-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk REMATCH Part One: Far out at the edge of Federation space was the planetary star system known as 202. For several years, 202 marked the end of explored territory. Beyond it was the great void, fully unexplored. Normally, ten or fifteen years would pass, the fronteer boundary would move on and Outpost 202 would revert to it's old designated name, KR13-23. For some strange reason, Federation starships had not explored pass this point. Even more puzzling was the blanket ban on ships passing 202 and entering the great unexplored expanse. So important was this that it warranted a general order, directly from the Council no less. And then, finally, with fresh orders, a Federation survey ship came. Co-ordinator Farrell sat uneasily at his console. For several hours, his monitoring teams, here on outpost 202, far on the edge of Federation space, had been scanning unexplored sectors for signs of their research ship , USS Naylor. The ship had been sent on a secret mission to a adjoining unexplored sector and was now three weeks overdue. Starfleet command, in their wisdom, had sent a starship, the USS Glover, to assist in the search. The USS Glover had reported finding the missing research ship in orbit around a previously undiscovered planet before communications were suddenly cut off. Since then, there had been nothing but static punctuated by the calls of the outpost communications centre. No reply was forthcoming. The door chimed. "Enter", came Farrell's reply. The door opened and in stepped his second in command, Sub Co- ordinator Harris. "Co-ordinator", cried Harris. "Our scans have picked up two ships on a approach vector." "Have they acknowledged our hails???????" "No Sir, the communications have been silent. Nothing has been received at any of our communication posts." "Strange". Farrell fingers pounded in desk in thoughtful anticipation, "I would have expected some sort of message????". Farrell pondered for a few more seconds, then added "I know the captain of the Glover. Knight and me go right back to academy days. He wouldn't keep silent like this unless something was seriously wrong." "Maybe their communications systems are down Sir" replied Harris. "On both ships?, one maybe, two together, no way". Farrell thumbed a button on his desk. A female voice answered. "Communications, has there been any reply yet?". "No Sir" came the reply, "all communications channels are silent. However, according to out scans, both ships communications systems are operative. They can hear us sir.". She paused for a moment, unable to believe what her eyes were telling her. "Sir!!!", she cried, "Both ships have broken off their courses and have assumed a attack posture". "Godammit, what is going on?" replied Farrell. He turned several possiblities over in his mind, then acted. "Get the colony shields up NOW". His desk panel confirmed the shields going up. "Communications, get a message off immediately to the nearest friendlies, tell them we are under attack". A large explosion shook the ground nearby. On the desk displays, half the shield indicators went out. Harris looked stunned. "Sir", he replied, ....Sir, this is strange.....The phaser fire is being directed at the shield generators only!!!!". Another explosion shook the ground and the lights dimmed momentarily before regaining their former brilliance. The sound of a deeper explosion filled the room and the lights went out. "All shields are down Sir" called Harris. "We have a complete system failure and the main fusion reactor is down.". In the corridor outside, the sounds of phaser fire and a scuffle were audiable. The door to the co-ordinators office blew open and two men in Federation uniform enter. Harris made a lunge for them but was too slow. A phaser spat and he fell to the ground. "Outside....NOW" barked the aggressor, "and drag your friend with you". Farrell squinted as he stumbled outside. Multiple fires burned in the midday air. In the distance, the remains of the shield generator burned fiercely. The colonists had been rounded up into a large group, guarded by other men toting phasers. A man in a captains uniform stepped forward to Farrell. "Co-ordinator Farrell, I presume?". Farrell looked stunned. This was the same Knight he knew from the academy days...but...he was acting like a complete stranger. "I am captain Knight, of the Glover. I trust none of your colonists are hurt...hmmmm...." "What in gods name do you think you are playing at" replied Farrell. "Don't you recognise me. Its Farrell, your old buddy from the academy. Why attack my colony, are you mad, have you lost your mind? Why don't you recognise me...." "Im afraid captain Knight is having a short....break right now.". Knight paused for a few seconds, looked around and, finally satisfied with what he saw, tapped his communicator. "Knight to Glover.". A voice replied. "Start beaming down the...cargo.." Multiple transporter chimes filled the air. Stacks of small pallets began to appear. Knight turned and walked over to one of the pallets. As he turned, Farrell noticed a small blue lump at the base of Knight's neck. Knight stopped at the pallet and picked up a small container, pulled open the lid and then walked over to where Farrell was standing. He showed Farrell the contents of the box. Inside was some sort of a multi legged insect with Stag beetle like pincers, light violet in colour. Farrell recoiled in disgust. "You don't understand" crooned Knight. He turned to the gathered colonists. "You don't understand, we mean you no harm.". He turned to Farrell. "We seek... peaceful... co-existence". End of Part one. Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail ~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) ~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative ~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 2) ~Date: 14 May 1994 10:23:10 -0600 Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. ~Lines: 136 Message-ID: <2r2tte$cq3@nyx10.cs.du.edu> -*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk REMATCH Part two. On the bridge of the Enterprise, Riker yawned. It had been one of those long, boring afternoon watches. Nothing to do, nothing to see, well, that was a lie. Plenty to see from the viewer. Still, the shift was dragging on. He looked over his shoulder and noticed Worf running the ships defense and weapons systems through another tedious test cycle. If there was one member of the crew who was guaranteed to find something to do, then it was Worf. 