was. He led my people to destruction by making monsters such as me. He planned to create his own private army, and use it to dominate the universe. If not for the revolt and the resulting civil war, he would have succeeded. [pause] I only wish I would have killed him myself when I had the chance. It's ironic, Malqi himself had taught us to be mindless killers, if his training of me had been complete, I would have killed him. Instead part of me still held life sacred and refused to kill him. Still, the Zenrabi ended up doing the job for me. Last I saw him, he was being taken by a band of Zenrabi. Wesley: [after long pause] If you can only sense the presence of life, why should their presence give you a headache? Qiti: I'm not sure. The minds of humanoids are especially "noisy." Perhaps I'm just not used to dealing with the noise. Wesley: Counselor Troi used to say the same thing. She was an empath. Strange, I still don't understand how such things are possible. Qiti: What is a brain but a sophisticated electromagnet. The firing of neuron creates a momentary electric field. The presence of anything creates a gravitation disturbance. Simply being attuned to and interpreting those signals is all that is required. Strictly speaking, anyone could be trained to at least sense such things. Wesley: [pausing] Guinan has told me that you knew when the Zenrabi destroyed Balthazar 6. Surely you can't sense things from thousands of light years away. Qiti: Distance is not important. Yes, in three-dimensional terms, such distances are great; but in...[smiling] Well, such things are ment for each people to discover on their own. Wesley: We have already glimpsed such ideas. While I was on board the Enterprise, I met a being called the Traveller. He... Qiti suddenly looks away and buries his head in his hands in pain. Wesley: What's wrong? Qiti: We must speak with your Captain. The Zenrabi are attacking another world. Cut to the bridge. Great activity is occurring as crew rush around. Riker: Away Team, standby for immediate transport. [to Ensign at helm] I want maximum warp as soon as the Away Team is on board. Wesley and Qiti enter the bridge. Qiti: Riker, the Zenrabi are attacking another world. Riker: Your news is a bit late, long range sensors picked up their ship at Milagro 7 ten minutes ago. We're already underway. Worf, Rild and Mirok return to the bridge from away duty taking their positions. Worf: It appears the estimations of their speed were incorrect. [looking at Qiti] At current speed, it appears we will be too late. Qiti: Open a channel to them. Broadcast that you have me on board. They will stop their attack. Riker: [after a pause] Open the channel, broadcast the message. Lieutenant Rimpole manning the Weapons Console executes the command. Rimpole: Aye, Sir. Sending message. Mirok: Sensors indicate that the bombardment has ended. The tension level on the bridge decreases as sighs of relief are heard from all except Qiti. His face has become ghostly white and his mouth hangs open. Guinan: Qiti, what's wrong? Wesley: Are you sensing something from the people of Milagro 7? Qiti: No, it's from the Zenrabi vessel....[pause]...laughter... An alarm sounds from Mirok's panel. Mirok: [Shocked] It's gone! Riker: What's gone? Qiti: [eyes closed in pain] Milagro 7. They destroyed it. Riker: My God! How! Mirok: An energy weapon discharged from the center of the vessel, striking the center of the planet. A seismic resonance was set up and the entire planet just shattered. Qiti slumps to the ground, sitting on the ramp to the lift, his head buried in his hands. Worf: It appears our data was quite incorrect! Rimpole: Captain. Incoming message from the Zenrabi vessel. Reading as visual. Riker: Let's meet our enemy. On screen. Do not send a signal from our end. The starfield on the screen is replaced by the visage of a humanoid form who appears to be in his late forties. Riker: What in the hell! Qiti: [still with head in hands] Malqi... END PART 6 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients: part 7 Open on bridge of Gregarious. Usual compliment is present. Qiti is sitting on the ramp to the lift, slumped over in pain. Wesley is near Qiti checking his condition. On screen is the visual message from the Zenrabi vessel. A humanoid male in his late 40s, who Qiti has just identified as Malqi, is shown on the screen. Riker: Who in the hell is this? Qiti: [still in pain] It is Malqi! Gods help us all, he is still alive! Malqi: [from screen] Though you send no signal, I know you are receiving me. There is no reason for you to hide... Riker: Send our signal. [pause] Zenrabi Vessel, this is Capt. William Riker of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Gregarious. Explain the reason for your destroying three Federation planets. Malqi: [very condescending] Well, "Capt. William Riker of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Gregarious," the answer is quite simple: I am here on a mission of conquest. [pausing] Perhaps, you are wondering about my appearance? To make your race more amenable to the conquest, I have taken on your appearance...