nx9100

Jellico and Jenna exchanged glances. She read the question in his eyes, and nodded affirmative. "Well, since it appears we're stuck together for a while," he said, "I find I have to agree with you. If you would all follow me..." He lead the entire group back out onto the bridge. The main viewscreen showed non-moving stars, for the ship had dropped from warp in the same position where it first appeared in this galaxy. "ATTENTION!" called out Jenna. Every bridge officer stood up, hands clasped behind their backs, facing the captain and Senotho, who stood next to Jellico. "At ease," Jellico said. "These people are our guests, and will be treated as such. Commander, I want quarters prepared for each of them." Turning to Senotho. "Master Senotho, allow me to introduce the command staff of the Righteous Indignation." He stepped over to the closest station, tactical, where a dark-haired human male was standing. "Lieutenant Henry Jacobs, my tactical officer." Jacobs nodded, while Jellico moved on to the two stations at the front of the bridge. Two men stood there, one blond while the other was dark skinned with black hair. "Ensign John Aster, helmsman." The blond nodded. "And Lieutenant Commander Mark Osafo, Operations officer." The dark haired man nodded. As Jellico stepped past them, the doors to the rear turbolift opened and two more people stepped out. One, a blue skinned woman with white hair and two small blue antennae on top of her head. The other, another woman that at first appeared human, but with pointed eyebrows and ears. Jellico waved at the blue skinned one first. "Ah, perfect timing. Lieutenant Commander Shantra, my chief engineer. One of the best in the Fleet." She smiled, as he waved at the other. "And Dr. T'meth, my Chief medical officer." The pointed-ear woman nodded, while Jellico continued back to the group. "You've already met Lieutenant Commander Phillip Faron, my Science Officer." He laid a hand on Jenna's shoulder. "And finally, Commander Jenna Stevens, my First Officer. An expert in Federation law and structure." "It pays to have one's father working for the Federation Council," Jenna said in jest, causing Jellico to chuckle. "Indeed," he agreed, as his own uncle was an admiral in the Fleet. "I want everyone to work with our new guests and answer any questions they may have. Feel free to ask your own as well. I have a feeling we're all going to need each other in the coming days. Jenna, your bridge." He stepped to another door of the front side of the bridge. It slid open, and he waved a hand at the open door. "Master Senotho, would you join me in my Ready Room?"

"Bridge to Captain!" said a voice over the comm, "We've jumped to warp, heading back to our origin point." "Understood," replied Jellico, eyes staying focused on Senotho, "Join us in the lounge, Commander." He tapped his badge to close the channel. "Master Senotho, I apologize again for the fast surprise. Allow me to explain." He took a deep breath, just as the doors at one end of the lounge slid open and a blond woman in her upper 30's stepped in. Her uniform was similar to Jellico's with one difference. Where he had four gold pips in a row on his right collar, she only had three. "We used one of our transporter devices to beam everyone straight to the ship. Molecular disintegration and reassembly." "Captain!?" Jenna was surprised, as she thought he wanted to keep this secret, for the Prime Directive's sake if nothing else. He waved her off. "This leads to the obvious question: why did we even bother with a shuttle? The answer is simple. I assume you can appreciate the tactical advantage such technology would provide over an opponent who lacks such a device. I didn't want to reveal all of our capabilities until I had a chance to compare with your own." His eyes narrowed. "Or should I say, with the Empire's. We also have what we call the Prime Directive, which forbids us from interfering with the development of other cultures. That includes sharing technology that said culture hadn't created themselves. But considering our situation," he frowned, "I felt it necessary. Hopefully your men's fine job at providing us cover prevented those troops from witnessing our escape. Leaving them with unanswered questions suits me just fine."