'Good luck to him' thought Riker. Data was sitting in his usual spot. Of the officers aboard the Enterprise, Data could put his hand, if he so wished, on the spot where his heart should be and claim he was not bored. Just thinking about this made Riker feel worse. Riker scanned around the bridge. Everybody had something to do, something to keep themselves busy, and here was Will Riker, First officer of the Federation flagship Enterprise.....Bored. He sighed, then smirked as he reflected on the fact that he wouldn't give up his job for anybody. No, here was where he belonged and here he would stay. The Turbolift doors opened and Picard and Troi entered. Riker could overhear Picard chatting to Troi about a symposium he was to speak at. Troi was doing her best not to look bored as well but it was a struggle. Riker paused for a few seconds before he remembered that the symposium was due to be held on Raisa. He smiled, no longer bored, 'have Horgaan will travel' he thought. Worf's communication panel chimed. 'Sir' cried Worf, "I have a priority one message from Starfleet coming in" "In my ready room please Mr Worf", and with that he walked off. Picard sat down at his desk. 'Computer, pipe through incoming message to this terminal'. The terminal screen flashed a stardate time stamp, then cleared to reveal the face of a man, greying slightly, looking weather beaten. Admiral Greyson always looked like somebody had left him out in the rain overnight. "Admiral Greyson to Captain Picard. Due to your distance this is a relay message only". He paused, coughed, then continued. "On stardate 48233.4, Starbase 212 received a coded distress message from Outpost 202. Before communications were cut off, they stated the colony was under attack from two Federation ships. All communications were lost after a few cycles of the message. Your orders are to proceed to Outpost 202, make a full assessment of the situation and take whatever steps are necessary.". He paused and his features softened. "I'm sorry Jean Luc, I know you was looking forward to giving the lecture at Raisa but this is of importance. We need to know just what in hell is going on. Keep me posted, good luck. Message out.". The terminal screen darkened. Picard stood, straightened his uniform and walked out onto the bridge. He stopped next to Data. "Mr Data, plot a course for outpost 202". He motioned to the helmsman, "Warp factor 6" "Course laid in Sir" replied Data. "Engage, have all senior officer in the briefing room at .7 Mr Riker." and with that he walked to the Turbolift. 'That's my boring day over with', thought Riker. In the briefing room, all the senior officers were present. Dr Crusher was discussing something with Troi. Data looked his usual, totally non plussed. LaForge was consulting his PADD. The door swished open and Picard and Riker entered. Riker sat down whilst Picard looked around the desk, checking to see everyone was there. "Gentlemen, and ladies. I'm sorry to have to call you here at short notice. I trust you have seen the communique from command. Can I have your comments". Worf piped up. "Captain, we must assume the colony was attacked by a belligerent force and we must assume a aggressive posture". "Mr Worf", replied Picard, "before we go galavanting into a potential battle zone, we must remember that two of our ships are involved. Countless innocents may be injured in our haphazard attempts at rescue". "547 colonists Sir, with 730 assorted ships compliments on both vessels." interjected Data. "Thank you Data, any other points?" Troi piped up. "Sir, I have been examining the personnel records for both captains of the two ships. The is nothing in them that would give a indication as to why they would both suddenly change. Both captains are role model officers and are held in the highest esteem by their crews. A further search found that the sector past outpost 202 has been neglected by survey teams." "Well, there's nothing wrong in that. We only have certain starships capable of exploration, of which the Enterprise is one." "Im in full agreement sir, however, just under a month ago, a ship, the USS Glover, was detailed to do a expedition sweep of the area." Data cut in. "Sir, there has been a Federation council ban on any ships passing 202. It has been made into a general order. Now, for some reason, without the councils knowledge, a Starship has been sent past 202. I have accessed all the records available but there is no record of who sent the orders or where the order originated." Picard sat and digested this information for a few seconds. "I think a subspace message querying the orders should be sent to Starfleet command". Riker agreed. "I see from your individual reports that a ships systems are up to scratch. Are there any other comments?" concluded Picard. Nobody stirred. "Mr Data, how long to arrival at outpost 202" "Approximately 22.34Hrs sir at present speed" replied Data. "Very good, meeting adjourned", and with that, they all filed out of the briefing room. End of part two. Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail ~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) ~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative ~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 3) ~Date: 14 May 1994 10:23:59 -0600 Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. ~Lines: 220 Message-ID: <2r2tuv$cs2@nyx10.cs.du.edu> -*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk REMATCH Part 3. "Captains log: Supplemental. The Enterprise is now a few hours from the planetary system where outpost 202 is sited. I have, time and time again, been mulling over what course of action to take. Starfleet intelligence has given me little clues to go and I am forced to assume that the worse possible scenario has occurred, namely that both ships have been taken over by a hostile force and the crews either captured or dead. It is with this in mind that I have decided to go in on a war footing and try not to get 'caught with my pants down' like Admiral Kirk nearly a century ago. I just hope that I have come to the right decision." The Enterprise was on yellow alert. For over a hour, she had been slowly entering the planetary system where Outpost 202 was sited. Due to a possible intruder incursion, the scanners on the Enterprise were running on passive mode. Worf hated it. He knew that the best way to find any intruders within the system was to set the scanning systems on active mode. Doing this would instantly show up every planet, rock and vessel within a parsec of the Enterprise's current position. Worf also knew that setting the scanners to active mode would make the Enterprise stick out like a sore thumb, a perfect target for everybody to see, all surprise gone. Worf really hated it. Picard looked around the bridge, checking that nothing was amiss. He also knew that scanning using passive mode only was slow and tedious. Time was playing heavily on the bridge crew. If nothing happened soon, they would start to get bored and a bored crew would start to make mistakes. Picard knew he would dearly love to use full active scanner mode but, as the old Earth adage about April weather goes..In like a lamb, out like a Lion. In like a lion, out like a lamb..., that would be suicide. In like a lion on full scan mode and they would possibly be going out like a lamb, a very dead lamb, and in little pieces. Best to go in quietly, that way you can keep the advantage and go out like a lion. "Mr Worf", intoned Picard for the umpteenth time. "Any thing on the sensor scans?" "Nothing Sir" replied Worf, "Apart from Outpost 202 and surrounding planets and a small comet at 322 Mark4, there is nothing to note." "Keep scanning Mr Worf" concluded Picard. 