[turning towards Qiti] As I see you have also, Qiti. Qiti suddenly grasps his head and falls unconscious. Wesley: [hitting communicator] Medical Emergency. Medical Team to the Bridge. Malqi: Silly fool. He probably told you that the Zenrabi were coming to get him. I suppose he was planning to nobly go to his death for the sake of your people. I don't want to kill him...yet. I want him to be around to witness my empire -- the empire he refused to be a part of. You see, when he took away my personal army, I had to find a new one. Fortunately, the Zenrabi were willing to help me out. Riker: I think you may find the conquest of this galaxy more difficult than you believe. Malqi: On the contrary, I think stopping me will be more difficult than you believe. In fact, I welcome you to try. I will be traveling to your next little world in 24 hours. Meet me there. I welcome you to stop me... The transmission ends. Medics come onto the bridge to collect Qiti. Riker is standing with teeth gritted and barely contained fury. Mirok: The Zenrabi vessel is heading for the Sulkare system. Riker: Set course for the Sulkare system, warp 9. Staff meeting in 60 minutes. Give me some options people. I'll be in my Ready Room. Mr. Mirok, get me a secure channel to Star Fleet. Cut to Sickbay. Qiti, still unconscious, has been put on a scanning table. Dr. Murphy Salverson, the CMO, is examining Qiti as other medics mill about. Salverson: [looking at the scan results] My God! What is this thing on my table? Wesley: So much for medical detachment... Salverson: Watch yourself, Mr. Crusher. [pause] He looks humanoid, but nothing inside is even vaguely like it's supposed to! Wesley: Is he dying? Salverson: I don't even know if he's living. The readings are all over the scale...Neural reading (I think they're neural readings) are arcing wildly....[medical alarms sound] What! We're loosing him! No activity anywhere! Get me 10 units cordrazine! Cut to exterior. The Gregarious is traveling in warp. Ahead of the ship, a diaphanous outline of a huge vessel appears. The Gregarious passes through the outline of the vessel. Cut to bridge, Worf is at command, Rild and Mirok are at their stations. The red alert klaxons are sounding. Riker: [vo] Riker to bridge. Why are we at red alert? Worf: Sensor malfunction. For a moment, it appeared that a vessel was in our path. Proximity detectors set off red alert automatically. I was about to cancel red alert. Riker: Proceed. Let's stay at yellow alert. Inform Ms. Thomas about our malfunction. Cut to sickbay. Focus behind the medics working on Qiti in the empty area near the door. A flash of light, followed by a thunderclap reveals a glowing form. The form moves slowly towards the medics. No one in the room reacts to the sound, and appears not to see the form. Salverson and the medics stop working. Salverson: It's no use, nothing is working. He's gone. The medics leave, Salverson and Wesley remain. The form moves over to Qiti and puts a "hand" across Qiti's head. After lingering for a few minutes, the form removes its arm. Salverson begins to turn away. Wesley, continuing to look at Qiti, notices him move. Wesley: Doctor, he moved! Salverson turns back in time to see Qiti's eyes open. But, instead of the usual green eyes, the whole of the eye is a deep orange. Salverson: What in the hell!! Meanwhile, the form has returned to where it first arrived. As it is about to leave, its "head" turns to see Guinan looking directly at it. In a blast of light and thunder, it disappears. Back on the table, Qiti's eyes close, then reopen with their normal appearance. Wesley: Is he alright? Salverson: I have NO idea! Qiti: [grogilly] Yes, I am alright. He looks over to see Guinan staring at him with a hard look. Cut to the exterior. The Gregarious passes out of the diaphanous vessel, which then disappears. Salverson: What in the hell are you! Qiti: You're right, Mr. Crusher. He could use some lessons in bedside manners. Salverson is fuming as Guinan approaches from behind, she puts a hand on Salverson's shoulder and defuses him with a look. Guinan: Could I have a minute. I need to speak to him, alone. Wesley and Salverson exchange looks and walk away discussing bedside manners. Guinan: So, who was our visitor. Qiti: [pausing, surprised] There are forces at work here, who wish to be [pause] anonymous. Malqi cannot be allowed to destroy another galaxy. Guinan: Another galaxy? Qiti: Yes. He has already destroyed two others. He will not destroy a third. Guinan: How do you plan to stop him. You said yourself that the combined power of the Federation wouldn't scratch the paint on that vessel. Qiti: I have some ideas, though I was hoping for a little Federation ingenuity. Guinan: You'll have your chance to ask for it. Riker has called a meeting for 20 minutes from now. Cut to Riker's Ready Room. He is speaking to Admiral duJour over subspace. The conversation is ongoing. Riker: I firmly believe that negotiations will not be possible. He has already destroyed three worlds and has dared me to stop him from destroying a fourth. duJour: I understand your point, Captain. My only question is: Just what do you plan on doing against this vessel? Riker: Hopefully, nothing. We will arrive at Sulkare 2 shortly. I plan to evacuate as many colonists as I can, and then get them out of there. I don't plan on getting anywhere in range of the vessels weapons unless absolutely necessary. duJour: I understand your caution. I'm afraid I can't spare any vessels to back you up. The Cardassians are at the table, but they refuse to sign a cease-fire. I know it may not seem this way to you, but the Cardassians are a greater threat at this time. At the speeds you quote, it will be over a week before the vessel can bear arms upon any essential bases. Your orders will be to stall this Malqi as long as possible, until we can mount a force against him. I hate to say it, but you're alone out there. Keep your head. Don't do anything stupid. duJour out. Riker leans back in his chair contemplating duJour's message. His door chimes, Qiti walks in. Riker: So, Qiti, what trouble do you have for me. Qiti: I have some ideas...I'd like to share them with you...Nothing stupid, I assure you.... END PART 7 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 8 Open in the Conference Room of the Gregarious. The senior officers are present: Riker, Worf, Thomas, Rild, and Mirok; as well as Qiti. Riker: The word from Star Fleet is that they can't spare any back up for at least a week. [pausing for protests to die down] Our orders are to keep Malqi and the Zenrabi busy until such time as the back up can get to us. Worf: It seems unlikely that even with back-up we could have any effect on such a vessel... The red alert klaxons sound as Riker's communicator beeps. Wesley: [vo] Captain to bridge! All file out to Bridge. Wesley, rising from the Helm as Rild replaces him, reports: Wesley: We are 20 minutes out from Sulkare. Sensors have picked up the Zenrabi vessel at Sulkare. It is currently firing upon Sulkare 2. Riker: Damn it! Increase to warp 9.5. Mr. Crusher, get to a science station. I want all the information you can get from this attack. How in the hell did they get ahead of us? Mirok: Message coming in from the Zenrabi vessel. Riker: On screen. Malqi: [from screen] Why, Hello. A bit late aren't we? Riker: I believe our date was still 20 hours from now. Malqi: I was tired of waiting. I have no reason to wait for you. But, I was unfair. I'll give you another chance. In 10 hours I'll be at these coordinates. [numbers appear on the screen] Do't be late. As the transmission ceases, the screen blanks to show Sulkare 2 just as the Zenrabi beam shatters the planet. Worf: Raise shields! Ready all weapons! Riker: [pausing] Recommendations? Worf: [reading panel on his chair] Recommend we move in on a high speed pass. Fire upon the rear half, targeting the engines. Then swing around the moon to cover our back. Riker: Battle stations. Prepare to execute Commander Worf's plan. The Gregarious screams into the Sulkare system and falls upon the Zenrabi vessel. The Gregarious fires phasers and torpedoes which impact harmlessly on the surface of the Zenrabi vessel. The Gregarious continues on to behind the moon, where it prepares to turn. Mirok: Weapons impacted on the surface, no change in energy readings from the vessel. The vessel is turning. Worf: Bring us around the moon, prepare to fire again. The Gregarious begins to move around the moon, as it does, the Zenrabi vessel suddenly moves quickly over it and then disappears. Riker: Damn it! Where did they go! Mirok: The vessel took off at a speed greater than warp 9. No warp field was formed around the vessel. It's propulsion system must be unique. Riker: Things have changed! We can't wait for backup. Get your ideas together. Conference in 10 minutes. [to Rild] How long will it take us to get to the coordinates he gave us? Rild: At warp 9, it will take 9 hours 50 minutes. Guinan: He's toying with us. Riker: Yes, I know. Set course, warp 9. Ms. Thomas, Mr. Crusher analyze your data. I want a report in 15 minutes. [turning to Qiti] This may be our last stand. Riker exits to his ready room. Qiti