"Transporter range Commander!" called the ops officer. Jenna slapped her comm badge. "Captain! Stand by to beam out!" "Affirmative!" came his shout over the comm. "Ten to beam up!" Jenna hesitated half a heartbeat over the number, but didn't question it. Time was of the essence. "Drop shields! Bridge to Transporter Room! Captain plus nine to beam up! Straight to the observation lounge!" "Stand by!" the transporter chief responded.... -------------------- As the group huddled together in the smoke cloud, a faint hum around them could be heard. Suddenly, tiny points of light, almost like sparkles, seemed to swarm around each person, filling their vision, until all they could see was light. A momentary blackness...... ....then the process reversed. Solid light gave way to the sparkle effect, before it faded out to reveal a curved room. A table matching the room's shape was in the center surrounded by eight padded chairs. On one side were windows, with clouds giving way to the blackness of space as the ship climbed back into orbit. For Jellico's men, they moved as if nothing happened, having experienced this dozens of times over their careers. For the others, mostly confusion and a few cases of disorientation. "Welcome aboard the Righteous Indignation," Jellico said, resting his hands on the head rest of the chair at the end of the table. "Sorry for the sudden exit. Don't worry, any disorientation or dizziness will pass in a moment...." -------------------- "Got them, Commander!" said the ops officer. "Helm! Get us back into orbit!" ordered Jenna. "Jacobs, where's our friend!" "Coming up fast," Jacobs reported. "That maneuver through the atmosphere really slowed us down. He'll be on us in a minute or two." "Fine, change of plans," Jenna said. "Set course out of the system, back to open space where we first arrived. Warp 3!" "Eye, eye, sir!" said the helmsman, tapping at the controls. -------------------- The Righteous angled up into the sky, bow of her saucer aimed away from the planet, and with a flash from her nacelles jumped to warp speed right out of low orbit....

As the dust of the shuttle settled, Jellico and his crew all dropped down into whatever cover they could get. "Phasers!" he yelled, and took a shot at a trooper that landed on the gantry. His two security men also opened fire, taking positions on either side of Jellico in a practiced defensive stance. Having trained to fight Jem'hadar, they were prepared to defend their captain. Faron huddled up behind them. "Sir! Without the shuttl-" Jellico cut him off by tapping his badge. "Jellico to Righteous! We need an emergency beamout!" "Stand by!" Commander Jenna's voice. "Two minutes till we're in range!" "Understood! Make it snappy Commander!" Jellico replied. He looked around at their new friends. "Two minutes, people! Help's coming!" He waved to get Grid's attention. "We can get you all out of here, but we'll need to be..." pause while he fired a shot at a trooper, phaser beam striking the chest armor "...all together! And a visual distraction at the right moment would be perfect!" -------------------- "Understood! Make it snappy Commander!" Jenna looked back at the tactical officer. "Where's he at, Jacobs?" she asked. Jacobs was still watching his targeting screens. "Out of range, just over the horizon. If we maintain this speed, we can keep ahead of them easily." "Transporter Room to bridge!" came a voice over the speakers. "I've got a lock on the away team! All four of them!" "Send coordinates to the helm!" Jenna ordered. "Change course, take us straight to them! Dip down into the stratosphere so we can get a good lock!" The Righteous changed it's heading. It had been circling the planet to keep away from the Imperial ship, but know shifted course towards the firefight on the ground. It also dropped down into the upper stratosphere, leaving a visible trail of friction in the sky for all to see. "Ninety seconds!" called the helmsman....

"Report!" ordered Jenna. "All enemy fighters destroyed," said the tactical officer. "Just as we thought, no shields or other defenses. Single phaser shot each. Nimble little things though..." he muttered the last part with a light shake of his head. "And the Imperial ship?" she asked. "Far side of the planet," the ops officer replied. "We're easily able to keep it between us. That ship may be big, but it's engines can't push it to sublight maneuvering speeds like we can." "Alright," she said, rubbing her forehead. "Let's keep it this way for now. Watch for other ships and fighters." -------------------- Jellico and his men were about to jump into the firefight when Senotho stepped out into the hail of fire. "Wait-!" Jellico started, but stopped as he watched the other's movements. All four of them were in awe as Senotho drew his energy-blade weapon and somehow was able to parry the shots coming from the troopers. Then Senotho reached forward, Jellico felt a pressure wave... ...and stared in silent awe as the troopers were scattered around the corridor. "Captain," Faron began, but stopped with a hand wave from Jellico. "Master Senotho," he said, remembering the correct title from earlier, "that was....impressive. If we had the time I would ask you about your abilities." He glanced at Faron, who was checking his tricorder. "No additional lifesigns ahead," Faron reported. "We're clear for the moment." "Then let's keep moving," Jellico replied, turning to Senotho....