'What would make a man snap' he thought. He had heard of Knight. A brilliant man, family back on Earth, well liked and respected by his crew. None of it made sense. Then again, what circumstances would make the captain of the research ship snap as well. No, it had to be outside forces at work here. Floating here with minimal sensors didn't help to find any answers either. A plan started to formulate within Picards head. "Bridge to Engineering" "Engineering here Captain" replied LaForge, "What can I do for you sir?" "Mr LaForge, would we be spotted if the sensors were programmed for a one second active burst?" "Sorry captain, we would still stick out like a flashlight on a dark night". Geordi paused for a few second, deep in thought, then a idea hit him. "Now, if you could cloak behind something whilst doing it, something like a small moon...." "I get your drift Mr LaForge, bridge out. Mr Data, position the Enterprise behind that small moon over there. Mr Worf, can you direct a sensor burst to bounce off that other moon over there?" "A few minutes to set up Sir" came Worfs answer. Riker turned to Picard. "Brilliant idea Sir, how did you think of it?" Picard thought for a few seconds. "Reading those old history books number one. During the WW1 and 2 wars, submarines were fitted with periscopes to enable them to hide whilst being able to look for enemy targets. It's not quite the same thing but I'm sure it will work." The Enterprise rounded the bulk of the small moon, and it was then that Picard realised he wasn't the only one to have the same idea. Ahead of them was the USS Glover, all shields up and all weapons to bear. "My god", cried Picard. "RED ALERT" barked Riker, "Shields to maximum strength, power up all phaser banks...." The Glover got in the first shot. Three phaser bursts hit the Enterprises saucer section. Not to be outdone, Worf, acting on him own, got off a volley of torpedoes. One struck the Glover near her shuttlebays. Picard acted. "Mr Data, move us away from the moon. I want as much space to manoeuvre in as possible. Lock phasers on the Glover and fire..." Several more hits struck the Enterprise. "Shields three, seven and fifteen are down sir" called Worf, "I am attempting to cover with surrounding shields". Another round of phaser fire hit home. "Sir, hull breach, deck 5, sector 31." The computer chimed once then spoke, "WARNING: OUTER HULL BREACH" Several more hits struck the Enterprise and the computer cut in again, "WARNING: INNER HULL BREACH; EXPLOSIVE DECOMPRESSION IN DECKS 5 AND 6, SECTORS 31 AND 32" Down in the affected sectors, several people were sucked into space as the bulkhead disappeared in a explosion of flame and sparks. Just as the air started to rush out, emergency force fields cut in and contained the damaged area. "Damm, they're all over us" yelled Riker. "Enough is enough number one, Course 123 Mark 10, warp two for ten second then curve around towards that comet we spotted." Enterprise streaked away from the Glover. To Picard's expectation, the Glover started to follow. As Enterprise changed course towards the comet, the Glover slowed to a halt. "He isn't following us, why???" exclaimed Riker. "I think I can answer that.." replied Data, "The comet we are heading for is not a comet.." "Elaborate" said Picard. "Viewer magnification x1000". Several seconds passed before the realisation set in. "As I suspected sir, the comet is not a comet. It is a fleet of ships masquerading as a comet and we are heading straight for them at warp 2" The comm panel sounded. "Engineering to Bridge, LaForge here captain". "Go ahead Mr LaForge". "We have serious problems down here captain. The buffeting has opened up a crack in the dilithium in the reaction chamber. If we keep going like this, the crystal could shatter.." Picard got the message. If the dilithium shattered then matter and antimatter would mix directly. Bang, no more Enterprise. "Can you keep the shields up Mr LaForge?" "Captain, you can either have shields or warp drive, not both. I can put in a new crystal but it would take at least a hour without being bounced around to align". A loud crunch was clearly heard over the comms. "CAPTAIN", cried Laforge, "Drop the shields NOW" Picard got the message. "Mr Worf, lower shields. I think at this point that disgression is quite clearly the better part of valour. Plot a course away from both parties, best possible speed." "Captain" growled Worf. "You are running away!!!" "No Mr Worf, saving ourselves to fight another day." Worfs panel chimed. "Sir, I have a incoming subspace message for you.....it's from the captain of the Glover..." "Put it on screen Mr Worf. Might as well see who we are dealing with.." The main viewer cleared. Captain Knight of the Glover appeared. "Running away Picard?" he sneered, "We are so...disappointed" "Who are we?" challenged Picard. "Oh come now Picard, you remember US. Six years ago, you eradicated our advance invasion force. We have been very careful these last few years. You see, we are now ready." A small bell went off in Picards head. Six years ago. Who?. The truth started to dawn on him. The death of his old friend Walker Keel and the destruction of his ship, the Horatio. The fire fight at Starfleet headquarters. The death of Remick and the strange creature that had taken him over. Picard started to look sick. "Now now Picard, you remember us???. Maybe this will remind you" Knight bent over revealing the back of his neck. A small blue gill protruded. "Still in the dark Picard? How about my little friend here." Knight held up a small container, inside it was the multilegged, light purple creature that Picard and Riker knew so well. "You see" continued Knight, "we mean you no harm. We just seek peaceful coexistence....." "Close channels" concluded Picard. The viewer reverted back to the starfield. "Package a recording of all events and send to Command. Now we know who we are up against. Plot a course for the nearest starbase. We need repairs number one." The Enterprise withdrew. Round one to the aggressors. Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail ~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) ~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative ~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 4) ~Date: 14 May 1994 10:24:42 -0600 Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. ~Lines: 245 Message-ID: <2r2u0a$cub@nyx10.cs.du.edu> -*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk REMATCH Part four. Captains log; Supplimental. Repairs to the Enterprise have been going on since we arrived at Starbase 212 two days ago. Most of the damage inflicted during the fire fight was superficial but most repair time has been allocated to upgrading the phaser and photorp systems. I have been promised that all will be ship shape and Bristol fashion within the next few hours. On the basis of our log report, Starfleet command has cut orders for all available ships within the sector to rondevous with us at 212. I just hope we will be in time to stop the enemy fleet which is now massing out at Outpost 202. I cannot help feeling that I will be loosing old friends in the oncomeing conflict. The Enterprise had been at Starbase 212 for five days receiving repairs to her battle damage. The USS Glover had inflicted minor damage, not enough to order a retreat but with the Dilithium crystal going at the same time, Picard's hands were tied. Within his ready room, Picard sat studying his PADD. Starfleet command had replied to his urgent communication message about the approaching invader fleet with all the speed of a Tortoise, not that Picard would know what a Tortoise was. They had been extinct on Earth now for nearly three centuries and were liable to stay that way unless the offworld DNA labs could clone some like they had been promising for years. Starfleet command knew that the invading fleet couldn't be taken lying down and had hastily given orders for all available starships within the quadrant to head for Starbase 212. Much to Picard's pleasure, the Enterprise had been designated 'Flagship' of the fleet. The door chimed. "Come", answered Picard. The door opened and Riker entered. "Ah, Number one, I've just started going over these fleet assignments. Quite stimulating." "I take it you haven't read the full list sir, there are one or two surprises there." replied Riker. Picard stared at the list for a few more seconds. "I don't see what you mean number one....", he scanned for a few more seconds and then stopped dead at a entry. "My oh my.." exclaimed Picard, "It's my old ship, the Stargazer...". He paused again for a few more seconds. "But that's impossible, they told me she was only fit for scrap...." "You know how it is sir" said Riker, "Since the encounter with the Borg at Wolf 359, Starfleet has been pulling just about every old ship out of mothballs and refurbishing them. I may interest you to know that the Hathaway is also on that list as well..." "I know number one. I did hear rumours that Starfleet was raiding the space museum at Moonbase , but I thought that was just a myth.....still.....you can never tell." Picard got up, pulled on the front of his tunic and walked over to the replicator. "Tea..Earl Grey...Hot" he intoned. Carrying the cup, he walked back over to his desk and sat back down. "According to this list number one, the Stargazer should arrive within the next few hours. I wonder who the captain is....must be on this list somewhere.....ah, here it is. Commanding officer: Captain J.T Hollander. Can't say I know him." "I do sir" replied Riker, "Hollander and myself were at the academy together. He's good, strong, reliable and above all dependable. Very good in tactical thinking. The negative side is that me is a terrible crawler." "By whose standards?" "Most serving officers at the academy, I'm afraid." "Hmmmm" exclaimed Picard. "I daresay he'll be after my job next, going by his record." The door chimed. "Come" The door opened and Dr Crusher walked in, her red hair wafting in the breeze from the air conditioning system. She seemed to have something on her mind. "Ah, the good doctor, what can I do for you?" Beverley stopped walking, composed herself and then addressed Picard. "Sir, All regulations concerning sickbay have been attended to. Sickbay is now ready to cope with virtually anything thrown at it." "Very good doctor, however, I can see there is something else on your mind, anything I can do to help?" "Well" replied Beverley, "According to my PADD, the USS Stargazer docks within the next few hours and I was wondering if I could go over when we are transferring supplies?" "Well, normally I wouldn't mind one bit doctor, however, we are working under different circumstances. Is there any particular reason?". From the corner of his eye, Picard could see Riker with a knowing grin. This had to be good. Bev smiled. "Well captain, I would like to visit my son at his new posting." Picard blinked, his mouth opened. "You mean Wesley?,...on the Stargazer?..." "I only had one son the last time I looked.." replied Beverley. "It's his first posting out of the academy and I haven't seen him for a couple of years." Picard needed no prompting. "Permission granted doctor. Oh, and doctor, convey my best wishes to the young Ensign." "Thank you Sir". She turned and walked out. "Will, you are nothing but a old fraud. You could have told me in advance that Wesley was on that ship!" "And miss your face" replied Riker, "no fear. I'm very surprised at his meteoric rise to his current position. Just shows you can't keep a good man down." "Agreed" replied Picard, and with that he set his PADD down and walked out onto the bridge with Riker. Several hours later, the last of the ships sent to fleet duties had arrived at 202 and taken up position within the fleet. Out on the starboard perimeter sat the Stargazer, fully operational with the latest devices and gadgets that Starfleet engineering had to offer and with that a new captain. To some she looked like a bucket of bolts but to Picard, the old lady looked stately. Picard couldn't put it off any longer. "Mr Worf, open a communication channel to the Stargazer" Worf looked up. "In your ready room sir?" "No, on the main viewer" replied Picard. The starfield blanked out to a image of the Starfleet logo. This lasted for a few seconds then changed to the image of a bridge, The bridge of the USS Stargazer. In Picards old chair sat a man, around the same age as Riker, close cut hair and rugged face. 