exchanges a glance with Guinan, then follows Riker. Cut to the Ready Room. Riker is seated as Qiti enters. Riker: Present your plan at the meeting. Qiti: It may be very costly. Riker: We can't afford to wait any longer. It's clear that Malqi can make his way to any planet in the galaxy. Earth, Vulcan, even Romulus; any of which would be an unstoppable blow. We've got to get him while he's out here. I'm going to send a message to Star Fleet, but regardless of their feelings, it's us against them. Qiti exits to the bridge as Riker is punching buttons on his console. At the Science station, Thomas and Wesley are discussing the accumulated data with Rild and Mirok looking on. Guinan walks up to Qiti who stands at the far edge of the bridge. Guinan: We're going to attack them, aren't we. Qiti: Yes, I'm afraid so. Guinan: How many are going to die? Qiti: Too many... Cut to Conference Room, all the usuals are collected there. Riker: We must stop this vessel. We can't destroy it from the outside, we need to get inside. This is not something I take lightly. If we don't stop it, there's nothing to stop the Zenrabi from getting to any Federation world, and we've already seen what they are capable of. I've asked Qiti to explain to us what is necessary to disable this vessel. Qiti: Primarily, I should mention that while casualties may still be high, the 80% rate should not be expected. The majority of the losses occurred while boarding the vessel, something that will be unnecessary due to your transporters. Matter-Energy transport was never discovered in our experiences. And scans have shown that such equipment is not on board the Zenrabi vessel. Further, as the vessel has no shields, it should be easy to transport aboard. Yet, once on board, the difficulties begin. Each Zenrabi vessel is built differently, with such stations as the Bridge and Engineering well protected and quite random in placement. The atmosphere will be hostile to you, and will change with the whims of the Zenrabi. Your environmental gear should be more than sufficient to protect you, though. The most dangerous aspect will be the Zenrabi themselves. Their appearance cannot be well defined. They are reddish semi-gelatinous forms, motile on 6 "feet." Their weapons are stored within an "arm," from which they discharge an electric bolt with great accuracy. Your phasers set on stun will have little effect. A setting of 10 will be required to subdue them. Worf: [to Riker] Will we be firing to kill? Riker: If it becomes necessary, everyone is authorized to set to 16. Qiti: Even on 16, your phasers will not kill them. The idea will be to repulse them and keep moving. Upon arriving at any important looking station, you will destroy it. Two person teams will be spread throughout the vessel. Riker: I want to stress that this will be on a volunteer basis only. Thomas: And what happen to the Gregarious when the teams are on board the Zenrabi vessel? Riker: We keep the Zenrabi busy, and for that, I was hoping you had some ideas, Chief. Thomas: Actually, I do. I think we can turn some of their weapons against them. By modulating the shield output and using the tractor beams, I believe we can capture some of their projectiles and then slingshot them back onto the vessel. Riker: Excellent, Ms. Thomas. Make the necessary adjustments. Qiti: The reason this vessel isn't already destroyed is that I am on board. Malqi wants me alive so that he can gloat. Once he knows I'm on board his vessel, the Gregarious will no longer be safe. Rild: I think his choice of system may be useful to us. The Pulchara system is loaded with planets and asteroids. It should be easy for us to hide among them. Riker: Without objections, I believe a complement of 40 should be sufficient. Worf: I would be most honored to lead this mission. Riker: I felt as much. Coordinate with Qiti on getting volunteers and preparing the attack. We will arrive at Pulchara 13 in 8.5 hours. I want a plan worked up in 2 hours, and have everyone fully briefed. Good luck to us all. Dismissed. END PART 8 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 9 Open with Gregarious traveling at warp. Pan through bridge with usual complement as Riker voices over the log entry Riker: [vo] Captain's Log, stardate 46996.3. Plans have been arranged to assault the Zenrabi vessel. Forty volunteers have been arranged from the crew, the names of which I have appended to the log entry. Their chances on board the Zenrabi vessel are even at best, but we could be the last line of defense before the whole of the Federation falls. Our visitor, Qiti, has arranged a plan of assault based on the success of his people's attacks in the past. I think his presence will be a great help in this attack. Still, following procedure, at the completion