Another Visit to a Weird Planet

Earth - 2000AD

Jon B looked at the monitor infront of him. What the heck? His connection to Kedanya was just terminated!

The unhelpful screen showed nothing to explain.

Jon leaned back in his seat, and tried to ignore the low hum of the 100 other university students on the net in the same room. Hopefully, his headache would be gone by tonite's BAKA meeting. He was looking forward to Trigun. Of course, he should get some assignments done, but they wern't due for another week. He had time. With a sigh, he apologized to the others in the lounge (well, tried to anyway) and logged off his computer.

He decided to head over to SUB to grab a bite to eat, then head over to the meeting. But first: Bathroom.

He gathered up his stuff, and jogged to the nearest washroom. He opened the door, and saw there was no one in. He closed the door, and made his way to the...

Blue light engulfed him, and he couldn't move, breath, think.

Relmaz - 2000AD

Captain Pizman looked at the two humans and the transporter tech. He nodded.

The transporter activated, and after a moment, a very confused human appeared on the pad. He turned, saw Piz, and visibly paled.

"Uh. Live Long and Prosper" The human made the Vulcan greeting. One of the other humans stepped up to the third human.

"Hi. Call me Captain Barclay. Over there is Koras, and Captain Pizman. This is confusing, I know, but could you please put this universal translator on?" CB handed the human a translator.

He did so. "Um, Hi. I'm Jon..."

Koras stepped forward. "As of now, you're Lazarus Long. Kedanyizen. Piz here will explan our situation. Please follow. We don't have much time."

Jon.. err... Lazarus followed the other 3 questions brewing in his mind. Many questions. But first, why did htey have the handles of Kedanyizens? This was weird, but he knew, somehow, this was going to get weirder.

Relmaz - Trans-Time

They each took a seat, CB, Koras, Piz on one side, LL on the other. Piz stood up.

"I've already explained the situation to CB and Koras. Hey understand and are willing to help. I will explain to you, and then ask if you will help.

"For the past 4 months, the Federationand her affiliates, the Romulan Star Empire and the Klingon Empire have been engaged in negotiating the biggest treaty in the history of hte known galaxy. This treay, which, if signed, will unify opne the borders of all three groups, and greatly enrich the galaxy. The final negotiations were to take place, as well as the signing, on Kedanya.

"The real Lazarus Long, Koras and Captain Barclay were chosen to chair the final discussions, and sign the treaty.

"2 days ago they dissapeared. While Govenor Wesley was searching Kedanya, my science officer, Solek, devides a plan.

"Using Long's multiverse theory, which states:

For every Reality, there is a fiction, for every Fiction there is a Reality. Based on Heinlien's book 'Nunber of the Beast,'" LL interupted. "I know. I thought of that, then attributed it to Laz. I see the plan now. You came here, found the people who corresponded with the missing Kedanyizens, make them look like the real things, then have us replace them while Wes and the rest can look more quietly."

Pizman nodded. "Almost. Except for the 4 of us, and Solek. None know about this plan. No one. Not even Wes or LT." Piz bowed his head. "It's a desprate gamble. Whoever detained your counterparts will try to act against you, and we may not be able to protect you. Will you help?"

Lazarus Long looked at Piz. "Like I have a choice. Where do we start?"

Pizman looked at LL, the happieness very apparent. "We begin at once! Solek! Get us to Kedanya, yesterday! You 3, please come with me, you will need surgery to pass for your counterparts. We will arrive at Kedanya in about 48 hours. And we have a lot of ground to cover!"

Koras was confused, just like the other 2. one moment he was at home, the other moment he was here, about to be "transformed" into a Klingon.

He was still wondering how this could all be true. Kedanya, Lazarus, etc.

Oh well. if this was true, there would be an awfull lot of work to do, so he went with the rest to sickbay, to be "transformed"...

**RELMAZ - DECK 9**

"This way." Pizman led the new arrivals down the corridor, followed by Lieutenants Obemil and Tskej. They seemed a bit agitated, but Pizman understood why; how would you like it if you were suddenly kidnapped from where you were and found yourself facing some yellow-skinned alien?
They stopped. "Here we are," Pizman said. "The corridors and certain parts of sickbay have been sealed off to minimize security risk. Only those with the proper access codes can pass." Pizman typed in an access code, and the door slid open to reveal a small section of sickbay. "This is the quarantine area. Normally these windows are clear"—he gestured at the whitened glass panels to their right—"but I've opaqued them for this purpose." He cupped his hands like a megaphone around his mouth. "GARMIN!!!"
A pause. Then another door opened, this one from the CMO's office. "Ah, I see our patients are here. I suggest you get comfortable, this surgery is going to take a while."
Pizman smiled at his guests. "This is Commander Garmin, chief medical officer and best surgeon in the Carjan Republic. She'll be putting in the implants while we travel back to Kedanya. Meanwhile, I have a meeting with my science officer in 10 minutes, and Vulcans are very concerned with punctuality."

**RELMAZ - PIZMAN'S QUARTERS**

[Note from the writer: I had been trying to get a scene in Pizman's quarters before, but the producers cited a low budget for the episode. This time, the budget is a little larger, and I convinced them to construct the set to the captain's quarters.]

Pizman walked in to see Solek already sitting in an easy chair at the other end. "You are early by 20.146 seconds. I am impressed with your ability to be punctual at almost every meeting."
Pizman smiled a half-grin. "When you're friends with a Vulcan, you have to learn quick."
Solek raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. I assume the Kedanyizens are aboard, then."
"You're correct, Solek. Garmin's operating on them even now."
"Impressively done. It will take two days subjective time to return to our own time, but we will arrive only hours after we left."
"Good. As I see it, we're going to need bodyguards for each of them. I think we'll need our best personnel to be on duty."
"True, but it would be best to leave at least one senior tactical officer and senior security officer aboard," pointed out Solek.
"Right. So...Lieutenant Kahlim for Lazarus Long, Lieutenant Vak Tskej for Captain Barclay, and Ensign Waldar for Koras?"
"Leaving Lieutenant Velgan at Tactical, and Ensign Lynbil at Security. Wise choice."
"Good. And if we get some security from the Reunion, that'll be even better. Just try to turn on the psionic radiation when we get back."
"Indeed. If Lwaxana were to find out..."

Relmaz - Sickbay

Pizman smiled at his guests. "This is Commander Garmin, chief medical officer and best surgeon in the Carjan Republic. She'll be putting in the implants while we travel back to Kedanya. Meanwhile, I have a meeting with my science officer in 10 minutes, and Vulcans are very concerned with punctuality."

With those words the... alien. left the three humans alone with the doctor. All three turned to Garmin.

Garmin looked at the three of them. "Mr. Long, and Captain Barclay first. As the real you's are both human, the modifications will be done with in an hour. Koras on the other hand, will take about 6 hours to properly do. So. The question is, which one of you will two first?"

The human known as Barclay walked forward. "I'll go. But, what do you mean by implants/modifications?"

"Simple." replied Garmin. You do not look like your Kedanya counterparts, and you must in order for this charade to work. If you'll please follow me, The operating theater is this way." Barclay followed the Doctor into another room.

Long looked at Koras. "O.K. This is weird. What do you suppose is really happening here?"

Koras closed his eyes. "I don't know. I mean. Kedanya being real and all? That's the scary part. But I am confident in my ability to play the part. I hope that this is over soon. But I got it easy. You're Lazarus Long. How are they going to fake some of the skills you've demonstrated?"

Long leaned back, and closed his eyes. "I don't know. Maybe I can bluff my way through. But, come to think of it, People read the name Lazarus Long, and think of the biblical dude whom Jesus raised, or the Robert Heinlein character. And the only skills I've demonstrated is a knack for being right. At least on some of the Reunion stories. I've tried to not exagerate my character. I hope."

Silence reigned.

Long spoke. "It occured to me. Kedanya has many telepaths. Lwaxy for one. How are we going to get around that?"

"I heard Pizman talk with his science officer about something called psionic radiation. I's supposed to limit such abilites, and will prevent people from mind reading away our cover. I hope it works."

"So do I."

=====
Much later
=====

Relmaz - Briefing Room

Pizman stood in front of a large screen. 'We have 40 hours to teach you as much as possible about yourselves, Kedanya and the treaty. We'll start with Kedanya." He pressed a couple of buttons. The screen lit up to show a holographic view of a spacestation. This is Kedanya."

This was going to be a long two days.

Briefing Room -Relmaz

"That's Kedanya!" Barclay 2K exclaimed. "Come on, I helped describe that thing, I didn't want it to look like that!"
"How can that be Kedanya? Kedanya's suppose to have 4 wings. North, south, east, and west, this isn't Kedanya." That was Koras, Klingionified.
Laz wasn't even in a seat. Not to say that he wasn't being quiet.
"This is just messed up. you drag me into this future, tell me o negotiate a treaty, then shatter all my happy misconceptions?" He paused, considered lunging at Pizman, then sat down. "Eh, life smells, tell me more about Kedanya."

Thankfully pretty much what wasn't the appearance was close the what the writers had imagined.

Brig-Unknown Ship

"Your plan has most definatly been foiled. The 3 best diplomats seen from anyweher are no in our custody."
Any Tal Shiar agent would've knwon this was too much information to give away, and Barclay 2.4K, being the great hero who was unseen in our last storyline (now making up for it) knew he wanted control of this ship. But 3 on however-many-they-have. He remembered what Sarek, er jSarek had once told him "Knowledge is power. Gain knowledge in a jam and use it wisely." He never thought he'd be using a Vulcan's advice, but it seemed worthy. He'd wait for the guards to leave before trying to communicate a plan with his fellow prisoners.

Of course this is where something terrible happens to the storyline, so here goes.

Back in the Briefing Room

"Sir, we have a slight complication." This was Mr. Eidotgniog. "Q is here."

**RELMAZ - BRIEFING ROOM**

"Q?" Pizman turned to look at his Andorian security officer. "How do you know?"
Eidotgniog explained, "I noticed someone who didn't seem to be a member of our crew. I did remember seeing something like it in the records of this galaxy, however, and I checked. I'd managed to get a visual record of his face and I got a reference to the omnipotent being known as Q. Except for the fact that Q had a human complection in that picture, the two could have been the same."
Pizman frowned. He knew about Q, but only through studying the computer records himself. "In that case, could you show me to him?"
"That won't be necessary." It was a new, more playful voice in the back of the room.
Pizman turned. It was Q, all right, except this incarnation of Q was Carjan.
Pizman decided to try something that would hopefully throw this being for a loop. He knew brute force wouldn't work, but he had another idea.
"Good to see you here, Q. I suppose you want something with me?" Pizman graced the being with a smile.
"Yes, in fact, I do. But I must say, this ship isn't quite what I expected. I assumed this would be one of those dreary Karemman vessels, at least from the outside. But this is nothing compared to what you get in the Continuum."
"I can only imagine," Pizman said cordially. "And the design did come from that of a Karemman freighter, who did exist in our universe, by the way." Good thing I read up on this universe; this information is becoming more and more useful. "I assume you find it more, say, interesting than some other starships you happen to run into every now and then?"
"Different, certainly. And you're one of the most intriguing captains I've ever come to see besides madame Janeway, of course. But enough small talk. I bring a message from the Continuum."
"From the Continuum," Pizman echoed with much interest. "What of it?
"It's an important message for you and those three extremely dull humans you've decided to bring along." Q's playful tone suddenly became deadly serious. "I recommend you listen very carefully...."

Koras got changed into a Klingon, and as far as he knew, the character he had on the reunion, and Kedanya itself, was exceptionally good with handling a bat'leth. so he was on the verge of asking for one, when he thought of something. and it might cause some problems...

"Anyone, I just thought of something... my character was in command of the USS Civilization... if that part is as real as all this, I need to contact it. 'cause they seem to be without a captain with me gone..."

A very confused Koras awaited a response from anyone...