'Not the kind of man to cross' mused Picard. Hollander got in the first shot. "Ah, Captain Picard, may myself and my crew express our pleasure in serving in the task force." Picard turned and looked at Riker with a sour look. Picard hated crawlers, especially ones that gave the impression of wanting your job. His reply had better be good. "Captain Hollander, the pleasure is all mine. I'm sure you know my first officer, Commander Riker" "Of course, of course. Hello Will, I hope he's not working you to the bone ha ha." Riker could only manage a sickly smile. Yup, this was the James Hollander he remembered. Still, whatever his faults, he was one brilliant man, almost as good as himself, he thought modestly. Hollander cut in. "Ah Captain, I'm also sure you know my....rather dependerble fifth officer, Mr Crusher?" Riker gave Picard a surprised look. He had taken a passing interest in young Wesley's career since he went to the academy. The only thing was, he didn't know just how fast Wesley's promotion up the ranks was. Picard kept a straight face. "Yes, I know Mr Crusher quite well, we've been in a few 'scrapes' together. Good to see you again Wesley." "Thank you sir, and you too" replied Wes. "I was just calling to see how the old girl was. It's been many years since I walked the deckplates on her. I understand she's been refitted with the latest technology from the engineering laboratories?" Now it was Hollanders turn to squirm. He didn't know that the Stargazer was once Picard's ship. "Yes, all new control systems" he replied. "A complete new computer system, new warp core and auxiliary systems. The best that Starfleet has to offer. Not quite as fast as your 'Hotel', but she'll give you a run for your money." "I would've liked to have come over for a inspection tour," replied Picard, "but what with the fleet to manage, time is a luxury. Another time perhaps?" "Another time would be fine. Anyhow, I really must be cutting off now, we are just about ready for the warp jump to the outpost. Stargazer out." The screen blanked. Picard was glad that was all over. He turned to Riker. "Number one, he was at the academy with you?" "I'm afraid so sir. That's the Hollander I remember, only his head seems to have got a little bigger since I last saw him!" Troi cut in. "Going by that remark, it maybe a bit of a problem finding a EVA suit to fit him?" "I'm sure you are probably right" replied Picard. "Mr Worf, it's now time, open communications to all ships of the fleet." "Communications open sir." Picard stood, straightened his top, then faced the viewer. "This is Captain Picard, commanding officer of the USS Enterprise, flagship for the fleet. Set course for Outpost 202 and stand ready for my mark. Fifteen second countdown for engagement of warp engines......Mark......and gentlemen, good luck to us all, Enterprise out." Fifteen seconds after the mark, twenty five starships, the best that Starfleet could muster in a short time engaged their warp drives and popped into Subspace for the transit to outpost 202. Who would be the victor? Only the gods....and Q knew.... REMATCH part 5 A few billion kilometres from outpost 202, space wavered, stretched, then exploded into streaks of colour as the lead ships of the fleet dropped out of warp, billowing Cherenkov radiation behind them. Space finally righted itself as the last stragglers came out of warp and matched velocity with the rest of the fleet. At the head of the diamond formation was the USS Enterprise. Under Picard's plans, the Enterprise was designated the lead ship. This was no act of bravado by Picard, far from it. It was just that the Enterprise's sensors were far superior than the other ships. On the far Port quarter sat the Hathaway and on the far Starboard quarter sat the Stargazer. Finally, with all final checks complete, the fleet started the long drop sunward to Outpost 202, and it's fate..... Picard sat in his chair, since arrival at outpost 202, all the ships of the fleet were standing at yellow alert. Problems were starting to occur almost immediately. Even with the sensors running at full power, no trace of the enemy was evident. Best thing was to keep going, keep looking. The problem was the nagging doubt that haunted Picard. Had he missed something vitally important? "Number one" called Picard, "any ideas to the whereabouts of the enemy?" "Nothing whatsoever" replied Riker, he was just as non plussed as everybody else. "There's absolutely no way we could have missed them. Intelligence are usually never wrong." Picard chewed on this for a few seconds. "As I recall, it was intelligence who dropped me into that business with the Cardassians....... Mr Worf, anything from the other ships?" "Nothing at all Sir. However, the captains of the other ships are getting a little......worried......" "I fully sympathise with them Mr Worf, however, the enemy is here somewhere and I don't intend to send back a message back to Starfleet command that twenty five ships could not find a opposing battle fleet. Keep scanning." A few more minutes passed....... Finally Data cut the ice. "Sir, I have been monitoring some strange anomalous readings, coming from all around us." Riker perked up. "What readings Data?????" "Unknown sir, however, they bear a resemblance to the same effect that our ships have in warp flight. The effect is definetly moving but is hard to pinpoint any individual target. I will attempt to resolve a single target......" A few more seconds passed whilst data manipulated the sensor controls. Finally, he spoke up. "Sir, I have a positive lock, on a target, moving at warp two. It is circling us at a precise distance of three million kilometres........The computer has defined a image of the target, on screen now...." A section of the main viewer blanked out as the computer assembled parts on a wire frame. The design was alien, and bore a exact resemblance to the original vessels scanned by the Enterprise in the first encounter. Picard didn't like it one bit. Finally, he came to a conclusion. "RED ALERT. Mr Worf, continual targeting scan on that vessel, ready main phasers. Send full scanning details to all ships of the fleet." "I have positive lock sir" intoned Worf. "Standby Photon torpedoes..." chipped in Riker Picard sat ready. "Keep scanning on target, steady, steady.....FIRE.." A beam of phaser fire leapt out from the Enterprise, crossed the gap and connected with the hidden target. At the heart of the explosion, a enemy starship dropped out of warp. A second, then a third phaser burst hit the ship and it disappeared in a explosion of flames. At that moment the rest of the alien battle fleet popped out of warp, completely surrounding the Starfleet ships. "It appears we have shaken the Hornets nest number