of this log a buoy containing all the information we have gathered will be dispatched to Star Fleet in the hopes that they could be more successful if we fail. Cut to bridge, Riker enters from Ready Room. Riker: Mr. Mirok, launch the log buoy. Mirok: We are 10 minutes out of Pulchara. Sensors indicate that Zenrabi vessel is already there. It has not yet begun to fire on any of the planets. The colonists of Pulchara 14 have been informed and have taken to hardened shelters. Riker: [hitting key on panel, hailing whistle sounds] Attention all crew. We are about to begin our attack on the Zenrabi vessel. Everyone to battle stations. Boarding crews report to transporters. Fade to hallway. Worf, Qiti, Wesley and Rild are walking to their Transporter Room. They are dressed in a full pressure suit (a tightly-fitting grey rubberish suit) and carrying a full face helmet. Each is wearing two phasers and assorted other armaments. Qiti: These suits are really impressive. Worf: Klingon battle armor would be better, yet, I agree. These suits are quite safe even in zero-gee and allow a full range of motion. Rild: [smiling] Quite fashionable also... Worf and Qiti turn to give Rild a stern look. The smiles on Rild's and Wesley's faces disappear. They drop back a bit as Worf and Qiti move ahead. Rild: They're a bit serious today. Wesley: I think now is the time to be serious. [pause] Nervous? Rild: No....Yes. You? Wesley: Petrified. They catch up with Worf and Qiti as they enter the Transporter Room. Cut to Bridge. Mirok: Picking up two major energy sources, as well as thousands of smaller ones. Riker: Relay those coordinates to the Transporters. Put Worf and Rild near one, and Qiti and Crusher near the other. Spread the remainder about the vessel. [to Ensign at Helm] Prepare to execute the maneuvering sequence as planned. [to Thomas at Bridge Engineering station] Ms. Thomas, are we ready for your little tricks? Thomas: Yes, we're all set. Riker: [to ceiling] Bridge to boarding parties. [pausing] Coordinates have been sent for your boarding. Remember, this is not a sight seeing tour. Keep on the move. Avoid contact with Zenrabi and destroy anything that appears even slightly important. Also remember, there are 40 of you on that vessel. The helmet transponders should allow you to identify each other, yet don't get trigger happy. Keep your heads. Don't do anything stupid. [Riker smiles at having passed on duJour's advice] Get ready, we go in 2 minutes. Cut to space. The Zenrabi vessel is languishing in the midst of the Pulchara system. From behind the systems star comes the Gregarious. It makes a high speed pass across the length of the vessel, carving troughs with phasers and making craters with photon torpedoes. On screen on the bridge comes Malqi's face. Malqi: [from screen] You'll have to do much better than that. Riker: We haven't even started [Riker signals to cut transmission, then turns to Mirok] Are the teams down? Malqi: Yes, all teams have been placed. Cut to interior of Zenrabi vessel. Worf and Rild materialize. They look around then run off in the direction indicated by their tricorder. In a different hall Qiti and Wesley materialize then take off running. As they move along, they turn a corner and come across a Zenrabi. The alien raises an arm and fires a bolt at Qiti before he can duck. Qiti raises his hand which is struck by the Zenrabi bolt. Qiti somehow dissipates the energy then fires on the Zenrabi knocking it back. Qiti then fires at a panel on the wall and a bulkhead door slams between the two and the alien. Qiti sits on the ground, and begins to remove his helmet. Wesley: Wait! The atmosphere is unbreathable for humans! Qiti removes his helmet, then smiles at Wesley. Qiti: You forget that I'm not as human as I look. Wesley: How did you stop that bolt? Qiti: I don't have time to explain, just don't you try it. This helmet was scrambling my signals. I should have known that Zenrabi was there. Well, let's go. They move along. Cut to the Gregarious Bridge. Riker: Things seem to be progressing well... Mirok: I am reading minor explosions throughout the vessel. Power levels have dropped 5% Thomas: I'm surprised they haven't fired upon us yet... Thomas' words are cut short as the ship is rocked by Zenrabi fire. Riker: Evasive action! Pattern delta 5. Ms. Thomas prepare your tricks. The Gregarious loops around to avoid the projectile fire from the Zenrabi. Riker: Ensign, keep our speed up, we don't want to get nailed by their energy beams. The Gregarious moves over the cloud of projectiles and scoops up several with a combination of shields and tractor beams. Swooping down onto the Zenrabi vessel it deposits them back from where they came in a burst of explosions. Riker: Bravo, Ms. Thomas! Look alive, Ensign. They're