Pizman turned from his conversation with Q. "The negotiations had been important enough that you were given official leave from your duties as captain of the Civilization. This turned out to be a plus when the 'real you' went missing."
Koras nodded. "Indeed. It would have been most...unfortunate if I would have had to work around that problem."
"Very true. However, I believe Q wanted to say something...?"

"Are you quite done?" Q asked in annoyance. Koras nodded. "Good. Now, What I have to say is simple. This treaty that you 3 imposters are going to negotiate is of even more importance than you realize. With this peace treaty, The major and minor races of this galaxy will be able to cooperate on a scale unheard of, except for the Borg. This is good for the Continuum, as we no longer have to shepherd you around like docile sheep.

Unfortuneately, some of the Q believe it is our Manifest Destiny to guide you into the future, to become Q."

"Great. Another Q-war. On Kedanya." It was Lazarus who voiced the concerns. "As if we didn't have enough problems as it is."

"Well, there is one good thing. We have managed to kep the location of the meeting a secret from he Destiny Q, as they call themselves. However, you should get this thing done with ASAP, as to foil their victory. Good Luck." With that, Q flashed out.

"Does anyone else feel like that was just there to make our job even harder?" CB2K said. There were nods of agreement.

"Well, le's get back to Kedanya. The negotiations will be held on Deck 4N, the room will be guarded at all times..."

On Kedanya:
"Welcome aboard Kedanya Station Ambassador!"
"Pleasure is all mine."
The Ambassador from the neutral planet of Sikharra VI stepped out from the airlock. He shook hands with Commodore Crusher.
"If you'll come this way, the negotiations will be held on deck 4." Commodore Crusher says as they walk towards the turbolift. "We are grateful that Sikharra has allowed an ambassador to come to these negotiations."
"We feel it imperative that we have some representation in this assembly," remarks the ambassador, whose name is Bob, but that has no real point in this narrative. "As you know, our planetary system is in dispute. We have had fighting over who will control our planet's vast mineral resources."
"I'm sure you'll get a chance to choose what is best for your government." Commodore Crusher says. "We hope your stay on Kedanya is pleasant."

In a remote corner of the galaxy…
A lone runabout flies through the void. It nimbly flies past an asteroid field.
"Kedanya Station, we are approaching the Caldoran system."
"Acknowledged. Prepare to recieve landing telemetry."
All of a sudden, klaxons screamed through the cockpit.
"Three Jem'Hadar attack ships approaching at 6.7 mark 4!"
The attack ships swooped in on the runabout. They fired blasts from their phaser banks. The runabout did it's best to dodge the blasts, and would have succeeded if it weren't for a stray asteroid in it's path. Brilliant beams drilled into the runabout's shields.
"Kedanya Station! Can you read me?!? This is the USS Jordan, do you copy. I am under attack!"
"U-S Jor--n, th-s -- Ke---- St----on, you --- o-t o- ra-ge of our wea----ns. I-- u- to -----"
The garbled transmission was broken off in a shower of sparks as the communications array was hit. The deadly shapes of the Jem'Hadar ships swooped across the sun in pursuit of the lone runabout. Just as the lead ship was lineing up for another shot, the runabout dropped the throttle to zero and waited till the attack ships flew past him. He targeted the aft ships engines and fired a torpedo. The attack ship didn't know what hit him. The shields of all three ships had been concentrated on the front. The torpedo had no resistance as it punctured the hull of the ship. It exploded in a brilliant explosion that lit up the sky. The two remaining attack ships rolled out of the sights of the runabout. The runabout accelerated after the left ship. It lined up it's phaser array with the ships main weapons storage. Beams lanced into the ships shields before breaking through and hitting the torpedoe bays. The torpedoes inside exploded, tearing the ship appart from the inside. Just as the pilot was veering around to go after the last ship, a door opened.

Maelwys had planned some quality vacation time, but hadn't expected to see a Federation runabout hurtleing at sublight speeds toward him as he walked into the holodeck.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
The runabout swerved to the right, but not in time to move out of the way. Mael flew staight through the runabout hull and landed on the deck.
"What is going on here?" Mael cried?
"Sorry. I'm just playing a game."
Maelwys looked up to see a small scrawny kid sitting at the controls of the runabout.
"Who are you? What are you doing on the holodeck? And why did the computer tell me that there was no one in here?"
"That's my fault. When I wrote this program I made it remove from the computer banks any record of me using the holodecks. I came here to pilot this shuttle."
"Why would you want to have the computer delete the records?"
"My father, the ambassador from Sikharra VI, wants me to be a diplomat like him. I want to be a pilot. He thinks it's too risky to pilot ships. He's told me I couldn't pilot ships ever."
"Well, I guess I can let it slip this time, but you should really make it so people won't scare themselves to death when they walk in."
"I'll remember that"
"By the way, what's your name?"
"Oh, my name's Ashton, but you can call me Smelly."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Maelwys."
"Do you really have a Romulan ship called the Reunion? My dad's told me all about it…"

**RELMAZ - BRIDGE**

"Current ETA?" asked Pizval. He was in the command chair this time, while bridge nurse Sorjen manned navigation.
"32 hours until we get back." The report was from Mendock, who was taking Solek's normal position. Someone else was manning Ops.
Some of the crew had been behaving unusually the last few days. The captain, for one. His science officer, Solek. Doctor Garmin. High members of the security section. Even transporter chief Obemil.
But at the moment, there was no security on the bridge - No, scratch that, thought Pizval; Velgan was at tactical. But he seemed his normal self - unlike security chief Kahlim and secondary tactical officer Tskej.
"Anyone got any ideas on why the Captain's being so secretive?" Pizval blurted out.
Everyone in the room shrugged, blinked, or looked otherwise surprised at Pizval's statement.
Mendon responded, "Perhaps those Bluegills did take over those few after all."
Sorjen shook her head. "I scanned them days after Bashir had supposedly removed the parasites. They had been fully removed. And Lynbil has been acting normally as always."
"Changeling infiltrators?" suggested Velgan.
Sorjen shook her head again. "I took a blood sample from most of the bridge crew when the negotiations began, and again when we went on this ride. Their blood results matched their previous blood type, so it's unlikely they're spies for the Obsidian Order or Tal Shiar either."
"What about mind control?" suggested Pizval.
This time, it was Mendon who responded. "The only way that can be done now is through a mindmeld, considering all the psionic radiation I've been detecting aboard the ship recently. And the radiation would make it difficult to keep control of the person involved, even if someone performed a mindmeld or mindmelds before the ship left."
"So it might be possible?" asked Feldar.
"Possible, but not likely," responded Sorjen. "Too many factors are working against it. Plus, I detected no abnormal activity in the empathic centers of their brains when I ran the tests."
"And we had enough people checking on our nurses that it would take an incredible amount of mind-controlled people to create a weak link. So...what IS going on?" asked Pizval.
And to that, no one had an answer.
"ETA now 31 hours, 50 minutes," reported Feldar.
"Very well. Steady as she goes."

Many hours passed aboard the Relmz. When the 3 from 2K were awake, they studied the lives of their counterparts, the treaty, diplomacy, and Kednaya with her varied Kedanyizins. When they were asleep, their minds were filled with hypnotic learning tapes provided by the Science officer for cultural studies, and general history.

Many Hours passed.

Commodore Crusher sat in his office on Kedanya.
"Another boring night on duty."
He began day-dreaming about a nice, quite vacation on Risa. The peaceful scene was broken by screaming alarms.
Maels voice blared over the communications net. "Wes! We need you up here now! Two Romulan warbirds just decloaked 10 kilometers away! They're powering up weapons!"
"I'll be right there." said Wes as he raced out of his office.

Ops:
Maelwys and Lwaxana stared in horror at the dark shapes of the Romulan Warbirds. The two deadly ships sat, almost staring at Kedanya. The lead ship fired, catching a glancing blow off the north wing.
"Shields are holding, but down 5%!" Daramere shouted. Klaxons screamed throughout the station. The Romulan shps continued to fire mercilessly on the station.
"What about the Reunion?" Cried Wes as he lurched across the deck.
"She's in for repairs, and won't be out for a while. She can't fly at all, and weapons systems were stripped out to be replaced with new ones. Sorry Wes."
Shouted Lwaxana over the din of alarms.
"This is a priority one distress call from Kedanya Station, we are under attack. Repeat, we are under attack. We require assistance. To any ship within range, we need assistance…" Explosions echoed through the station.
"Send out the runabouts. It's our only hope!" Shouted Wes. Behind him, a console exploded, hurling some poor ensign over the railing."
"The hanger doors were fused shut by that last blast. None of the runabouts can get out!"
More explosions rocked the station.
"This is Commodore Crusher! Abandon the station! Abandon the Station!"

Relmaz:
The Relmaz came out of the time warp right in the middle of the battle between the warbirds and Kedanya.
"Red Alert! Shields up!" Cried Pizman as he saw what was happenning. "We've got to save Kedanya!"

"I just wonder," Lwaxana shouted "why Kedanya always seems to be under attack. There must be a logical reason for this..."

A Romulan Warbird decloaked... then more... not Sela's Son's Ships either.. they pulled into formation with the other Warbirds while some Bird of Prey's (upgraded) and upgraded Battlecruisers decloaked to cover the Warbird Squadren's blindspots... and boy were ther ot's of BOP's and Battlecruisers.

But then Pizman had an Idea... maybe this wasn't sanctioned by Romulus.. and where was his 1/4 Human friend anyways?

Relmaz - Bridge

Pizman watched as more Warbirds Decloaked.

His crew held their breaths in anticipation.

There was silence.

Then one warbird fired upon another. The shield buckled ubder the point blank shot, but the Warbird's armor held. Then space was a confusion of Ships as Romulan fought Romulan, while Kedanya held together.

Pizman ordered that any ship that fired, and hit Kedanya was to be annihilated. Unfortunately, with so many shots being fired, it was hard to tell if any shot that came close to Kedanya was a deliberate attempt to hit or not.

But the guests were safe.

Kedanya - Bridge

Wiht all the confusion, LT finally managed to reinforce the shields wiht an antipolaron burst.

Now they could sit tight. But the sensors were off line. They couldn't participate in the fight.

Maelwys called out to Wes, "Wes! We're receiving a transmission from the Relmaz! It's sensor data and it's live! We can shoot wihtout being blind!"

Wes said, "Make it So!".

**RELMAZ - BRIDGE**

"Mendock! Can you get positive IDs on those ships?"
Mendock worked frantically at his console. Finally, he said, "I've managed to get IDs on Kedanya, the ap Beddan, and...three of Sela's Son's warbirds that just showed up. One of them is the Sa'Toth. But there are more than three of Sela's Son's ships out there by what we saw earlier."
"Hail the Sa'Toth," replied Pizman. "And Velgan, keep shooting at the Klingon-style ships and old-style Bird-of-Preys. At least we know who we're shooting with those."
"Aye sir," replied the tactical officer.
"Sela's Son onscreen," replied Mendock.
"Great. Sela's Son, can you feed us data as to which ships are yours?"
Sela's Son considered a moment, then turned to someone off the screen and barked an order in Romulan. Then he turned back. "Your science officer should be receiving the data now."
Solek confirmed this: "Indeed. Sela's Son has brought seven ships, including his own.  Four were in the fray when we came in.  The ID numbers are being fed to Mendock and Velgan."
Velgan replied, "Confirmed, sir. Now I can fire with a reasonable chance of not hitting our allies."
Pizman nodded. "Let's do it. Solek, feed this new data to the station. Include different colors for friendlies and foes. We don't want to hit our own ships."
Soon, the battle was joined in earnest by Kedanya Station, but meanwhile...

**LEAD SHIP - BRIG AREA**

Lazarus Long (the real one) was struggling to hold on. There was panic outside the cells. How was he going to get out of this mess alive? And with his two crewmates, no less.
Suddenly he had an idea...

The battle raged on. Kedanya, her shields up, and weapons blasting, along with the efforts of the Relmaz and the fleet led by Sela's Son made short work of the opposing fleets.