Jellico and his three officers followed Senotho down the corridor. He was grateful that his new friend was able to get their weapons back before they left. Feeling his phaser in hand gave him that much more confidence. As they walked, he leaned over to whisper something to Faron. "Contact the shuttle," he said in a low voice, "lock it's systems down. I don't want anyone looking too closely." Faron nodded, and pulled out his tricorder, typing commands.... -------------------- Commander Jenna Stevens watched the tactical display on the main viewscreen. In the center was a round sphere of the planet, separating the icons of both their ship and the Imperial pursuer. A group of 12 smaller targets were fast approaching. "Data on those ships?" she called out. "Small craft, possibly fighters," said the ensign who took over the science station. "Sensors show miniaturized ion drives, plasma-laser weapons..." he paused "...and no shields." That got Jenna's attention. "No shields?" she repeated. "Negative," the ensign looked up from his console. "Not even navigational shields. Commander, they're completely unprotected!" "That will make things easier," said the tactical officer, studying his own screens. "One phaser shot each, shouldn't be a problem." He looked up with a grin. "But with such small mass, and no shields, we could just run them over. Wouldn't even dent our own shields." "I'll keep that in mind," Jenna sighed, turning back to the viewscreen. "Let's just stay out of that big one's range, for now, until we hear from the Captain." She tapped a control on her armrest. "Bridge to Transporter Room One. Still locked onto our people chief?" "Negative," came the reply over the comm. "They must have gone deeper into the structure, I can't scan inside. Local minerals are interfering with sensors." "Keep trying," she replied. "Bridge out. Helm, adjust our orbit, and take us slightly into the ionosphere. Let's have the solar radiation mess with their sensors." "Eye, eye, ma'am," replied the helmsman. The Righteous changed it's path to dip into the planet's ionosphere, where the ions interacting with the natural solar radiation would hopefully hide them from the Imperial's sensors. It was an old trick, and if it worked against their sensor technology, Jenna was betting it worked against the Imperial's too. At least, she hoped....

Jellico's face hardened. He didn't take threats to his ship very lightly. "Moff Caprid," he said sternly, "we are here on a mission of peace. I have no wish to make enemies in this galaxy. But my crew WILL defend our ship from any aggressive action." His eyes narrowed. "And that ship is the U.S.S. Righteous Indignation, 'property' of the United Federation of Planets!" He double-tapped his commbadge to close the channel, and reopen it with his crew. "Jenna! Full impulse power! Get the planet between you and the Imperial ship! We're making for the shuttle, will contact you later!" "Understood! Good luck Captain!" Jellico turned to Layton, just as Faron and the droid returned. He relaxed just a bit, as his group was back together. "Minister Layton, the hospitality and information was greatly appreciated, but," he waved up at the ceiling, "I'm afraid we might have just overstayed our welcome." Shifting his gaze. "Mister, Senotho, was it? You mentioned getting us back to our shuttle?" he asked, picking up his tricorder and returning it to his belt....

476878 ..........

Quick Strike slowly entered the building, taking a look around for anything he could grab. Mostly junk, nothing too special. But something caught his eye. "Hey pardner!" he called to the shadow of a figure in the middle of the room on a stage. "Ya'll got any...." he trailed off, pausing mid-trot, when his eyes adjusted to the lower light inside and he realized what was standing there. In the blink of an eye, his pistol was out and held at the ready between his teeth. "Rigth...nithe an eathy nowth.." he said, talking around the pistol's grip.....