likely to be a bit more determined now. Be ready to make another pass if they give us the opportunity. Cut back to the Zenrabi vessel. Wesley and Qiti are moving quickly towards their objective. Wesley: I'm getting reports in from other members. Things are progressing well. There's even reports of Zenrabi moving away to let them pass. Mr. Worf feels that they may be setting us up for a trap. Qiti: Mr. Worf is probably right. It would be consistent with... Qiti stops in mid sentence as he sees a Zenrabi approaching from ahead. Qiti raises his phaser and fires. The Zenrabi is knocked back, but returns to standing with it's arms raised. Qiti is about to fire when Wesley grabs his arm. Wesley: Wait, something is up! It looks like it's surrendering. Qiti stops to take a deep breath with his eyes closed, then looks at the Zenrabi who slowly lowers his arms. Qiti smiles then looks at Wesley. Qiti: I was right. I did feel despair from the Zenrabi. They don't want to be Malqi's slaves. And, yes. They wish to die, as I thought. Well, most of them anyway. There are some directly under Malqi's control who will fight for him. Wesley: What do we do now? Qiti: We get to Malqi, once we get him out of the way the Zenrabi will leave us alone. It says Malqi is this way, on the Bridge. Wesley and Qiti move ahead to a large doorway. Qiti: Get ready, we're going in. The door opens. Behind it are over twenty Zenrabi flanking Malqi. Wesley and Qiti turn to see more Zenrabi blocking their retreat. Malqi: Your such a silly, sentimental fool, Qiti. It's unfortunate. I had hoped to keep you around to see my empire. But, you've already forced my hand. And now, you must die... END PART 9 =========================================================================== Wisdom of the Ancients, part 10 Open on board the Zenrabi vessel. Malqi has just sprung his trap for Qiti. He and Wesley are marched into a large chamber and are placed in the middle and guarded. Both have been striped of their weapons. The ship occasionally shakes as the Gregarious continues to pound the vessel. Malqi: [to Zenrabi around him] How long until this pest is swatted! Get that vessel! Qiti: Is this the power of an Emperor? Malqi: It is only a matter of time... Be certain that they have no weapons. We will deal with them once we have destroyed the Gregarious. The human may continue to wear his helmet, or he will die before I have the chance to kill him. Malqi turns away to concentrate his attention on the Gregarious. Qiti: [whispering to Wesley] Could you pilot this vessel? Wesley: [whispering] It seems simple enough. Yes, I could. Qiti: Can you still communicate with the other crew? Wesley: Yes. Reports are still coming in. Resistance has gotten quite strong. Qiti: Inform them to prepare for immediate transport. Your going to pilot this ship into Pulchara 13's moon. The collision should destroy this vessel. Wesley: That's a wonderful plan. But how do you expect to get me to the controls? Qiti: Send your message. In a minute, all hell is going to break loose. Get to the helm. Send this thing into the moon at the best speed you can get. Destroy the station then transport off. Wesley: And what about you? Qiti: That's not your concern. Wesley begins to send his message. While sending it, he looks over at Qiti. His eyes have again turned a deep orange and his body appears very tensed. Qiti: [in a low grainy voice] It's time. Wesley prepares to move. Just as he is about to, "all hell breaks loose." Panels all over the room explode. A phaser being held by a Zenrabi suddenly flies into Qiti's hand as he begins blasting his way to Malqi. Wesley moves over to a panel which has been cleared by Qiti's phaser fire. After a few seconds, he manages to decipher the panel and maneuvers the vessel onto a collision course with the moon of Pulchara 13. Out of the corner of his eye he notices a Zenrabi rushing at him. It's electronic blast skims his helmet and destroys the panel he was working on. Rolling out of the way, he comes to a stand. Wesley: [noticing the destroyed panel] Thanks, I was just about to do that. Gregarious, get me out of here. Wesley looks over to see Qiti be hit several times by Zenrabi bolts, yet he continues to rush at Malqi. Just as he begins to dematerialize, he sees Qiti smash into Malqi crushing him up against a wall. Cut to the Gregarious Transporter Room. Wesley materializes on the pad. Already in the room are Worf and Rild. Guinan is just entering from the hall. Wesley: [running off the pad] Can you lock onto Qiti? Transporter Chief: No, I can't get his signal. Wesley: But, he was only 20 m away from my last position! Transporter Chief: The interference is too great! The force of the collision with the moon is blocking the sensors. Riker: [vo] Good