Detention cells - Don't know just yet

LL (the real deal) looked at the force field barring him form his freedom. He calmed himslef. Escape would present itself. It always would.

With a speed that made Laz see blue and red he slammed his arm into the forcefield. It collapesed upon itself, programming forbade it to form while there was an object in the way. Laz carefully stepped through the cell door, and watched as the feild reformed. He wondered where his fellows were?

Relmaz - Bridge

The battle was over. The last fo the enemies had fled, the rest had been (unfortuneately) reduced to their component atoms.

Pizman looked at his helmsman. "Contact Kedanya. Ask permision to dock." He leaned back, and thought to himself. 'Now is the time of fire.' He left to collect his guests.

Koras was in his quarters, studying information on kedanya as it was in this time. But he was constantly thinking of the civilization... wondering how the ship was doing... he decided to talk to them as soon as he had the chance.  He then had an idea...

"Computer, what is my access level?"

"Your access level is Starfleet level 2."

That was good, and he was sure it would help him later on.

Detention Block:
Laz(real deal) ran through the corridors of the detention block.
"Where are they?"
He slammed his hand into the door panel. The door whooshed open.
"Hey you! You aren't allowed in here!"
Laz hit the guard square in the face. He crumpled to the deck. Laz grabbed the guard's disruptor and fired a blast at the cell's controls. The panel exploded in a shower of sparks. The forcefields holding CB and Koras in their cell. Koras lashed out at the other guard. The guard flew against the bulkhead and landed with a sickening crunch.
"Let's go!" Koras yelled.
Screaming a Klingon war cry he ran down the corridors. CB grabbed the fallen guards disruptor.
"Better catch up with him before he gets himself killed." CB said as he ran out the door. Laz ran after them.

koras ran from the brig. "computer, record message, and prepare to send to USS Civilization, NX 27432. message as follows: this is captain koras to the senior staff of the civilization. I am being held and brought to kedanya space station. I need assistance. do not attack unless they don't allow me to talk with you. computer, send message."

koras knew someone was going to find out about this, but then it would be to late to stop the message.

LL(2K) was asleep. Well, was, untill the bell to his quarters rang. He snapped awake, and yelled "Come in!" The door opened to reveal Pizman, Barclay(2K) and Koras(2K).

Pizman looked at LL. "It's time to get aboard Kednaya. We need to go to the transporter room. I'll explain how you'll get aboard Kedanya on the way there."

And why was Koras looking pleased with himself?

**RELMAZ - TRANSPORTER ROOM**

"Good luck, Obemil. You know what to do."
"Aye sir." Obemil nodded at Pizman, who was standing on the transporter pad along his brother Pizval, and three of his security officers.
Pizman, who had been smiling, was now all-business. "Energize."
The four disappeared from the pad as they beamed to Kedanya.
Obemil waited a moment, then stepped out of the room.  The others were waiting there. "If you'll follow me, gentlemen?"

**KEDANYA - BRIDGE**

"Sir, I just detected some excess transporter activity aboard the Relmaz." RoToRa's report came as a complete surprise to Captain Maelwys.
"Where is the beam headed?" asked Mael.
"Unknown, sir. The beam was difficult to trace."
"Is Pizman already aboard?"
"Yes, he beamed aboard a while back, along with his brother and an entourage of security officers."
"Hm." This was interesting.
A console beeped. "Captain, we are being hailed by a ship decloaking off the north wing—it's a Carjan shuttle," reported Young Alexander.
Mael blinked. "From the Relmaz?"
"It appears so, sir."
Mael sighed. "On screen."
A face came on the screen. "This is Lieutenant Obemil of the CRC Relmaz. I believe we have something you're missing, Captain Maelwys..."

"The only thing I am missing," Lwaxana sighed, "is a bit of peace and something to cure my headache..."

Lazarus(2K) materialized aboard Kednaya in a cavernous room. Mountains of boxes stacked in a roughshod manner. "So this is the Cargo Bay. It's bigger than I imagined." He turned. There was the access to the shuttle bay. Over there, to the corridor. He walked over to the corridor door.

"Computer, where is Koras?"

"Koras is in the Lounge."

"And Captain Barclay?"

"Captain Barclay is not aboard Kedanya."

Good. Everything was going to plan.

The door opened, and Laz went flat against the wall. In walked a kid. Laz took a silent step forward. "Whaddya want kid?"

The kid jumped and turned around. "Oh! I'm sorry. I'm kinda lost. I was looking for the shuttle bay."

This person was not from Kedanya. Laz didn't remember seeing his face before. "Who are you?"

"I'm smelly. The son of an Ambassador. Who are you?"

"Lazarus Long. Kednaya Delegate, and cargomaster. The shuttle bay is thatway." He pointed in the appropriate direction. "Becareful." He watched as Smelly ran to the entrance to the shuttle bay, and entered.

Time to get to work. First stop: Deck 4N, to check the confrence room.

**KEDANYA - SHUTTLEBAY 2**

Smelly entered the shuttlebay just in time to see a strange shuttle going through the thin atmospheric forcefield. The shuttle came to a soft landing.
A hatch opened in the back, and a strange man emerged from the back. He had a strange, yellow complexion, and a uniform that consisted of what looked like a solid polo shirt and light pants. But it was clearly a uniform, because of the insignia on the collar and the badge over his heart.
"Er...hello," said Smelly, nervously.
The alien looked up at Smelly. "Hello there. I'm Lieutenant Obemil of the Relmaz. What's your name?"
"They call me Smelly," he replied.
Obemil chuckled. "People come up with the oddest nicknames, don't they." He gestured to the hatch. "This box is for Maelwys. Could you give me a hand with this?"
"Sure." Smelly helped the alien with the box. Whatever it was, it was kind of heavy.
They carried it to the doorway and set it down just as Maelwys entered.
Maelwys asked, "So it was aboard your ship?"
Obemil nodded. "Yes, Captain, that's where it was. Bill Hayes's quarters, no less. He must have borrowed it because of something that broke aboard, and forgot to give it back."
Maelwys opened the box to reveal lots of rolls of Duct Tape. "Great. I was wondering where it got to. Thanks, Obemil."
Obemil smiled. "Anytime, Maelwys."

**KEDANYA - CONFERENCE ROOM**

Most of the delegates had taken their seats. Wesley Crusher lamented that the three other delegates representing Kedanya weren't present. All three had disappeared days ago, leaving only Lwaxana and Wes to represent Kedanya. And so far, the two hadn't done as good a job as they'd hoped.
At least Pizman and his brother Pizval were actively participating. Pizval actually seemed to be more comfortable with the role of diplomat here. Pizman had told Wes that Pizval used to work for the government, and knew about that sort of thing.
Pizman's disappearing trick, and his rather conspicuous reappearance was a cause for concern...especially since somthing had been blocking Lwaxana's empathic powers since he'd returned. Pizman had dismissed it as chroniton radiation, but it still seemed a little too odd.
A door opened in the back, as the Klingon and Cardassian delegates were engaged in a debate. Wes turned to see - LAZARUS LONG?!?!??!?!!?
Wes jumped to his feet, interrupting the debate. "Laz! What happened?"
Lazarus shrugged. "Blame temporal mechanics. When I last left, I believe that the Romulans wanted a certain concession from the Breen...?"
Wes broke in: "What about the other two?"
Laz said, "They should be here very shortly. Anyway, as I was saying..."
But as Lazarus Long began doing some mediation, Wes began to wonder. Wasn't that demand tabled AFTER Laz disappeared...?

KEDANYA, LOUNGE

Koras went to the conference room. he had no idea what was going to happen, but went there nonetheless. and he wondered how long the civilization would take to arrive here...

USS CIVILIZATION, BRIDGE

Eli Monroe, the chief of operations, looked confused at the message they just recieved. he turned to M'Red, the first officer. "Sir, we recieved a message from Koras. he is being held aboard kedanya space-station, and needs assistance... he ordered not to attack unless they let us talk to him...

M'Red also got confused, but ordered to go there nontheless. she turned to Robert Clark, the helm officer. "how long will it take us to get there at maximum warp?". clark answered. "6 hours and 23 minutes, sir.". "plot a course, and emmediately engage."

M'Red turned to Arandis, the chief security. "get security ready when we arive there. I don't know what state the captain is in when we find him." "Aye sir."

Lazarus looked at Senator Letant from the Romulan Star Empire to Thot Rog representing the Breen.

"Thot Rog, the request of Senator Letant for merchant passage through sectors 54-097 and 55-097 isn't that big of a deal. What is your concern?"

Thot Rog looked at Laz. Gawd, I feel the chill through the suit. The translator hummed. "Warbirds used for cargo. Warbirds cloak. Warbirds fight."

Lazarus sighed. This was getitng nowhere. What was it about beaureucrats that demanded such idiocy?

"Senator Letant. Just why do you need passage through those sectors?"

Koras had just walked in. Wes had jumped on him even harder than himslef. Hope he can take it. Well, Captain Barclay should be doing his thing about now.

"... time in half." Letant finished.

"Don't you have non-cloaking freighters that can make the run?"

"No. All of our ships have cloaks. You should know, you stole one from us."

Lazarus gulped. "That's been delt with. Just a second, I have an idea." Lazarus left those two and headed over to the Federation ambassador, Ambassador Riva. He was doing nothing, but watching. Lazarus approached from the front, and began to speak in Riva's sign language.

/There is a problem with the Romulans and the Breen./

/Isn't there always?/

/Yes. However, would the Federation be willing to give the Tachyon Detection Grid Technology to the Breen to monitor cloaked Romulan ships?/

/I will consider. Give my reards to the Ambassadors./

Lazarus returned to Letant and Rog. "I have asked Riva if the Federation is willing to exchange thier tachyon detection technology with the Breen. THis will solve both your problems. The romlans can use the short cut, and the Breen need not worry about Romulan Navigational Errors.

They looked at each other. It wsn't what they wanted, but, what choice did they have?

Yes, what choice did he have?

"We will be in sensor range of Kedanya Station in 30 minutes, sir"

M'Red acknowledged and started staring at the scren, inspite of the fact that nothing was there to see yet. What in the name of the Cat Eye Nebula could have happened...

The comm officer suddenly spoke to the ship's first officer: "Sir, decrypt has traced the communications beam. It did not originate from the station, but from a location very close by."
M'Red seemed surprised. But it made more sense than Koras being held prisoner aboard Kedanya. "Change course to follow the beam's path. Try to find out what really happened."
"Yes, Commander. We should be there within the hour."

**KEDANYA STATION**

Pizman was walking to his temporary diplomatic quarters, located at deck 5 of the Central Hub. Negotiations had gone well, and his ship and crew had been granted an official level 3 commission by Starfleet, as representatives of the Carjan resistance. Their ship, the CRC Relmaz, could still keep their old uniforms and some of their policies, but they were now bound by Starfleet's most basic policies—the Prime Directive and others much like it.
Pizman smiled. Those were policies that were basic parts of Carjan code as well, as written by the revolutionaries. They would therefore easier for his crew to follow. But as all rules, there were cases where it could be bent or broken.
Pizman reached his diplomatic quarters and was surprised to see three people standing in front. They looked angry.
Pizman looked at the people staring back at him. One was his own brother. Another was the Betazoid ambassador. And the third - "Er...Commodore Crusher, this is an unexpected pleasure."
"Captain. I believe we need to talk." His tone indicated that Pizman was in a lot of trouble. And Pizman could guess why.
How had his plan been figured out? He must have been much too sloppy and left too much evidence floating around. When the three others had compared notes, they must have seen what it all meant. But they no doubt had questions as to why, and how far he had gone.
Pizman sighed. Fine. If they have questions, I'll give them answers. "Very well. We will talk now. But in private." He gestured to his quarters. "If you'll have a seat..."