Jellico nodded at Layton. It's what I thought, their Empire is another form of the Dominion. The similarities were plentiful, and he would be dammed if he let his ship fall to another Dominion-style enemy. He tapped his badge again. "Jenna! Keep those shields up, but don't take any offensive actions yet." "Should we launch the fighters?" "Negative. We've only got six remaining." He paused, then gave Layton a slight grin. "In fact, patch me into the comms. I want to speak with this Moff Caprid." "Stand by. You're on captain." "Moff Caprid," Jellico began, still looking at Layton. His voice being transmitted from his badge communicator, to the ship, then to the Imperial vessel. This is Captain Eric Jellico, commanding the U.S.S. Righteous Indignation of the United Federation of Planets. We are...visitors...to this region of space, and have no hostile intentions. At this moment, I am on the planet talking with Minister Layton about our situation." He paused, still eyes on Layton, while waiting to hear this Moff Caprid's reply....

Jellico listened to Phi's speech with alarm. "Slavery?" He asked, "Such a practice goes against everything the Federation stands for!" He slammed his hands on the table which quickly standing. Seeing his captain's anger, one of the two security guards reached out to grab Jellico's arm. "Captain," he said, "please, remember the Prime Directive." "Yes sir," replied the other, "be reasonable. We need their help, after all." Suddenly, the badge on Jellico's uniform beeped. "Righteous to Captain Jellico!" said an alarmed voice, "Sir! We have a situation!" -------------------- "Commander! New contact!" called the tactical officer. "36 degrees off the port bow! Unknown ship has just appeared!" Commander Jenna Stevens jumped out of the center chair. "Where did it come from! I thought we had all local traffic mapped!" "It just appeared out of subspace! Local FTL technology I believe," said the ops officer. "Getting a message on local frequencies..." “This is Moff Caprid. Task force leader of the Imperial vessel Excursion you are to submit yourself and your crew for inspection.” "Yellow Alert!" Stevens called. "Raise shields! And get me the captain!" "Shields up!" "Channel Open!" "Righteous to Captain Jellico! Sir! We have a situation!" -------------------- "Report!" Jellico said after tapping his badge. "A large ship has just appeared out of FTL. Claiming to be an Imperial vessel. A Moff Caprid is demanding we submit to inspection! I've ordered Yellow Alert and raised shields! Orders?" "Stand by!" Jellico ordered, then turned to look Layton in the eye. "Minister, can you identify this ship or this Moff Caprid?"

Jellico was puzzled, not expecting such a question. "Within the Fleet, there are enlisted ranks of crewmen. Also, an admiral could have ensigns or lieutenants serving on their staff in such positions. Sometimes ground-based facilities, such as Star Fleet Command, might employ civilians in such support roles." He scratched his chin. "It really all depends on each officer's skillset, rank, and of course their assignment. Not everyone is cut out for starship duty, after all. Why do you ask?"

Jellico listened as the Minister told him about the Empire itself. Everything, from the Emperor and politics, to the basic scope of the Imperial Military, to descriptions of various worlds. The captain sat quietly and took it all in, levels of fascination played over his face. His own tricorder was sitting on the table, he having set it to record mode so he could share this info with his officers. After about a thirty minute talk, he finally sat back. "Minister," he began after a moment, "all of this....your Empire....it truly seems a marvel. For ourselves, the Federation governs only a small part of our galaxy, and we share it with dozens of other major powers. In fact, over half of our galaxy is still unexplored. Humans back home have only had space travel for 400 years, but here," he looked around, "you say it's been thousands! I can only hope that one day the Federation achieves the galactic level that your Empire has." He took a moment to sample one of the offered drinks that they were given. "Speaking of, let me tell you a little about the Federation. A comparison would be fascinating, I would think..." He then began to describe how the United Federation of Planets was formed, and led into a brief history....

"Thank you," Jellico replied, and turned to Faron. "Mr Faron?" The science officer stood up and stepped over to the droid. "Fascinating technology," he said, looking it over. "Both beyond, and below, our own computer technology at the same time." He pulled his tricorder from his belt and flipped it open. Tapping a few controls, he waved it in front of the droid. "Simple mechanical systems, but a sophisticated computational array. I would love to get a better look at the specifications for this device." "Provided they aren't classified," Jellico cut in with a nod at Layton. "Of course, Captain," Faron agreed, and tapped a few more controls on his tricorder. "Let me see if I can access its database. I should be able to download any information that it allows me to."