work, teams. The Zenrabi vessel has just been destroyed in the collision. Wesley: Dammit! We lost him. Worf: He died in battle. A most honorable death. Wesley: Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better. Guinan: There's nothing you could have done. Wesley begins to file out behind Worf and Rild. Meanwhile, the transporter panel begins to light up. Transporter Chief: What?! The transporters are activating! Wesley: What's going on. Transporter Chief: A being is transporting from the location of the vessel's debris field on the moon to the remote desert area of Pulchara 13. I don't know what's going on, they're running themselves! Worf: What is the pattern of the being. Transporter Chief: [punching keys on his panel] It matches the trace of Qiti. Wesley: He made it?! How! Chief, put me down at those coordinates. Guinan: No, he didn't beam back to the ship for a reason. Let him be, for now. You need to make a report for Riker on what happened. Worf: Store those coordinates, and monitor activity at that location. Cut to the bridge. Time has past. Riker is briefing Admiral duJour on the mission. duJour: I congratulate you on a successful mission; yet, this was not the mission we discussed. The Federation Council has requested that you return to Earth to explain your decisions to the full council. Being so far out, I wouldn't expect you to arrive for, say, two weeks. Though, I would expect you to travel with all due haste. Riker: Mr. Mirok, what is the most direct path back to Earth? Mirok: The most direct path will take us through the Supra Expanse. Riker: That is unexplored space. duJour: [clearing his throat] In which case, I'm sure the damage sustained to your warp engines will prevent you from arriving at Earth until perhaps, two months. After all, travelling through the Supra Expanse, who knows what one might find there, if one were looking.... Returning in two months, you would be just in time to rendezvous with the Enterprise returning from the Cardassian boarder. Picard expects treaty negotiations to last that long. Again, well done, Captain Riker. Just remember, Riker, proceed with all due haste. duJour out. Guinan: What damage to the warp engines? Riker: He's stalling for us. He obviously feels the furor from this will have died down in two months. He's probably right. Rild: Shall I set course for the Supra Expanse? Riker: Not yet. First, I need to pay a visit to a friend. Guinan, Mr. Crusher, would you care to join me. Later. Fade to the desert surface of Pulchara 13 at twilight. Three forms materialize near a small camp site. Qiti is laying flat with eyes closed near a small fire. Qiti: [with eyes still closed] Oh, Damn! You're here already. Riker: Were you expecting us? Qiti: I was hoping you would think I was dead. But, I knew better. You've been parked overhead for 3 hours. Wesley: Why didn't you come back to the ship? Qiti opens his eyes and leans into the light of the fire to reveal their deep orange color. A closer look at his face reveals small cracks, and the skin of his hands is pealing off. Qiti: I don't quite fit the part of human anymore. Guinan: That's not important. There are many non-humans in Star Fleet. Qiti: It's no use Guinan. I don't belong up there. My presence is disruptive to your development. Your Prime Directive forbids you to influence other cultures. I am simply applying your rules to myself. Leave me to exist in isolation. Wesley: But what if we need you again in the future. Qiti: Exactly my point. You can't be counting on me to solve all your problems. You must seek your own solutions... and failures. That is the purpose of evolution. Riker: [pausing] Our records will be appended to show that you died in the crash of the Zenrabi vessel. I leave it to you how you will care for yourself. You will have our thanks, and our respect, forever. Guinan: May I have a moment alone. Riker and Wesley transport away, leaving Guinan and Qiti standing alone facing each other. Guinan: Will they be coming back for you? Qiti: They? Guinan: The visitor from sickbay. It sounds like they gave you a bit of a hand up there. Qiti: [smiling] Yes, I suppose they did. [pause] No. I asked them not to come get me. I don't belong with them anymore than I belong with you. Guinan: Where do you belong? Qiti: I belong on a planet 3 galaxies away and many millennia ago. [pause] I am now, truly, the last of a long extinct race. Let my people pass gently. It is the way we would choose... Qiti turns his back to look out onto the desert. Guinan watches him for a moment, then signals the Gregarious to transport her away. Pull back into orbit to see the star of the Pulchara system set behind the planet as the Gregarious warps away. THE END

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