Orbiting Kedanya and rarely noticed was a mannequin It wasn't an ordinary mannequin either. It was holding a sign that said "Earth" and looked like a hitchiker and was wearing Clothes from the late 1999-2005. Spaced a few years Earlier by Sela's Son as a pratical joke it just simply orbited Kedanya... until now. Unkown to anyone.. even Sela's Son and his Cadre of Penguins, Cows, Toilets, and Clowns; was that it was ALIVE. It's eyelids stirred and she/he/it looked in the lounge window. Somehow She/he/it thrusted over and entered Kedanya through the airlock. She/He/It stunned a guard and took his Phaser, and stunned (without using the phaser) another guard and took his phaser. She/he/it then spaced them (they were nameless Ensigns). She/he/it then set about his/her/it's Evil Plan.

Sela's Son had his other Warbirds (all enhanced) phased nearby as well as his Command Ship the Sa'toth. He, his First Officer Subcommander Janor, and his Chief of Security (and fellow Tal Shiar agent) "Burpo the Clown" walked in the corriders guarded by 5 Elite Tal Shiar Bodyguards (who were not nameless). Sela's Son, also a member of the Tal Shiar noticed something odd when he arrived in the lounge and looked out the window.

**SOMEWHERE ON KEDANYA**

Burkie, the Mannequin, slipped silently through the halls of Kedanya station. Who would be his/her/its next target...
Quickly Burkie looked down at a PADD he/she/it had "procured" in an empty crew quarters. Koras. Protected by an Ensign Waldar and an Ensign Dednow. Could be interesting.
Quietly, Burkie made his/her/its way to that set of quarters...

**KEDANYA—PIZMAN'S DIPLOMATIC QUARTERS**

"So you did this because you believed that this set of negotiations was too important for them to be missing?" asked Wes, somewhat angrily.
"Yes. It's the reason I've been wearing this psionic-radiation device, as well. I couldn't let anyone figure out that the three of them were fakes." Pizman's face had turned a much darker yellow. Not surprising, considering the fact that he'd just admitted to no less than 3 Federation temporal violations.
Wes sighed. "Now the question is what to do about the situation."
"The negotiations have gone well since the false diplomats appeared on the scene," Pizval pointed out. "His decision may have some merit."
"And this leads to another thing I must reveal to you," Pizman continued. "On the trip back to the station, I ran into Q."
Wes stood up as if he had sat on the proverbial tack. "So now the Continuum's involved in this?"
"I believe so. They seem to be bracing for another civil war. One side doesn't want this treaty to happen, and the other wants to let the negotiations proceed—less shepherding for them, if you will." Pizman's expression became even more deadly serious. "And I have reason to believe that Q's intentions may be genuine. The playful personality noted in most files was present, but was tossed aside in favor of this more serious business."
Wesley didn't seem quite convinced. "I wish I knew for certain. I don't know if he's playing you for a fool or if he's telling the truth, but this doesn't quite sound like Q."
Pizman shrugged. "Still. What can we do but let the negotiations proceed? And that sort of lie, if the records are to be believed, isn't quite Q's style either. I guess you had to be there."
Lwaxana thought of a possible answer. "Do you have a recording of the event?"
Pizman thought a moment. "Probably. I'll ask Solek to send it down."
Before he could give the order, however, a voice broke in over the intercom. "Daramere to Wesley Crusher."
Wes tapped his badge. "What is it?"
"Sir, you'd better get down here. Two of our security guards in the lounge have been killed. I had to transport their bodies out of space  - whoever did this shoved them out the airlock after he - or she - killed them."
Wes gulped. "On my way. All of you, come with me."

**KEDANYA—LOUNGE**

"I knew installing an airlock in the Lounge was a bad idea," commented Wes as he entered.
Daramere presented a PADD. "Here's the evidence we have so far. No fingerprints, blood, or skin cells of anyone but the two deceased." As he spoke, Sela's Son entered with some of his Tal Shiar agents. "Not even any real hair...we found some artificial hair on the floor near the airlock. And we found a shred of cloth...the way they made it in the 20th or 21st century. Except for those two bits of evidence, this killer was thorough."
Wes stared dangerously at Pizman. Pizman began to wonder if it was a bad idea to bring those three aboard.
No, wait..."I didn't use any artificial hair with them," he said ambiguously. "And the clothes I gave them were in their traditional styles. All 23nd century or later."
Daramere stared at them quizzically. "Sir?"
"Never mind...you wouldn't understand." Wes stared back at the PADD. "Cause of death...necks snapped. Very interesting."
Sela's Son, meanwhile, was looking out the window. Something wasn't quite right... "Show me the piece of cloth," he suddenly blurted out.
Wes turned to face him. "Why?"
"Show it to me," he repeated. "Something seems familiar about this."
Daramere looked at Wes. Wes only shrugged. Daramere looked back at Sela's Son. "Very well. Here's the scrap of cloth."
As Sela's Son stared at the cloth, he felt he was getting closer to something...possibly the identity of the killer....

As Sela's Son stared at the cloth he faintly remembered spacing something.
"It has to be either inorganic, Omnipotent, have omnipotent conspirator, or very effecient." Sela's Son said.
"Well?" Asked Daramere?
"A While back I remember spacing something. We need a list of ll the Wierd things I've done,"
"ALL Wierd things?" asked Wes in a state of Shock.
"Yes."
"Do you know how many wierd things you've done in the ladst 2 or 3 years?!"
"Well over 10 thousand I'd bet."
"Who or what would want to kill people?"
"There are sections of my Government who don't like the peace process and want to return to Isolationism. Altough the majority feels otherwise as with the Dominion still looming, and the Borg out there; we need allies. The Commitee, Procounsul and even my Mother agree with the Peace PRocess so the Tal Shiar Wouldn't do it.. besides I might have heard of it. The Klingos do not have the training or desire forthis kind of killing they'd call it dishonerable and they'd go for a straight- up fight anyways. Section 31 would not kill randomly and would have no desire to do this. The Cardassians are to bust rebuilding, and the Ferengi Can't do this. Only the Dominion, or some other group would have a motive.... Unless."
"Unless what?"
"It doesn't involve the treaty, or some deeper darker reason. Altough, of diplomats are attacked I'd presume it to be the former and not the later."
"Wes to Security, make sure all Diplomats are guarded by at least 2 guards, and anything suspicious IS reported to me immediatley."
"I will open my Scientific Facilities on the D'deridex class Warbird: Shent'os for the investigation if you wish, altough anyone coming aboard will have to be bloodscreened and cleared."
"We'll think about that offer"

*ELSEWHERE*
The Mannekin, Burkie the Evil, had an escaoe plan just incase it didn't go as planned. As she/he/it rounded a corner a Cardassian Glinn slammed into him... the Mannekin imediatley killed him, and threw him in the empty turboshaft, and made sure the body could not be seen. She/he/it slid into an empty quarters and stole a Uniform. She/he/it went to the Replicator and has a mask made. She/he/it put it on in front of the mirror and examined her/him/itself. She/he/it now looked like Wesley Crusher, plus she/he/it removed a Uniform and put it on. She/he/it now looked like the real thing. Using a specialized Speaker also made by the Replicator she/he/it was now cabable of reproducing Wesley's Vocal Patterns. She/he/it slipped out of the room. She/he/it headed towards Koras's Quarters.

*COMMODORE'S OFFICE: 18:23:56 Hours*
Wesley studied the display, and wondered. Sela's Son had offered his science facilities to Kedanya. This could either be Genuine and a true offer in interest of peace, or a move by the Tal Shiar. Sela's Son was probably a member of the Tal Shiar, why else would his ships me so enhanced? Wes stepped out of the Office and walked to the Turbolift when...

*SOMEWHERE ON KEDANYA 18:23:56 Hours*
Avoiding people as often as possible and trying to fake a smile Burkie continued to it's destination undetected.

*Security Office 18:23:56 Hours*
Daamere, Sela's Son smf his companions, and security personell studied data from the examination which also proved inconclusive. Suddenly a Scream was heard.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
A short silence...
And an even longer silence, because no one was on the bridge for some strange reason...
The security team, led by Daramere, rushed into the room.
"What happened?"
"Where is he?"
"He fell down!"
"Fell down?"
"Who?"
"The Commodore!"
"Fell down where?"
"The turbolift..."
The security team gathered in front of the turbolift door to see it for themselves. The turbolifts had been functioning perfectly until now, but they always seemed to malfunction in close proximity with Wesley.
"Commodore?" One of the guards asked. He was more amused than really worried; Cap—er, Commodore Crusher had been in worse situaitons without hurting himself. "Are you all right?"
"Daramere!" The loud voice from down there showed that he was. After all, the lift was stuck directly under the Main Bridge. So Commodore Crusher only fell about 3 meters. He really had been in worse situations...
"Commodore?" Daramere appeared in the still open door, looking down. "Are you..."
"Yes, yes... I am alright, but this guy isn't."
"What?" This was intriguing. "Who else is down there?"
"A Cardassian. I think he's dead." Wesley was already climbing up the shaft.
Daramere caught him with one arm. "You just hold it right there. Ensign, please escort Commodore Crusher to the brig."
Wes blustered. "On what charge?"
"You're under suspicion for murder, Mr. Crusher. It's pretty suspicious that you'd happened to fall down that particular lift, where you just happened to land on a Cardassian that was already dead. Ensign, take him away now."
As Wes was shoved along the corridor, he wondered who had done this to him, and what he was going to do about it...

Kedanya - Cargo Bay

Lazarus(2K) soundly slept in the cargo bay, the troubles on the station did not reach him.

Prison - Somewhere

Lazarus (2.4K) looked around. "Why am I not surprised?"

Koras (2.4K) stared, as well as Barclay (2.4K). "Um, Laz, Where are we?"

A loud roar prevented laz from answering right away. When it died down, he torned to his fellow preisoners. "San Fransisco, Earth. I'd say around the year 2000."

"How do you know?" CB asked worriedly.

"I recognize the landscape. Over there is the damage from the last attempt by Kahn to destroy this city. It'll take them about 4 years to rebuild."

"Lovely. Now what do we do?"

Burkie the vil disguised as Wes, accessed a computer terminal and hadd the comp. download info into the padd for news updates. A few minutes later, she/he/it noticed that Wes was arrested. Before heading to Koras's quarters he caused the cameras to flicker in the brig (whch for some reason had no guard at the time), and for the door to be locked. He left and went over to Koras's quarters. Ensign dednow immediatley notived Burkie. Of course with the disguise the Ensign didn't know who she/he/it really was. WAldar stepped and noticed the Psuedo Wes.
"Commodore I thought you were arrested."
"It was cleared up" Burkie said using the Synthetic vocal patterns.
"I will have to...... UUGH!" Ensign Dednow grunted as he was attacked.
"Walder to Security an..." Burkie stunned walder...
He then entered the quarters. Koras stoop up.
"Commodore so nice to.. AUGH!" Koras dodged as a Phaser beam shot past him. Koras dodged another attack. Fortuantly he did know some Martial Arts.. ,a short fight ensued, he feneded off burkie (disguised as Wes). Bruised and shaken up Koras stepped back to recooperate for a second. "I will end this peace process one way or another!" Burkie yelped using Wes's voice. Burkie then escaped out the door before Koras could Pursue. Burkie escaped to Jefferies tubes where he unlocked the Brig door and reactivated the Cameras. He eventually made his way to a safe hiding spot where he waited a few hours with 4 phasers.

Daramere came around the corner a few minutes after Burkie had arrived there.
"Of my... MEDIC!"
A Medic examined the Ensigns as Daramere and security officers went into Koras's Quarters. They found Koras prepped for Combat in an almost animal rage.
"Who attacked you?"
"You're not going to..."
"WHO?"
"Wesley."
"WHAT?! He's in the brig!"
The medic opened the door and announced that Dednow was dead. Killed in the same way as the Cardasian and Guards, but that Waldar was still alive.  Barely.
"I am going to take him to help him recover."
"I will need to ask him some questions ASAP."
"Only when I think he's ready though."
Daramare turned back to Koras, when the Communicator beeped.
"Hey.. Daramere this is Sela's Son. Your Assistant just told me to tell you that a little before the attack and a little after the attack the Cameras and the doors to the brig did not respond. Repeat, did not respond... No input from the Cameras and the doors were locked."
"What's going on here?" Daramere yelled. "Why would Wes be doing this?! Did he say anything interesting?"
"Only that he'd make sure the Peace Process failed."
"Why would he want that? Koras please come with me... I do have some questions to asked and I will need this area cleared while it's investigated."