Jellico and Faron glanced at each other. "That's an understatement," Jellico agreed, "but I don't think we're going to get very far sitting here playing Twenty Questions. If I had to guess, I'd say there's a bit of tension around here." His eyes moved between Layton and Senotho. "I don't want to get my crew caught up in local politics. Right now, all I want to focus on is a way to get us back to where we belong." This time, he focused on Layton. "Assuming you have the authority, would you be able to give us access to your empire's scientific database?" He grinned. "Classified material exempted, of course. Hopefully, my science department can use your data, along with ours, to figure out how our...galaxies...were momentarily connected. At least, enough to allow us to return." He crossed his arms. "If not, then I guess we should take our leave before causing you any more," a glance at Senotho, "political trouble..."

"Well..." Quick Strike muttered to himself, "..If they's gone, might as well help myself." He trotted over to the Robronco building, glancing at the 'By Shit Heer' sign. "Hope they'all left some ammo and stuff behind. Few bottles 'o brew would be nice too." Before entering, he paused and slowly glanced around the area, eyes focused and ears alert. Other than the radio and the armored pony searching around, he couldn't hear anything. "Still don't like this..." he muttered, and stepped inside.....

'Imperial Military protection'? I hope that's just an offer of assistance, Jellico thought, while studying the starmap. But I hope he's not taking that 'Imperial Citizen' term to literally. He and the lieutenant studied the map carefully. "Mr Faron?" he asked. "I have no idea, Captain," came the response. Faron's eyes darted back and forth, quickly reading the map and trying to spot ANY familiar system. "All of this...nothing appears familiar. I'd have to cross-check it against the ship's database to be certain, but in my opinion," he turned, and his eyes locked with Jellico's, "Captain, this is NOT our galaxy." The room went quiet for a moment. "I was afraid you would say that," said Jellico, looking over to Layton. "Minister, our original guess appears to be correct. Nothing here," he waved at the holomap, "matches anything we know about our own galaxy." He took a moment to compose his thoughts, then began to tell them the story. "We were investigating a nebula cloud that was giving off strange energy readings. Our guess was either a natural phenomenon, or a possible enemy installation. However, something happened that we still can't fully explain. Apparently, a quantum subspace rift formed in the nebula, and as it collapsed it pulled my ship through.....and dumped us just outside your system." He looked to the map again, not to study it, but as if looking up into space. "That rift must have connected our two galaxies somehow, forming a passage between us. You mentioned a planet that might be your homeworld." A sigh. "Our home is called Earth, or Terra for a more formal name. We evolved there, and now it's the capital of the United Federation of Planets. With over 150 member worlds, the Federation is a peaceful alliance of all races." His eyes narrowed. "But we don't control nearly as much of our galaxy as your Empire does here. This," he waved a hand around the Empire's territory on the map, "is something I've never dreamed of. A true galactic government. Truly a marvel."

Quick Strike kept looking around, listening to the radio coming from...somewhere. "well, usually there's ponies wander'in 'bout. But now..." he waved a hoof around at the empty shacks and buildings. "Nuttin. They should've been yell'in at me about drinking too much last time i was 'ere. Maybe they're all hidin somewheres?" He started trotting around, looking into empty windows and doors. Now, while other's might have seen Kronos as a threat, Quick Strike wasn't the brightest bulb on the Heartswarming tree. His curiosity about the town had distracted his attention. For an empty town meant no ammo....no drinks........ ...no jobs...

"Name's Quick Strike," the orange pony replied, reaching up with a hoof to tilt his hat in greeting. "I'm... well...I ain't noth'in at the moment. Don't have a job....just came 'round to get stuff 'n things." He looked around the station. "Huh....wonder where they all got to?" He didn't react to the other's weapon, ready as it was. Not because of bravery, but simply cause his mind had moved on. Trotting in a slow circle around Kronos, he glanced into windows and doors. "Place is as empty as a shed snake skin. Something ain't right about this...."