one." observed Picard. "All ships, go to Foxtrot manoeuvre on my mark....now." The diamond formation split neatly down the middle. The port section peeled off and began strafing runs on the enemy vessels. The starboard section, with the Enterprise in the lead, peeled off and headed for the other enemy ships. A vicious firefight ensued. The Enterprise was three quarters of the way towards the enemy ships when the opposing force opened fire. The Enterprise let loose several volleys of torpedoes at the enemy but with no success. Two lead ships of the enemy fleet scored a lucky hit on the USS Maxwell and she disappeared in a sleet of fire. Then, the enemy ships parted and there stood the Glover, all on her own. Picard could hardly believe his luck. Then the realisation that it was too easy rung in his head. "IT'S A TRAP.....plot reciprocal course, quickly, before we're too late....." A pale violet beam shot out from the Glover, hitting the Enterprise on the lower saucer. The bridge shook violently and the main lighting dimmed for several seconds before climbing back to their original intensity. Worf pulled himself back up off the floor and studied his panel. What he saw there shocked him. "Captain, we have forty seven percent shield loss." Riker jumped up, "What!!" he exclaimed. "What the hell did they hit us with????" To answer his question, the main viewer flared up and the image of Knight filled the screen, glowering. "Ah.....poor Picard. How do you like the power of my plasma cannon..hmmmmm. Captain Knight's memories are very useful for constructing new weapons. Captain Picard, I do so like a good fight..." "Cut him off, NOW" screamed Picard. The viewer blanked out. A second pulse from the Glover hit the Enterprise. Several other ships of the fleet raced to the rescue but were hit with the same weapon. The USS Eagle was unlucky to be the closest and took the full brunt of the cannon. She exploded. Picard had had enough. "Mr Worf, send to all ships of the fleet, All ships to withdrawn immediately. Regroup at T4 co-ordinates. Mr Laforge, ...can you keep shields up long enough for us to cover the fleet as we withdraw????" Laforge's voice filtered through the comm link. "That last hit took out most of the shield systems and half of the backup's. I can keep 30 percent shield strength only. Captain, we're just picking up the bits down here." "Do your best, Picard out" Of the bridge crew, only Data and Picard had sustained little injury. Worf had a large gash in one sleeve. Riker had suffered a bang on the head which was rapidly swelling. Troi had come off the worse with a large gash on her forehead and a bruised jaw. Several other crew members had superficial wounds. "Councillor Troi" called Picard gently, "I suggest you get yourself down to sick bay immediately". Troi started to protest. Picard cut in. "No, No, your presence is not needed here at this time. If you don't go, Ill have to order you down, much as I would hate to do that". Troi left the bridge. "What we need number one,is some kind of a smoke screen to withdraw behind" "Sir?????" "Bridge to Engineering" "Engineering, Laforge here" "Mr LaForge, I want you to back cycle the Bussard Ramscoops to dump raw hydrogen in front of the Enterprise" "No problem bridge. Initiating back cycle." The bell of comprehension dawned in Rikers head. "I get it. Dump raw hydrogen as a smoke screen and withdraw behind it. Brilliant thinking sir." "Yes, I thought so too Number one. Mr Worf, send to all ships, we are making smoke. Got that." "Yes Sir" replied Worf. "Was it your idea?" asked Riker. "Oh no, I'm afraid that honour goes to past masters like Jellico. Now then number one, while we withdraw to the regroup co- ordinates, lets see how badly we fared this time". In the vacuum of space, the raw hydrogen billowed out into a large red blanket, several million kilometers long. The entire fleet of ships were perfectly hidden from the invading fleet and started to withdraw to the predetermined regroup co-ordinates. =====================================CUT HERE=================================== -- Joseph Young Tivoli Systems, Inc Systems Administrator 9442 Capital of Texas Highway North joseph.young@tivoli.com Arboretum Plaza One, Suite 500 Phone:(512) 502-4720 Austin TX 78759 FAX: (512) 794-9929 (Message inbox:222) Received: from eliza.e.kth.se (eliza.e.kth.se [130.237.50.16]) by elixir.e.kth.se (8.6.8.1/8.6.6) with SMTP id EAA23092 for ; Wed, 8 Feb 1995 04:34:34 +0100 Resent-Message-Id: <199502080334.EAA23092@elixir.e.kth.se> Resent-Date: Wed, 08 Feb 1995 04:34:48 +0100 Resent-From: Resent-To: Received: from ingr.ingr.com by elmer.e.kth.se (MX V4.1 VAX) with SMTP; Wed, 08 Feb 1995 04:34:42 +0100 Received: from presto.remote.ingr.com.remote.ingr.com (presto.remote.ingr.com) by ingr.ingr.com (5.65c/1.920611) id AA20015; Tue, 7 Feb 1995 21:14:35 -0600 Received: by presto.remote.ingr.com.remote.ingr.com (uucp2smtp 0.35 (is@beverly.rhein.de)) Received: by presto.remote.ingr.com (V1.16/Amiga) id AA00ap4; Tue, 7 Feb 95 20:52:06 CST Date: Tue, 7 Feb 95 20:52:06 CST Message-ID: <9502080252.AA00aoz@presto.remote.ingr.com> Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative From: trek_feedback@presto.remote.ingr.com (Jeff W. Hyche) To: trek_creative@presto.remote.ingr.com Subject: (fwd) AUTOPOST: Rematch.zip (part 02/02) Path: b10.b10.ingr.com!news.ingr.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!cs.utk.edu!willis.cis.uab.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!cs.utexas.edu!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!tivoli.tivoli.com!jfy From: jfy@tivoli.com (Joseph Young) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: AUTOPOST: Rematch.zip (part 02/02) Followup-To: alt.startrek.creative Date: 4 Feb 1995 06:29:54 GMT Organization: Tivoli Systems Inc., Austin, TX Lines: 382 Distribution: world Message-ID: <3gv6t2$p4m@tivoli.tivoli.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: orac.tivoli.com Summary: Automated posting of fiction from the alt.startrek.creative archive This is an automated reposting of fiction from the alt.startrek.creative archives. This is archive file: story/tng/PD_Hubbard/Rematch.zip Any comments, questions, etc. about the archives may be addressed to jfy@tivoli.com. =====================================CUT HERE=================================== The Enterprise limped on her way, covering the fleet while a regrouped enemy battle fleet slowly followed.... End of Part five. Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!warwick!pipex!sunic!