A Few hours later Daramere looked up at the console. He was tired. To much confusion, and way to much going on.
"Sir, here is the report from the crime scene."
Transfering the info on the Padd to the screen he let the others see it. He decided to let Sela's Son and a few of his advisors to assist here, but not on one of Sela's Son's Warbirds... even if that particular ship did have good scientific facilities.
[ Evidence found:
DNA: NONE
CELLS: NONE
FABRICS: 24th Century Starfleet Uniforms
ENERGY TRACES: Starfleet Type 2 Class Phaser
]

Wes, now under constant guard was in a more secure cell. Something was going on, and Daramere didn't like it. He hopes the Commodore wasn't involved, but it sure didn't look that way. Sela's Son seemed to feel the same way. Even his First Officer, and Tal Shiar Officer, and Personall Advisor (Codenamed) Burpo the Clown, why t hat codename few knew and/or wanted to know.
"Sir we found a few more victims from during the 'Security Blackout' floating in space"
Daramere turned over to here the bad news.
"2 Romulans, and a Bajoran."
"Any of the Romulans from my ships?" Sela's Son inquired.
"We'll need you to Identify them, please come this way."
Sela's Son and company left to identify the Romulan victims. Daramere hoped that Sela's Son hadn't lost close friends.
"What was found near the airlocks?"
"The Same as the others. Wes would leave DNA, Cells, etc behind wouldn't he?"
"Well the few things going for him is the Artifical hair. The uniform doesn't go either way because of the other two victims. Using his traveler powers he might have been able to cover it up somewhat.. but not entirely. So the uniform would be left behind as it could lead to any starfleet personell, or those related to them. So if that was left behind it wouldn't point at him directly. Also if Wes did attack Koras, and Koras heard correctly wearing a starfleet uniform rather then Civ clothes would lead to disruption of the peace process. Now, the first two murders did have a 20/21st Century Cloth behind. Who do we know that has those clothes... no one that I know."
Daramere stopped recording. While informing the guard he had recorded this so he could review it later. Just as he was about to return to his work Sela's Son walked in.
"They're both from my ships. Neither of them Tal Shiar, but still important personell for the Astrophysics labs."
"I'm sorry Sels."
"I will request that a shuttle or a ship be sent to return the remains to Romulus ASAP."
"As soon as they can be sent, I will allow it. By the way I've reduced the list of Wierd thigs you've done to anything that fits the situation"
[
Destalizing orbit of Artificial Satelite of a species that was very small and no longer inhabiting the planet.
Expandable Ensign (on many of our behalfs to, but methods count here)
Toilet falling from high up.
Spaced and had a mannekin in a hitchhiker getup with sign labeled "Earth" orbit Kedanya.
Spacing of a Toilet which was immediatley blasted by Command ship when far enough away from Kedanya
Plus a few other choices ]

"Hey... I think I know what might be going on!" Proclaimed Sela's Son.

**KEDANYA - PIZMAN'S DIPLOMATIC QUARTERS**

Pizman lay on his bed, wondering what would happen next. Wes had told him that he didn't like people who lied to him, but that he would allow this to continue as long as necessary. However, once they had finished, he was to send them back to their proper time. Pizman had immediately agreed with the plan, as that was his plan anyway. This didn't prevent him from other sanctions.
He'd also gotten news that an attempt on the false Koras's life had just taken place only a few hours ago, and that Wes was the prime suspect. In the aftermath, two of his best ensigns had been killed. One had died immediately, the other had died of level 5 phaser burns a few hours later. On his deathbed, he'd mumbled something about "the plastic Wes". Sela's Son had been unusually pensive when he heard that, but Pizman assumed that it had something to do with Wes turning killer all of a sudden.
Pizman sighed. He had to figure out what was going on before—
The sound of his door opening interrupted his thoughts. He couldn't make that person out, but that could soon be taken care of.
He called out, "Li—"
But before he could complete the order, a phaser beam struck the other pillow.
Quickly, he rolled off the bed...

This target wasn't as agile as the Klingon, but he was dodging the phaser fire quickly enough. He had rolled off the bed as soon as he'd figured out what was happening. Soon after, he'd managed to hit a light switch, then had ducked into a closet.
Burkie smiled. This would be an easy target.
He opened the closet and...
No one was there.
Impossible. Surely he had escaped through a secret hatch. There was no way he could have just vanished.
He frantically looked through the closet, but there was no evidence of a hidden door. Finally, he gave up and decided to go for someone who wouldn't be so elusive...

As the mannequin left, Pizman smiled. Now they had a way to trace the killer. Turning off his phasing device, he quickly called Security, on a scrambled channel.
"Security. Daramere here. What is it?"
"I think there's a way we can track the killer now. Set scans to look for a chroniton field, at 437.32 megahertz."
Daramere sounded puzzled. "Why?"
Pizman took a deep breath. This would require some explaining. "I was attacked in my quarters. I ducked into the closet, found my utility belt, and phased. While he was looking for me, I checked around him to see if there was something controlling Wes. Instead...let's just say that's not Wes. It's an impostor."
Daramere responded, "But the impostor would have left evidence...oh, wait. I remember Sela's Son telling me about a mannequin he spaced a few years ago, and said it was significant. I didn't make the connection until just now."
"Exactly. I was about to say this Wes was not even a person. Now let's get scanning for that signature. Oh, and let Wes out, for goodness sake, after making sure that IS Wes you're holding in the cell."
"Well, I don't take orders except from my immediate superiors, but I'll pass it on to them ASAP. That fine?"
"That'd be great, provided it's done quickly."
"Best I can do. Security out."
Pizman turned to go back to bed...and found that he couldn't, not so soon after that sort of thing...
He showered, dressed in his traditional uniform, and went to the Mall to see if he could find a place to sit and think.

**KEDANYA - MAIN SECURITY OFFICE**

As Daramere closed the line, he quickly put in an early wake-up call for all senior officers, plus a log of the call he'd just received from one of the Carjan delegates. It was the end of his shift, and it would be best to leave the office for now.
He waited for one of the ensigns (not nameless) to relieve him, then he walked down to his quarters.
As he entered, he felt a blow to his head. He knew no more.

**KEDANYA - SICKBAY**

The cause of Daramere's death was determined to be a broken neck - the same as the two in the Lounge, as well as the Cardassian, and one of Pizman's security officers.
Sela's Son was now extremely concerned. If a major delegate were killed now....

**DIPLOMATIC AREA**
Pizman went to Sela's Son's Quarters to inform him as well. He had to leave his quarters so the security teams could investigate. More Security Guards were present with the murders, and attempted murders. Upon arriving Three Elite Tal Shiar Guards moved and aimed Disruptor Rifles at him.
"Identify Yourself." Comamnded Telak
"I am Captain Pizman of the Relmaz"
"Proceed, but you will be subervised by one of the guards inside." The guard nodded.
Pizman stepped inside. He immediatley noticed about 10 Penguins, wearing a device that allowed them to stand the heat, waddeling around. The Guard immediatly stood next to Pizman and walked in stride with Pizman.
"Yes?" Sela's Son exited Wearing some sort of device on his head, and a drink in his hand.
"The Senior heads have delayed the meeting tell they can find out why the metting was called. Sence Daramere was killed RotaRa was made Temporary Security chied The murderer isn't Wes. She/he/It's not even carbon based."
Sela's Son nodded, and took a sip from his drink.
"I know. I did hear Daramere was killed. By the way are you sure you don't want some Romulan Root Ale? It has a similar taste to Romulan ale, but isn't alcoholic."
"Maybe later. RoTaRa is now in temporary command of Security until... until a replacement is found" Pizman informed Sela's Son. Pizman obviously was not happy with the word "Replacement"
"I think it might be the mannekin of the hitchiker that I spaced a few years ago. Are you SURE it wasn't a changling?"
"Quite sure. Altough hard to break as we can till.
"The Contuing Commitee Recalled Senator Letant as he was to important to lose to murder. I've now replaced him as the Romulan Delegate. I have with me my Tal Shiar bodyguards and my close advisors who are also guarded."
"Maybe we should have Starfleet Security guard you as well then"
"I've requested that they only guard me when I'm outside my quarters. My Tal Shiar bodyguards are Loyal to me, and the Star Empire."
"By the way, I left my phasing Signature on the imposter so he could be located."

**SECURITY OFFICE**
RoToRa begain reviewing the logs 3 hours before Daranere's death. Using his Sensors he also made sure nobody surprised him either. RoTpRa found the last log Daramere had made.
"Security log, supplemental. Chief Daramere recording.
I've answered a strange call coming from the diplomatic quarters. One Pizman, a Carjan delegate, had apparently been attacked, but had managed to elude his foe. He tells me that the attacker was disguised as Wesley Crusher, but was an impostor that was made out of artificial materials. He insists that the killer can be tracked by scanning for chroniton radiation at a certain frequency. I don't know how he came up with this, but this lead seems as good as any. I've called a meeting of all senior officers for 0800 hours tomorrow, an hour before the talks are scheduled to resume. I've also recorded the conversation with the delegate, and logged it for later access. End log entry."
RoToRa accessed the Conversation, and scanned for the signature.

**BREEN DIPLOMATIC QUARTERS**
Burkie, in his disguise fired a level 5 beam from each of his phasers, the highest setting without setting off sensors, at Thor Rog. Not instantly killing the Breen, it certainly overheated it and may have cracker it. Firing both Phasers again to make sure, Burkie started to leave. Suddenly Burkie Swirled and dodged an attack by Lam. Lam fought bravely, but was badly injured. Burkie quickly left.

**SECURITY OFFICE**
RoTaRa Jumped from his seat... the possible Imposter was heading towards Captain Barclay's Quarters!

**Capt Barclaty's Quarters**
Cpt. Barclay (2K) was going through the Replicator trying to find a Desirable Alien Food. He heard his door open, but before he could say anything a hand cupped around his mouth. He heard his captor speak in Wes's voice that he would cooperate or else. Barclay not being a fool chose to cooperate
"Cpt. Barclay you and I are going to a hiding place."
Burkie and Barclay left the quarters and headed towards Burkie's hiding place where Burkie had set up an area that would not reveal him(a large are, plus a few other areas as well to ward off searchers). Burkie put Cpt. Barclay 2k in a forcefield that had a a special device. If the device was tampered with, or if the Forcefield was shutoff the Decive would Kill Capt Barclay. The Forcefield also prevented Transporter activity. Only Burkie could go in or out.
"Capt. Barclay do mess with the device, or you will die. Do not attempt to escape or else. If they try to beam you out or deactivate the Forcefield you will also be,... well.. eliminated." Burkie warned
"What about food?"
"I might bring some. The forcefield will now prevent any soundwaves from escaping. If someone finds you they will recive and audio warning, In Wes's Voice"
"How is..." Cpt. Barclay 2k could no longer be heard by outside forces. Burkie went off to another abandoned section to work on his project. Inside was Transdimensional communicator. Burkie went to the anel and activated it.
A Grizzled Sela's Son came to view. Altough this Alt Sela's Son had a smooth forhead and was for the most part.. Vulcan. Sense the Vulcans never Split, the Romulans never existed.
"Captain." Burkies Saluted.
Alt Vak Tskej stepped behind Alt Sela's son and smiled. Sela's Son put his arm around her's and smiled.
"How is the mission coming?"
"Well, soon we I will be able to capture the Sa'toth, your mirror selves ship."
"Good," AltSela's Son hugged the Alt Vak Tskej. "My Dear we will soon have a Powerfull ship to fight the Alliance with. I shall then ascend to be leader of the New Terran Empire with the Alliance under it's feet, with you as my queen."
"We'll also have cloaking technology, why stop with them when we can control the quadrant?"
"Berkie! How long till you can steal the Sa'toth?"
"Sela's Son is beaming many of his crew from that ship aboard has extra body guards for the Diplomats... and as a shore leave. I will beam over there, right away."
"Good. Sela's Son out"
The channel closed and Burkie stepped to a room and changed his disquise to Sela's Son. He then beamed over to the Sa'toth.