Jellico listened as Layton answered Lieutenant Faron's question. This brings up even more questions, Jellico thought. I mean, they look like humans. And our sensors registered them as human. But is it possible that humans evolved in two different places? He shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside. It wasn't important at the moment, and he has a crew to worry about. "I wonder, Minister, if it would be possible to view a starmap of your empire? I think it's obvious by now, that we aren't from around here. While I thank you for your hospitality, my primary goal must be to figure out where we are and how to get back home." His shoulders stiffened. "Our Federation is at war, and while one ship might not make a difference...." he paused, feeling the tension from his three officers. "I would be grateful for any assistance you can give us."

Jellico listened carefully, noting the various titles and names being thrown around. So, Layton is only a local politician, he thought, with a governor and someone called a moff above him. Sounds like their empire is a big as it's name would imply. He watched Layton's response to Senotho's comment about his group. Must not be exactly on the same team. Interesting. Lieutenant Faron leaned forward. "Captain, if i may?" he asked. Jellico nodded, and he continued. "I am curious about your people," Faron said to Layton. "Honestly, we were a bit surprised to encounter humans here. I wonder, does your ancestry trace back to a colony ship? Or some sort of exodus?" Jellico allowed himself a small smile. He'd been wondering that himself. He was glad to have Lieutenant Faron with him to ask the odd questions....

This galaxy. As if there were others." Jellico and Faron exchanged a look, as they followed Layton into the hall. They watched the exchange quietly, then when the others joined them, he waved his officers to take seats. For himself, he took Senotho's hand. "Thank you," he said, shaking the other's hand. "Captain Eric Jellico, U.S.S. Righteous Indignation, United Federation of Planets. Visitors to...well, let's call it your area of space." He looked the other over, feeling a sense of ease with him somehow. "I hope our arrival hasn't caused any concern. Apparently, we got caught in a pirate attack. At least, according to Minister Layton," he said, nodding to him. "I hope our visit can remain a peaceful one."

@Randimaxis @Kronos the Revenant Quick Strike's ears perked up when he heard the radio in the distance. "That racket again?" he thought outloud as he trotted along, not really paying much attention. "Need to get somethin' new playin'." He looked around for any familiar faces.... and spotted a heavily armed and armored pony approaching town from the opposite direction. "Whoa...that looks like a feller I ain't wanna mess with." He stopped, and took a wide-legged stance, hat tilted down over one eye. "Hey there, partner!" he called out. "Haven't seen your likes around before."

The two security officers reached for their phasers, but stopped when Captain Jellico raised a hand. "Of course," he said, and with a nod at the two, he removed his own phaser and handed it to the trooper. The other three hesitated for a moment, then followed suit. Jellico smiled at Layton. "We wouldn't want to insult our new friends, would we? I am curious on one thing," he said as they followed Layton, "You mentioned this 'Galactic Empire' before. I assume they are the primary political power in this galaxy?"

Jellico too Layton's hand and shook it. "A pleasure, Minister Layton. I am Captain Eric Jellico, representing the United Federation of Planets." They released hands, and he indicated each officer in turn. "My science officer, Lieutenant Commander Faron. Security officers Mr. Hooks and Mr. Weeks." The latter two men both nodded, while the Lieutenant stepped forward. The blue collar of his uniform, which was mostly black with grey shoulders, indicated he was from the science division. But Layton wouldn't know that. The captain's collar was red, and the two security men gold. "You have a fascinating culture here, Minister," Faron said. He wanted to ask about their technology, but Jellico had warned him in the shuttle about not bringing it up unnecessarily. The captain didn't want to give away too many secrets yet, and a tech comparison might just do that. "I look forward to learning more about your people." "Yes," cut in Jellico. "I have to admit, we were a bit surprised to find humans out here." He glanced upwards. "Then again, perhaps we should start with where here is."