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail ~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) ~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative ~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 6) ~Date: 14 May 1994 10:26:16 -0600 Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. ~Lines: 192 Message-ID: <2r2u38$d72@nyx10.cs.du.edu> -*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk Rematch: Part 6 Ten minutes had passed since the Federation fleet had started it's retreat from Outpost 202. Of the twenty five ships that had entered the battle, the Maxwell and the Eagle had been destroyed. The Enterprise, Hathaway, Baird and Okuda had suffered damage from shield problems on the Enterprise to a seriously damaged keel on the Baird. The Baird was limited to impulse speed only. Any more and the keel might part, scattering the Baird over a large area of space. Due to this, Picard ordered the Baird to retire from the battlezone and proceed at best possible speed to Starbase 212. Of the Stargazer, there was no sign. On the Bridge of the Enterprise, repair crews struggled with multiple system failures. The panel housing the Science sections was dead and the helm controls were so damaged that the ship would answer very sluggishly. Several RCS thrusters were inoperative and all of the food replicators were off line. The biggest problem was in engineering where several essential systems had fused completely and the computer core had crashed. On a positive note, the remainder of the fleet had suffered minor damage. Most of the enemy firepower had been directed at the Enterprise as she was the greater threat. Picard looked around his damaged bridge. The odds had simply been too great for a fleet of twenty five ships to make a dent in a enemy intent on destruction. "Mr Worf, any news to the whereabouts of the Stargazer?" inquired Picard. "Nothing sir, all traces of the Stargazer are negative. There is a possibility that she is behind that cloud of hydrogen we left behind." "Thank you Mr Worf". Picard hoped his old ship was still in one piece. Even more worrying, he hoped that Wesley Crusher was in one piece as well. Beverley would never forgive him if Wesley was dead. It had taken several years for her to get over the death of Jack Crusher. If Wesley was dead, then it would be enough to send her over the edge. Riker walked up. "Sir, we have partial helm control restored. However, engineering is still down and we only have forty percent shield capability." "Understood number one, however, I am not backing off now. Its up to us to hold the fort until re-enforcements arrive. Mr Data, how far behind us is the enemy?" "The main body of the enemy fleet is twenty two billion kilometres behind us and following. I cannot ascertain the rate of closure because of sensor damage and the hydrogen cloud which is shielding up from the opposition." Worf cut in. "Sir, I have a subspace communication coming in. It is originating from dead astern. It appears to be from the Stargazer!!!" "On screen" ordered Picard. The Stargazer had not been so lucky. One of her warp pods had been blown away and a large chunk like a bitten doughnut was missing on her port side. More worrying was the damage caused by a premature torpedo detonation. Engineering was a mess and several sections were open to space. The warp core was threatening to collapse at any moment. On the bridge, Capt Hollander sat on his chair, blood streaming from a head wound. His left arm had been severed at the elbow by falling debris and he had a large stomach wound. "Stargazer calling Enterprise, Stargazer calling Enterprise..." There was no response. Hollander coughed painfully then mustered up strength and leaned over the microphone input. "To any ships who can hear this transmission. This is the USS Stargazer, repeat, USS Stargazer,". He paused as a pain racked his body. He was nearly dead and Hollander knew it. "We are dead in space. All propulsion systems are down. There are no defence systems operative and my crew are either dead or dying. According to sensor readings, we are drifting into the path of the enemy fleet and we don't stand a chance. My last mission as Captain of the Stargazer is to slow then down. Ill give them a run for their money. Stargazer out." Hollander shut the communication channel. At that moment, a emergency panel crashed open and Wes Crusher climbed out onto the bridge. He scanned around, then spotted the captain. "Sir, let me help you off the bridge, your badly wounded" "Nothing is going to save me now Mr Crusher. You had better get yourself off the ship, ....while there is still time....." "Sir, I'm not going without you." "You will young man. That's a order. Before you go, there is something you can do for me. Help me over to that computer monitor." It took several seconds for Wesley to drag Hollander over to the computer screen. All the controls were dead but the voice inputs were still working. On the screen, the starfleet logo was displayed with the words 'This station under computer control' underneath. Hollander gasped for breath. "Computer. This is captain J.T Hollander, commanding officer of the USS Stargazer. Computer, destruct sequence one, code one, one A" The computer digested the information then acknowledged. Wes Crusher considered the state of the ship, the damage to her systems. He knew that most of the crew were dead. This seemed the only way out. "Computer, this is Fifth officer Wesley Crusher. Computer, destruct sequence two, code two, one A, two B" Several seconds passed, then the screen changed to a clock with a one minute countdown displayed. Hollander turned to Wesley. "You've done you duty Mr Crusher. I suggest you find a escape pod and get the hell out of here....". He coughed painfully. Wes thumbed the comm panel. "Attention all hands, attention all hands, this is fifth officer Wesley Crusher. All hands abandon ship, I repeat, ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP." Wes turned and looked at the captain. He felt pity for him. His first command and he was condemned to die because of it. Holllander looked towards Wesley. "Mr Crusher, dismissed. Get your ass off this ship. If anything happens to you, then your mother would never forgive me.........GO ON......GET OUT ......" "Goodbye Sir, and god bless" and with that, Wesley disappeared the same way he entered. Now Hollander was alone on the bridge. According to the sensor readings, within five minutes, the Stargazer would drift into the outskirts of the enemy fleet. He had to light the candle one minute before that. On board the Enterprise, the full message from the Stargazer was playing. The look of horror was all too evident on Picards face. Riker cut in. "how does he expect to inflict damage on a enemy fleet when his own ship is severely damaged???" "That is unknown number one. Mr Data, concentrate sensor readings on the area where the Stargazer message originated from." On the Stargazer the clock reached the two minute mark. Hollander cleared his throat and resumed the countdown. "Destruct sequence completed and activated" announced the computer, "awaiting final code for one minute countdown....." "Computer, ZERO, ZERO, ZERO, DESTRUCT, ONE" "Destruct sequence activated, fifty nine seconds to self destruct...fifty five seconds to self destruct........" The pain finally became unbearable for Hollander. He knew his time was up and he hoped Crusher made it. "Got you you bastards, got you fair and square........" And with that he died at his post. End of part six. Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail ~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) ~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative ~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 7) ~Date: 14 May 1994 10:27:06 -0600 Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. ~Lines: 149 Message-ID: <2r2u4q$d9m@nyx10.cs.du.edu> -*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven -*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org -*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org -*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk REMATCH: Part 7 The self destruct timer on the Stargazer counted down the seconds. At zero, the magnetic injectors at each end of the warp core opened and flooded the reaction chamber with deuterium and it's opposite counterpart. At the same time, the computer dropped the fields that held the antimatter within the magnetic bottle. Within the blink of a eye, the whole engineering deck of the Stargazer and the surrounding ship disappeared in a almighty flash like a miniature supernova going off. Wesley managed to find a working escape pod with several minutes to spare. The escape pod cleared the blast radius of the antimatter explosion but, unfortunately for Wesley, the blast exploded the hydrogen smokescreen that had been dumped by the Enterprise. The resulting explosion flipped the pod end over end, knocking Wesley unconscious. As the explosion reached maximum magnitude, the enemy fleet came into contact with the expanding antimatter explosion. The front three quarters of the enemy fleet was completely engulfed in the flames and were annihilated in the blast. No shielding, however good, could save a ship from a explosion hotter than the core of a sun. The remainder of the enemy fleet, severely damaged, turned, as best as they could, and withdrew towards outpost 202. A large shell of superheated gas raced out in all directions. On the Enterprise, Picard was issuing orders when the explosion occurred. The whole bridge crew were momentarily stunned by the force of the explosion. Then Data cut in. "Sir, I have a visual detection on a shock front, rapidly heading this way. Estimating fifteen seconds to impact." "All power to shields, hang on everyone......" yelled Picard. The shock front slammed into the fleet of ships. The Enterprise was swirled around like a piece of cloth in the wind. Two ships in the fleet were not so lucky as the wave tossed them end over end into each other. Finally, after several minutes, Picard found his voice. "Mr Data, explain????" "Going by sensor readings, the Stargazer has detonated her antimatter reserves, destroying herself and, it appears, most of the enemy fleet. I am afraid the Stargazer is no more..." "The ultimate sacrifice" exclaimed Riker. "Yes number one, by a brave man. Mr Worf, signal all ships to proceed forwards as soon as it is safe to do so a clean up any enemy resistance." "Yes Sir, contacting all ships now." "Mr Data, start a search pattern for escape pods, all working scanners on maximum. I want to pick up any survivors from the Stargazer." "Search pattern plotted sir." "Engage..." Several hours later, the few pitiful escape pods were rounded up by tractor beam and guided to the Enterprise's shuttle bays. Of the few escape pods recovered, most came from the Stargazer. Only a few were recognisable as being from the USS Glover. They were opened within a protective force field. Not to keep the alien parasites in but to protect the shuttlebay crews. Picard and Riker came down to shuttlebay one cargo deck to observe the recovery operations and to personally see the survivors. Riker started. "I have a full report from the away teams inspecting the colony sir." "And what was their report number one?" "According to the away teams, most of the population were rounded up and kept in detention cells as future 'Hosts' for the parasites. The few infected guards that were at the colony were quickly taken care of. Also, Dr Crusher has found a way to remove the parasites rom the host using the transporter to separate both entities. The separated parasites have been transported to a holding laboratory for future study." "Hmmmmmm. I think I would feel much better destroying the parasites for good. The only problem is that goes against everything I hold dear. prime directive as well." "Also sir, the Clark discovered what was left of the Naylor. It appears the research ship was stripped for parts, presumably to built the plasma cannon and the remains self destructed. Starfleet command has discovered where the orders for the Naylor originated from. It appears that someone hacked into the communication network and planted the orders. Apparently, the unauthorised subspace beam originated from beyond this sector." A cry rose up from the cargo bay floor. A escape pod, badly burnt and scarred from the antimatter explosion had been opened. Picard and Riker rushed up just as the survivor was being removed. The recovery teams surrounding the pod parted, revealing Wesley Crusher, shaken around with a few bruises but generally all right. "Picard to Dr Crusher" "Crusher here captain" "Doctor, I suggest you come down to the engineering deck. Your son is here requiring medical attention." "I'm on my way. Crusher out." Picard looked at Wes then turned to face Riker. "You know number one, I have a feeling that everything is going to turn out alright after all...." And with that they turned and walked out of the shuttlebay. Epilog. Out past outpost 202, a lone escape pod tumbled end over end, severly scarred but still under power. Inside was co-ordinator Farrell. In all respects, Farrell looked normal....., except for the blue gill. The creature inside mulled over the previous events. He had failed in his quest. The members of the hive would not take this lightly. Still, they had allowed for errors. There would always be another day to fight. The pod drifted out of the star system into deep space. The End...........Or is it......