**SA'TOTH**
The few crew aboard were located and killed by Burkie. Burkie made his way to the bridge.
"Captai..." Burpo Jr. Was cut off by a Disruptor Blast.
One of the crew went for his Disruptor, but was killed.
After killing off the skeleton crew Burpo went to the Engineering Console and typed in a few comands.

**KEDANYA BRIDGE**
RoTaRa still trying to figure out where the Psuedo Wes went glared at the screen.
"Oh my Que..."
A Dimesional Rift opened.. and a Romulan Warbird Decloaked the Sa'toth, Sela's Son's command ship, entered the rift and disapeared. RoTaRa ran to the Science station. He immediatly knew where it had gone.... the Mirror Universe. Suddenly the com blinked.
A now free Wes entered when the viewscreen came to life.
"Greetings. I am Berkie the Evil. Two or Three years ago I was spaced by Sela's Son. I am an artificial life form made to look like a mannekin. I have Capt Barclay hidden. My captain, Sela's Son, wants the conference to fail in this universe as it will foil his wishes to conquer this universe. Capt Barclay is hidden, and if you attempt to save him or beam him then he will be killed. It will also kill him IF the peace confrence succeeds. Berkie out"
Wes stared, along with everyone else, at the screen.
"Get Sela's son, Pizman, and Lazarus Long on the line. We need a plan. Also tell Sela's Son about his ship."

**SELA'S SON'S QUARTERS**
Sela's Son trembled... The Sa'toth... Captured? It was an Enanced D'Deridex Class Warbird. One ship being lost is one thing, but still. Anyone escape?"
"No," Janor shook his head. "They're presumed dead. Along with Burpo Jr."
Burpo dropped his head.
"The Shum'ma will be my new command ship. Transfer what's needed"
"Sir, Wes requests you in the meeting Room. Now."

***Kedanya***
Koras was wondering what was going on... he got shot at, and now was going to be asked some questions... and how much longer would it take the civilization to arive here...

***USS civilization***
M'Red ordered yellow alert. strange things where happening. Koras left to Kedanya for a diplomatic mission, and said he wouldn't need back-up, since he could handle himself pretty well... and now he is requesting assistance because he is being held somewhere. he just hoped that Gow'rath would come out of coma pretty soon (not very likely, because he has been in coma for over 3 weeks now...)
"clark, how much longer until we are within range of Kedanya?" he asked the helm officer. "2 hours, 43 minutes, sir.". great. almost 3 hours longer.

Alt Sela's Son smiled, he had the Sa'toth.  "Phase cloak, cloak, holodeck and other enhancments."
Alt Sela's Son's wife Alt Vak Tskej went over the scematics enhanced by far as well. "A Docking bay large enough for raiders and inteceptors."
Sela's Son smiled and said "Berkie, you will take the Romulan shuttle back to the other side where you'll continue to disrupt the confrence."
Berkie went to the Shuttle and departed for the Mirror universe of the Mirror Universe. Berkie knew that Sela's Son would now command the Sa'toth. Berkie also knew his only reason for existence, and he was about to complete that. Capturing the Sa'toth was a victory for the Rebellion (or Empire according to alt Sela's Son).
Alt Sela's Son would not interfere again, until he had his Universe. Berkie opened the Dimesnional Rift.

**SELA'S SON'S QUARTERS**
"Yes Proconsul."
Sela's Son closed the communications screen. He was no under orders to prevent the recovery of the Sa'toth. It wasn't a large loss as it was due for a refit, but the Romulan Government was not interested in being invloved with the Mirror Universe. The Senate had sent Sela's Son a new Ship. The Sa'toth II, fitted with the most advanced technology.

**DOCKING RING**
Undetected the Romulan Shuttle docked, and Berkie was to capture or kill Sela's Son. Disguised as Burpo Jr. he would make it possible for Alt Sela's Son to infiltrate in his place.

**HALLS**
Sela's Son on his way to meet Wes, and some others feared if 'Berkie' came back he may have to confront She/He/It, and he may not win that one. He was also distressed by Burpo Jr's Death. After all this, he should have a ceremony for all those who died during the confrences. He then entered the meeting room.

Earth - 2000AD - San Fransisco

LL(2.4K) started to walk down the slope towards San Fransisco. CB and Koras immediately followed.

"Where are we going?" Koras asked.

LL stoped. "I. Am going into the city to locate the DTI representitive. They have a permanent base in Frisco, and they leave messages in Time capsules. I'm going to locate the time capsules, and add a message for the DTI to come and pick us up. Simple."

Cap. Braclay (2.4K) stepped forward. "I'll come to. Koras would attract to much attention, and we can cover each other's back."

Koras mumbles somehting about honour, but agreed.

LL and CB started to jog into Frisco, searching for the future.

"So that's how it stands right now." Wes grimly sat at the head of the table, after presenting the information. "Any suggestions?"
Sela's Son shook his head. "The Romulan Empire doesn't to get involved with the mirror universe. They're sending me an even more powerful warbird - the Sa'Toth II."
"Sirs." All heads turned to Lazarus Long (2K). "I must respectfully submit that Captain Barclay has been too instrumental in these peace talks to ignore."
Pizman nodded. "Battles have been won or lost on the presence or absence of one man, or one ship. And Captain Barclay, in my mind, qualifies as the sort of man that would be pivotal in this sort of situation."
Wesley nodded. Even though this Captain Barclay was a phony, he was close enough to the real thing to be important.
"Ensign Smith to Commodore Crusher."
Wes tapped his badge. "Go ahead."
"We've detected an unusual reading with the sensors at docking port 9. The docking clamps are engaged, but there is no ship there. Should I release them, sir?"
Wes was about to reply, when suddenly Sela's Son broke in with "No! There might be a cloaked ship docked there."
Wes turned to Pizman. "Can you verify this?"
Pizman thought a moment. "Pizman to Solek. Aim an active tachyon beam at Kedanya's docking port #9."
A moment later, Solek had a reply. "Something's deflecting the beam. Probably a cloaked vessel."
"Thank you. I think it'd be a good idea to see what that ship is."

**FRISCO, YEAR 2000**

"It's not here." Lazarus Long (2.4K) was shocked when he reached the center of town. "The Temporal Investigations office isn't here."
"Maybe it wasn't here at this time," postulated Captain Barclay (2.4K). "I didn't think they started their operations before the year 2025."
"No, it started long before that. How could..." Lazarus was speechless.
Captain Barclay was tossing an old 21st century earth coin in boredom. Once, his toss got away from him, went 8 feet forward...and suddenly came back as if it had bounced off something.
Laz noticed this. "Wha..." he said, comprehension dawning. Quickly, he picked up the coin and threw it as hard as he could. Part of the air wavered, a sizzling sound was heard, and the coin bounced back again. "Of course. That explains it. We've blundered into a holographic simulation. The coin's bouncing off the wall of the holodeck."
Captain Barclay quickly yelled, "Computer! End program!" Nothing happened. "Arch!" Still nothing happened.
Laz grunted. "Our captors are smarter than that. We'll have to find some other way out."

*Begin Commercial*

Zoom in rapidly to a Penguin.
"HEY! YOU!"
Penguin waddles up.
"DON'T JUST STAND THERE MAN! GO TO THE DRIVE IN FOOD STATION ON THE FED/ROM BORDER! Drive up in your Defiant or D'Deridex class warbird and we'll beam the food right to your bridge! Eat there Today!"
Penguin waddles away.

**WE NOW RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM**

Sela's Son was lonely. Escorted by two of his Elite Tal Shiar bodyguards he inspected the Sa'toth II. What remained of the "Sa'toh I" Crew would be serving aboard this ship, as the skelaton crew that brought the Sa'toth II here was the same size of the on lost.
Sela's Son beamed back to Kedanya, and headed for the lounge which was busy with most of the delegates and visitors. Sela's Son sat back in the couch and shut hiseyes, he was lonely and tired. Then he heard something...

***Holodeck, running 21st century program***
Koras spoke to Barclay after they'd returned. "don't waste any effort. in a few hours, the civilization will be here. I am sure they will find a way out for us. in the meantime, whe'll have to enjoy ourselves here," he said, as he grinned and looked around.

***Uss Civilization***
a device beeped at the helm. "sir, we are within range of kedanya station."

Suddenly, the comdevice beeped. the EMH in sickbay. "Sickbay to bridge. commander gow'rath has awakened. I informed him of the situation, and he left before I could stop him." M'Red, acting captain while Koras was away, suddenly saw the turbolift doors open, and the big klingon stepped out. "commander", M'Red spoke, "we are currently doing our best to get the captain back. for now, I would like you in the place you used to have next to Koras, as first officer."

"Very well." Gow'rath looked at the helm. "We are within range. I suggest hailing that station."

M'Red sat down, and seconds later, gow'rath did the same. "Comm, hail Kedanya station", M'Red said. moments later, the image of Kedanya OPS appeared.

"This is commander M'Red of the USS Civilization. we recieved a distress call from our captain, in this area. we know he his there somewhere, and we would like to get him back."

Behind him, kara zuma was working at the science station, when he noticed something. he nodded to gow'rath. "sir, there has been a recent time-shift in this area. I also pick up tachyon particles, like they are trying to find a cloaked ship or something. strange things are going on here, sir.

M'Red also heard what the science officer said, but decided to await the answer before going to alert.

Holosimulation of Frisco, 2000AD

Lazarus paced back and forth, recalling everything he knew about holotech. Started as VR in the late 20th century Earth, ignored for a few years aftre Kahn. Richard Daystrom created the first true hologram in the early 24th century. Enough twith history. Holodeck. Escape from. The termination program wasn't working. Well, not in English as Barclay had tried. Perhaps...

47 languages later all Laz had to show for it was a sore throat. Koras was pacing pack in forth in this cage, well, like a caged klingon. CB was looking at the hologram itself. Tossing stuf around, attempting to find the edges of the holodeck. Laz already figured out it was a square. How to get out.

Kirk's trick won't work. Throwing someone at the edge of the holodeck, and hoping they would leave the hologram, but stay on the holodeck. That trick was old and wouldn't work.

Laz called out to his fellow captives. "I'm going back to the cave, see if there is anything in there that we can learn about or cobble together. Who'll stay here just in case?"

"I will." Koras said.

Koras was pacing the simulation. all efforts he did to get the simulation didn't work. someone made some prevention to him using his command codes. hopefully, the civilization would find a way to get him out.

All of the sudden, he saw a shudder in the hologrid, and saw those gold lines appeared. he smiled. the holodeck was malfunctioning. shudders were coming more frequently. the holodeck would have to been restarted to get it working again. and in the time it was down, he would use the arch to get out of here.

Everyone gasped. Burpo Jr, stepped forward. Suddenly Sela's Son stood up. He had his Disruptor just in case, as well as a hidden palm disruptor where he could access it if need be. Burpo stared, as did everyone else. Sela's Son however raised an eyebrow.
"What happened?" Sela's Son inquired
"You, or someone who looked like you, attacked the skelaton crew and the bridge. I was able to beam to the shuttle bay and escaped while the ship was still cloaked. Someone, or something wanted the Sa'toth."
Sela's Son un-romulanly raised an eyebrow.

**BRIDGE**
"Sir, It's a Romulan shuttle," RoTaRa Reported. "it also has signature traces of going through at least two dimensional rifts."
Wes frowned. This was odd, some of Sela's Son's crew might have escaped, but they were probably Tal Shiar... they'd have escaped sooner then that, or they'd at least know what was going on.

**LOUNGE**
Burkie had to stop from smiling, his disguise was working! Alt Sela's Son would be proud, he was the master of Mannekins(and Armadillos, Chickens, and kitchen sinks) like this Sela's Son is the master of Clowns (Penguins, Cows, and toilets to.) Pizman, saw the Burpo Jr. Something wasn't right. Something wasn't right

**SA'TOTH II**
Janor walked to the science station. The Science officer, a Minbari, gave a report similar to RoTaRa's. The Romulans may not mess with the Mirror Universe, but they had minor contacts with another Universe. Janor decided on his course of action. "Beam a Minbari, a Narn and two Tal Shiar guards to protect Sela's Son and make sure it is the REAL Burpo Jr.

Unfortunately, the program was still far too active to reveal where the arch was. Koras grunted. So much for that plan.
Suddenly, Lazarus Long had an idea. One last time, he threw the coin against the invisible wall and watched it bounce back. About seven feet away. It just might work.
He called for the others. "Guys, get over here. I want you to throw me against that wall over there." He pointed at a section that was relatively intact, and had open air. "Make sure that you do it while I'm still standing. I'll help you by giving a spring-start, but not one that the program can compensate with. Don't even touch me until I say 'go'." He waited as the two positioned themselves on either side. "Ready? One...two...three...GO!"
The two swiftly grabbed Laz as he jumped for the wall. The help of his two friends put him a little off-balance, and he hit the wall hard. That's got to leave a mark, he thought.
When he finally got up, he saw a strange sight. It was as if he were between a yellow grid wall and a translucent screen showing a cave.
With a start, he realized that he had done something he hadn't intended. He'd hoped to use Kirk's trick to shatter some of the OHDs on the wall, but he hadn't done much of good a job at that. Instead, though, he had ended up behind the simulation.  Kirk's trick had worked perfectly after all—must be inferior holo-technology.
This would be good. He carefully went for the arch, which was on the same wall. He reached it, turned off the program, and opened the door.
They were free. The question was, what to do next?

They were walking out of the holodeck. "wait guys, I think I have an idea. whatch out if no-one's coming." koras went back into the holodeck, and accessed the console there.

"What are you doing?", barclay asked.
"I am trying to get into the computer, to access sensor data..."
"How could you possibly be able to do that?..."
"I was studiying system management before I was brought here... and this system looks very much like windoze... how rusty it may be, I can access it... there, I'm in."

Koras looked at the readings for a while, and finally found what he was looking for. signs of a federation vessel. extra readings gave the information that it was the civilization.

"Good. now I need to access their internal com-system.... there, another hit."

Koras cleared his troat before doing what he was about to do. "koras to civilization. do you recieve this?"

A very surprised sound came back. "we do, captain.", came a klingon's voice back. probably gow'rath, but as far as koras knew, he was in coma..."were are you. captain?"
"I don't know. I am using the arch of a holodeck. you can probably find out were I am sending from. but who am I talking to?"
"I don't know what happened to you, but I am gow'rath. we have your position, and beaming you out."
"no! wait! please beam down here, with 3 security personel and yourself. I need some questions to be answered."
"very well. I'll be there as soon as possible."

RoToRa was sitting in his office. Due to the recent circumstances, there had been numerous requests from many of the diplomats for increased security. He had been able to get the guards to pull "duty-and-a-half" (that is, pull 12 hours of duty instead of the usual 8) so they'd be able to cover more ground, as it were, without sacrificing sleep.
RoToRa sighed. Once he was done with this, he'd have more respect for the stresses of security.
A small beep eminated from his security console. A possible intruder? Weapons violation? He walked over to have a look.
What he saw surprised him. "A chroniton signature of 437.32 megahertz," he said, surprised. Position: inside the Lounge. He quickly activated the comm system. "RoToRa to Pizman."
A squeal came back from the speakers. Something was jamming the dispatch. "RoToRa to maintainence." Static.
Looks like he'd have to investigate himself. He told one of the security guards to run to maintainence to get someone to clear the comm system. Taking a couple security guards along, he swiftly made his way to the Lounge. It might be nothing, but it didn't hurt to try looking.

**RELMAZ - BRIDGE**

"Commander Solek, I've lost contact with Kedanya." Mendock was on his board, trying to find a clear channel.
Solek turned to him. "Source of interference?"
"That's just it. I can't locate it. It appears to be a jamming signal from the general vicinity. It's jamming both communications and sensors. I can't even be sure the intercom will work."
Solek raised one eyebrow. "Have a team of security guards beam to the captain's last known location."
"That would be the Lounge, sir," confirmed Feldar after a quick check.
"Sorjen, run down to Security with those orders." Solek sat back down in the center chair.
"But why don't we just contact—oh. The jamming." Mendock's objection died before it surfaced. "I'll keep trying," he said as he turned back to his console.

**KEDANYA - LOUNGE**

As Sela's Son and Burpo Jr. continued making conversation, Pizman stood to one side. Something was very wrong here. Very wrong. He couldn't put his finger on it...yet.
He excused himself a moment, then moved to a quiet corner of the Lounge, then hit his badge. "Pizman to Relmaz."
The noise that erupted from his badge caused him to reflexively hit it again, cutting the noise off. He tried again. "Pizman to Relmaz." More static.
His suspicions were galvanized. Now he knew something was wrong. He walked out of the corner. He was about to say something to the others, but something stopped him. If whoever had jammed the signal was in this room...

Reunion - Cargo Bay

Lazarus Long, (2K)woke up, and almost screamed in horror.

Why? He didn't know.

He rolled out his hammock, and fell to the floor. 'That's got to leave a mark.' he thought to himself. He brushed himslef off, and pulled out a fresh set of clothes. There were no official diplomatic meetings today, so he dresed hiself in a more caual style. On impulse, he added a black trenchcoat, and strapped LL(2.4K)'s sword into it's sheath. He practiced with it last night and found that it was an excellent piece of work.

First stop: The lounge.

Holodeck - Any place, any Time.

Lazarus looked at Koras. "Problem?"

Koras looked back. "Yes. It appears there is some sort of jamming. It's blocking my call, and many other things." He stopped for a moment. "I need to get to a real com panel. Where?"

CB called out from the end of the hall. "Lazarus, Koras, I think you need to see this..." There was an ominus edge to his voice.

2 Romulans and two aliens of different species (Narn, Minbari) beamed aboard. The leader tapped the Romulan symbol (The Combadge) and tried to contact Sela's Son.
"Centurian Jan to Sela's Son."
A Squell of static broke over the intercom. The four looked at each other. They checked thier disruptors and headed for the lounge.

**LOUNGE**
Sela's Son and Burpo Jr headed to a corner where they wouldn't be heard (but could be seen). Pizman noticed something wrong with Burpo Jr.

"That's odd...Commander, I think you should have a look at this." Mendock was pointing to his sensor display.
Solek looked unconvinced. "I thought the sensors were whited out by the jamming effect."
"Not completely. Certain exotic radiation signatures are still readable, even through such interference. In this case, I'm reading a chroniton signature of 472.32 megahertz—the interference pattern emitted by the captain's utility belt when the phasing device is on."
Solek suddenly recalled that Pizman had 'marked' the mannequin with that signature. The mannequin had supposedly disappeared, but..."Sorjen, tell Security to send someone else to the Lounge with a message. The message...Kedanya has an intruder aboard."

**KEDANYA - LOUNGE**

All three sets of guards arrived in the Lounge at the same time, interrupting everyone in their conversations.
Wes was the first to speak. "Something wrong, gentlemen?"
Ensign Eidotgniog, from the Carjan security team, was the first to speak. "We noticed a strange jamming effect that was preventing us from contacting our captain."
Wes experimented with his own badge. "Crusher to Security." Static. "I see, errr, hear what you mean," he commented, tapping his badge again and shutting the noise off.
"There's something else peculiar, Commodore," continued RoToRa, with the Kedanya security team. "Although most of our sensors were whited out, we detected a strange chroniton signature from the lounge. It seems to be consistent with an energy signature reported to Daramere by Pizman—associated with a certain intruder," he continued dangerously.
Suddenly Eidotgniog looked around. "Hey! Where is Captain Pizman anyway?"
Sure enough, Pizman wasn't in the room. But while they were all confused, Burpo Jr. suddenly drew a pair of disruptors and killed all the security teams. Or would have, except RoToRa and the Romulan team were able to make a run for it.
A security officer appeared in the middle of the lounge. Fortunately, he had the sense to flee at the sight of the raving lunatic with the phasers.
Now the only people in the room were Sela's Son, Wes, and Burkie. "Now you are my hostages. It seems my plan has to change now. You are useful to me now...but when this is over, you two...won't quite be yourselves." As he said this, he smiled wickedly.
Little did he know, however, that there were more than three people in the room...

I knew it, Pizman thought to himself. I've got to get out of this room and warn everyone of his plan. If I've heard this correctly, he's going to get away, and in the process, he's going to kill them both, replace Wes himself, and have Alt Sela's Son replace him, possibly. His cover is blown, so he may have to take some desperate action. Once again, his cloaking device had saved him. But now, he had to get out of the room. If he switched to his phasing device, they wouldn't be able to track the chroniton field.
Where there's a will, there's a way, he thought. He looked around the room. Aha. A nice little access tube opening, safe from prying eyes. He quickly, but quietly, opened the access tube. He then slipped inside, closing the tube behind him. Now, where to go. He thought about Security, but they might not understand the situation, at least not completely. At least Lynbil, RoToRa, and the Romulans got away, he thought. He needed someone who could think of what they could do. Someone who had a unique perspective on things. Someone -
Of course! he thought. And with that, he made his way to the cargo bay.

Berkie searched Wes and Sela's Son. Berkie removed Wes's Phaser, and Sela's Son Disruptor. Sela's Son was glad he didn't lose his palm disruptor. Berkie then barked an order and took them to one of his "Safe Spots". where the sensors wouldn't locate them. Berkie took them to one of the ones the Barclay (2k) wasn't in. Berkie had this area secure. He prepared for what was next.

**JEFFERIES TUBES**
Jan and Doketh (the Two Tal Shiar Security officers), Vendrimi (the Minbari), and G'kolt (the Narn) watched the situation. They prepared themselves to attack when the time was right.
Jan the leader spoke quietly "We need to rescue him."
"Of course, why is he trying to kidnap him?" Doketh followed up.
While the Romulans discussed the situation the Narn and the Minbari looked at each other.
"G'kolt how are we going to outfight thist thing?"
"Maybe we can't. We might have to outhink it."
"In Valaan's name." Vendrimi noted.

As Sela's Son's guards conversed, they heard the sound of someone crawling through the access tubes. Each of them looked one way in a nearby intersection.
No one saw anything, but they did hear a gasp come from the intersection with Jan.
And then, whoever it was suddenly appeared.
All the disruptors came out. "Don't shoot!" whispered the newcomer fiercely. Whoever it was had a strange yellow complexion. "I'm here to help you."
Vendrimi decided to test this man's word. He took out a small object and pushed a button. The object suddenly extended to a long pikestaff. The Minbari took a quick, delicate swipe at the newcomer's arm.
"Ouch!" the strange man exclaimed. He moved his arm to examine it. It now had a long, though fortunately not deep, yellow-green gash in it—proof enough that this was not a mannequin but a real person. He seemed about ready to go off on them...then calmed down. "In retrospect, it'd be natural to assume I wasn't who I appeared to be," he commented.
More shuffling. "Someone's coming!" And the man vanished again.
This time, whoever-it-was was visible from a greater distance. He seemed to stop a ways out, and then the strange man reappeared next to him. Then they continued forward.
"He's all right," the yellow man whispered to the rest when they got there. "I did my own test." At this, he rapped on the other man's arm. Definitely not plastic resin.
Jan looked him over. "I'd like to see how you manage that trick of yours."
"I'll discuss it with you later. Right now we've got to free Commodore Crusher and your captain from the clutches of that mannequin. Any ideas?"
For about half a minute, no one answered. Then, suddenly, the man in black raised a finger. "I have an idea..."

**KEDANYA - BLIND SPOT 1**

"There. This should be enough to sustain you." Burkie had just served Captain Barclay (2K) what looked like a lumpy mess. It looked like something that came out of those late 20th-century TV dinners.
Oh well, what the heck. He took a bite of the serving. Well, not the best he'd eaten, but not the worst either.
He was halfway through when a voice rang out. "Attention. This area is restricted. Do not enter." Wes's voice. He knew what that meant.
For a moment he was afraid Burkie would do something bad to him. Say, kill him.
Fortunately, Burkie had other motivations. "You stay here. The forcefield's at maximum charge. If you try to escape...you get fried." With that, he left.
Captain Barclay sighed. Hopefully they'd find him soon.

**KEDANYA - JUST OUTSIDE BLIND AREA**

Burkie growled. He'd kill whoever was trespassing in this area. Perhaps some stray mechanic or something like that.
He rounded a corner to see a pair of Romulans at the end. Security, by their look. They'd be no trouble. He rushed them and...
They vanished. Into nothingness. Just like that. What had just happened? How had they...
Suddenly a phaser burst came from behind, barely missing. He twisted around. Who had fired that...
Another blast, this time melting away some of the resin on the lower torso. Out of nowhere, like the last one.
Burkie knew there was no point in trying to track an invisible killer. Instead, took off down the nearest access tube.

He couldn't see anything, but he heard the phaser fire. He knew that the two Romulan holos had done their jobs in distracting Burkie, while Pizman had taken a position behind the mannequin, to, at worst, herd him away from the suspected prisons, and at best, stop the evil mannequin's exploits for good.
A knock. That meant that Pizman was passing. Laz Long counted off 10 seconds before opening the closed access door in front of him, and he made his way down the tubes to where he believed the missing people were.
An audio warning in Wes's voice. He was getting warmer. He crawled on.

**DOCKING PORT 9**

The invisible shooter was still behind him. But perhaps he could still get to his ship...
"Freeze!" someone shouted. Burkie couldn't believe his eyes. There were the two Romulans he'd failed to catch earlier, along with two strange aliens he'd never seen before. And they were blocking the port his ship was docked at.
He didn't take any chances. He plowed through the line like a defensive tackle on an old NFL team.
He heard gasps behind him, but he didn't care. He shut the airlock doors, and then began prepping the shuttle for launch.

Pizman slammed into the doors just as they slammed shut. No chance of catching the culprit now; by the time he could turn on his phasing device, the ship would be gone. He switched off the cloaking device and knelt over the wounded Romulan. It didn't look good.
Instinctively, he hit his commbadge. "Pizman to Sickbay," he called, then he belatedly remembered the jamming signal.
But then he heard a response. "Sickbay here. What is it?" And Pizman realized the jamming had stopped.
"Seriously wounded Romulan. He needs help now or he'll probably die."
"On my way. Bashir out."
He tried another signal. "Solek? You able to track the shuttle?"
"Negative. By the time we noticed the space-time rift opening, it was too late. I am...sorry." Solek seemed to struggle with the word.
"Never mind. It seems this little incident is over...for now."

Kedanya - Blind Spot 1
Lazarus (2K) wondered what he was doing. Advancing towards an unknown enemy stronghold, completely unprepared except for the sword he held in his right hand. He crawled along, hearing Wes's voice tell him to get lost. Although it was a little more polite than that. He almost hit the forcefield before he heard a voice telling him to stop.

CB looked at the newcomer. It wasn't his captor, or was it?

Sela's Son ran into the corridor, ignoring audio warnings in Wes's voice. Looking at the setup Sela's knew what to do. Sela's Son tore the panel off much to Laz's Surprise.
"Laz it's best you stand back. I know what I'm doing."
Laz(2k) Simply stepped back. This surprised Sela's Son. Sela's Son then pulled out a Romulan Tricorder. Sela's son pulled out something that looked like a little metalic pencil or pen. Sela's Son pressed a button.  A shock went out and activated the touch panel next to Barclay's Prison. Sela's Son immidiatley knew that he would be working with the Vulcan Language. He saw 3 selections: Feed, Lower Forcefield, or Kill. Sela's Son tried the feed option as the lower forcefield option would surely be rigged. Typing in a password "Burkie Jr." he got the forcefield to lower. Quickly grabbing Barclay's arm and pulling him out Sela's Son watched the Phaser fire after Barclay was out. Sela's Son then shouted "RUN!" The trio then ran into a nearby hallway and sealed the door behind them. Suddenly an explosion rocked the station.
"Laz?"
"Sels?"
"Mommy?" Added Barclay causing everyone to stare at him. Sela's Son got up and dusted himself off.
"I knew Berkie would have rigged the phaser to overload after the forcefield was lowered unless I typed in a password, obviously a different and harder to guess one. He obviously wanted to kill me, or anyone who tired to free Captain Barclay with the additional bonus of killing Captain Barclay to." From the size of the explosion it must have been several phaser and/or Disruptors. Maybe a few other explosives to."  "He probably wanted to kill you so your mirror self could infiltrate us and your crews. He' a member of the Terran Rebellion so he must want to steal ships and supplies to hel it. He may also be very ambitious."
"Momm... where am I? ooooooooogghhhhh what a headache."
"Sela's Son to sickbay. We have Capt Barclay you may wish to look at him. We're on our way."
Laz(2k), meanwhile, was informing the bridge what had happened.
Suddenly another, larger explosion rocked the station.
"AAUUUGG—OWWWW!"

**BRIDGE**
Klaxons blared, sirens whaled.
"Damage Report!" Mael demanded.
"First explosion damaged an abandoned section, easy to repair. Second SET of explosions was Pizman's diplomatic quarters, no casualties and minor damage; and one of the docking ports, minor damage and 2 dead ensigns."
"How long tell the areas are fully repaired?"
"5 Hours for full repairs. Abandoned area will take 4 hours, Pizman's quarters will take 5, and docking ports 3. That's assuming we split repair teams into three and send one a team to each section."

LATER. **CONFRENCE ROOM**
Sela's Son fished the presentation. The Tal Shiar now had a special branch that would monitor the Mirror Universe, and would inform other powers some of what they find to hopefully avoid incidents like this in the future. He also assured that the few Romulan Renegades that got away would not interefere with anyone again, and that they were being tracked by the Penguins Beak and Parliment of Dreams.

**SOMEPLACE ACCORDING TO THE (2.4k) Laz, Koras, and Cpt. Barclay**
"What is it?" Laz asked as he jogged over.
A hole in the holofield was seen. Through the hole they could see Romulan writing.
"Sela's Son?! He wouldn't do that."
Suddenly the ship rocked. "What the?!"

**OUTSIDE RENEGADE ROMULAN WARBIRD Draket**
The Parliment of dreams fired, aiming to disable. The Penguins beak swooped in and destroyed the cloaking device and weapons. The Penguins beak went between the double hulls long enough to beam some security troops aboard.

**DRAKET: BRIDGE**
The Renegade Captain was about to give the order for auto-destruct when suddenly, he vaporized. A fight had broken out on the bridge Romulan VS Romulan. Centurion vs. Centurion. Meanwhile...

**DRAKET OUTSIDE HOLOBRIG 2**
Elite Tal Shiar operatives opened up the holodeck and found Koras, Lazarus Long and Capt Barclay staring at them. Koras went into to strike, but was stopped by Laz. They departed and beamed over to the Penguins Beak.

**PENGUINS BEAK: BRIDGE**
Send on a secure channel to Sela's Son. "We've rescued our captured operatives and a few people that may be interesting.

**Sela's Son's Diplomatic quarters.**
Sela's Son nodded.
"Sir, what should we do with the Draket?"
"Tow it to our nearest starbase. They will repair it and have a crew standing by.  It is to be placed under my command. Good job, get some rest. Sela's Son out."
Sela's Son studied what he had been informed.  There were duplicated of three of the delegates. The three here may be copies. One he rescued, one was present at the rescue, and the third was attacked, but evaded death. Something was wrong.
"Sela's Son to Wes. Meet me in the confrence room, QUCIKLY."

Sela's Son entered Wes's ready room. Wes seemed strangely relaxed despite the urgency. "Yes?" he asked Sela's Son.
Sela's Son replied, urgently, "One of my starships has just located and recaptured one a rogue Warbird, formerly under my command. Aboard were three mediators for the diplomatic conference."
This intrigued Wes. "Who were they?"
"Lazarus Long, Captain Barclay, and Koras. The same three who disappeared, and then came back the day Pizman's ship reappeared from a temporal rift."
Wes looked oddly at Sela's Son. "Actually, Sela's Son, I knew the three brought in were impostors. I did not approve of the action taken, but the person who did this did it to save the conference, not to sabotage it."
Sela's Son's eyebrows shot up. "You knew?"
"Yes." Wes turned his head to an empty couch in the room. "It's all right, you can come out now."
Pizman appeared on the couch. I forgot he could do that, thought Sela's Son. Now some of the pieces fell into place. But not all of them....
As if Pizman could read his thoughts, he replied, "The people that I brought in to replace the mediators were carefully selected from an alternate past where Kedanya was little more than a concept, a virtual "meeting place" for other people. Each of them chose a name which corresponds to the names of the regular diplomats. I had to choose carefully, otherwise the treaty negotiations would not have gone as well as they had."
"And you chose well." A new, playful voice from the other corner of the room. A voice Wes and Pizman knew only too well.
"Q," they both sighed at the same time. This time, Q was in a Starfleet uniform, and had a human complexion.
"Congratulations, mon capitane. It seems you've passed the elaborate test that the Continuum laid out for you."
"You mean," Pizman stammered, "that this entire set of incidents was no more than a trial?"
"A particularly rewarding trial, for you and those involved with the treaty. But stay vigilant," he replied, flashing once to reappear as a Romulan Tal Shiar agent, "for the events that have passed these last few days will become significant in the months to come." And with that, Q vanished in another flash of light.
Wes turned to Pizman. "Now that the true diplomats are here, you have to take back the ones that you brought to the present."
Pizman nodded. "I understand perfectly."

**RELMAZ - BRIDGE**

"The three are aboard," came the report from sickbay. "And Captain Barclay seems to have recovered from his fright."
"Understood. Thank you, Doctor." Pizman looked around the bridge. No deception this time. No secrets that had to be kept. Everyone knew what was happening this time.
Pizman smiled and turned to Feldar. "Lieutenant, execute pattern McFly alpha."
"Aye sir." The rift opened before them. Concealed from Kedanya, of course, so the diplomats wouldn't get suspicious.
Pizman's smile faded. "Take us in."

**EARTH, 2000 AD**

Jon woke up in the shower room. He got up and walked over to the mirror. No signs of the implants that he'd had no more than 48 hours ago, subjective time.
Had it all been a dream? A hallucination of the future that could have been...and could still be?
He checked his watch. No more than a few minutes after he'd come in. And there'd still be time to go to the student union for a bite.
Jon walked into the building, and as he was searching through his pocket to look for his Student ID, his hand hit something hard.
He pulled it out. It was a metal badge, in the design of the Carjan leaf—the same badge that Pizman and all his crew had worn.
Having an idea about the badge, he moved to an out-of-the-way bench. That done, he pressed the badge once.
A voice came from it. Pizman's voice. "Hello, Laz, this is Pizman. I'm glad to see you've found my little souvenir. I'd just like you to know that thanks to your help, the negotiations are proceeding well. In fact, you very well have saved these negotiations. We on the Relmaz and on Kedanya can't thank you enough for that. Oh, and say hello to Koras and Captain Barclay for me when you get the chance. Pizman out."
Jon Berry looked the badge over again, then slipped it into his pocket and headed back to the union's cafeteria. He was still hungry, after all, and he might still be able to make that BAKA meeting.
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**THE END**