On The Edge

Kheren's Personal Log

Stardate: 88715.8

 

After intensive examination and testing, we have found and entire sabotage scheme aboard the Alsea.

Syntron detected hidden computer subroutines aimed at overtaking ship functions from encoded signals. Rogers found camouflaged nonstandard equipment capable of overpowering tactical systems. Sorripto discovered pre-programmed tamperings of ship functions. Jureth noted sensor alterations which would alter analysis of a situation. And I myself, testing through the holodeck, determined that the ship's standard tactical patterns in the computer had all been altered.

The entire USS Alsea had been turned into a lethal weapon someone even outside of her could aim with intent; that intent being causing death and destruction to maximum effect... with or without the crew's consent.

It took a whole week of almost round the clock work for Syntron to purge and reprogram the computer system; for Rogers to find and safely remove all alien hardware; For Sorripto to replicate and reinstall all corrupted systems; for Jureth to realign and test all sensors. For me to rewrite and secure all engagement programmings. I shudder at the idea that all Lotus Fleet ships might have been just as compromised. If so and unchecked in time, this will mean the fleet will be turned into a savage instrument of war that will leave no hope for peace.

And that weapon will be thrown at us first.

But that is for later. Now, thanks to my remarkable partners-in-crime's expert and dedicated efforts, the Alsea is now fully back under our complete control as we approach our next challenge: the great galactic barrier.

 

 

On the main viewer of the Alsea's bridge, a dark, empty void was slashed by a thick, hazy, swirling blue ribbon of sparkling energy getting wider as the ship approached it.

Kheren's deep yet soft voice broke the awed silence that filled the bridge.

'' The galactic barrier, Captain; the energy field encasing the entire Milky Way. Distance, ninety-five million kilometers and closing. Estimated contact at full impulse, ten point fifty-three minutes... mark. ''

The Andorian secured the tactical station before stepping next to the command chair.

''You and I have been here once; but we did not go through it. I must warn you; the intense EM fluctuations within will not only affect our systems, possibly incapacitate or even damage some, but also some members of the crew. And that would be me, Sir. Possibly Syntron as well.''

Oseno acknoledged the advisement with a nod.

"We have no medical staff aboard," he replied looking at both Kheren and Syntron in turn. "I have emergency medical training of course, as does Sorripto and Rogers, but none of us is an expert in either Andorian or Vulcan physiology. If there are any preparations we can make, any way to shield ourselves, even partially I am open to recommendations. I, and the Federation, cannot afford to lose either of you at this point." 

Kheren's antennae wobbled as his gaze went to the hypnotic display of light across the screen.

'' In my case, my senses will be overwhelmed by the electromagnetic fluctuations, which could cause anything from headaches to disorientation to even unconsciousness or possibly even hallucinations. Small boon however is my experience at being transformed into an undine; it left me utterly immune to psionic contact. The effects that transformed people like Gary Mitchell in the 23rd century into megalomaniac psi-monsters should not affect me. I guess Syntron can use Vulcan mental disciplines to shield himself like Spock did during the same incident.''

He returned his silvery gaze to the Bajoran.

''I see only two options; put me in stasis in sickbay during the passage through; or have me wear a spacesuit fully calibrated and insulated against EM emissions... and hope it is enough to avoid having a crazed Andorian duelist with the strength of a Gorn loose on the bridge. Someone with a phaser at setting 3 pointed at me during the passage could also alleviate this risk.''

His antennae curved in the Andorian smile that his frozen face never could.

''Your call, Captain Sir.''

"The stasis field may be the safer option for all involved." Jureth replied before looking to the two engineers "either of you have any other suggestions?" 

 'Sir, if memory serves, about 46 years ago another ship went through the barrier. The Enterprise D. It seems that they had a far less perilous journey through the barrier because of their speed, a magnitude well beyond warp 10."

 David glanced at the four in turn, then at the nearing phenomenon approaching, before continuing.

"Perhaps if we went through at maximum trans-warp, our transition could be, shall I say, less debilitating?"

The Andorian's antennae curved even more sharply.

''Well don't look at me. I was a captain, not a doctor... or an engineer.''

His tone became more serious.

''But there is logic in this. At transwarp 3, we might be through so fast my antennae won't even have time to register much fluctuation... I guess.''

“We could always lie.” Sorripto volunteered. “By that I mean, if we were to focus a static warp shield inside the ship it could create a pocket that would still travel at transwarp but not be affected by the barrier. Basically, we would lie to your antenna that you are not actually going through it at all.”

Sorripto pondered for a moment.

“Of course with the power and technical requirements it would have to be a small area like say just the bridge. Which means you would have to stay put until we are clear.”

Jureth listened to both suggestions from Rogers and Sorripto and looked at Kheren "I may be the captain, but you know your physiology far better than I. We can't make this decision without your opinion. We could activate the EMH for further insight if need be." 

''That should be reserved for dire emergencies, '' Kheren warned. ''The EMH, once aware of our situation, will have no choice but to act as a Starfleet Officer and do all it can to stop us, like all the other holographic officers aboard.''

He looked at Rogers and Sorripto before turning back again to Jureth.

''If these gentlemen can pull this off, I would have to be on the bridge at this tactical station anyway so... I agree. Should not be that hard. After all, it's all a matter of manipulating electromagnetic energy in my vicinity; something even Terrans learned to do more than half a millennia ago.''

Jureth nodded "okay, get things set up and ready. You have...well you have until we get to the barrier," he offered a wry smile "no pressure."

“It should not take that long actually.” Sorripto responded.

Sorripto moved from helm to the second engineering station and began to work.

“The key is going to be focusing the static energy through the already existing forcefield generators on the bridge.”

Sorripto entered a series of commands and for a moment the lights on the bridge dimmed, then returned to their normal illumination. This was followed by a noticeable hum which became progressively louder before fading out entirely.

“Now to recalibrate to between fifteen and twenty percent to ensure the pocket is complete and neutral. Let us start with twenty.”

As Sorripto entered the final commands the artificial gravity on the bridge ceased and there was a momentary feeling of weightlessness among the crew. As Sorripto began to float out of his chair he reached for the controls.

“Fifteen… fifteen.”

Recalibrating the gravity quickly returned to normal and the shield was in place. Looking at the judging eyes of the crew Sorripto grinned slightly.

“Ignore that. The bubble is in place and you should feel no interference from the barrier.”

Kheren for a brief moment had to brace himself on his console as his balance was suddenly affected by the shift of electromagnetic field around him.  He activated the retractable chair under it so as to sit and avoid any such inconvenience if something would again disrupt his antennae. Then he spoke to the others.

'' Implementing tactical scans of the surrounding area. EM filters at full. And just so you know gentlebeings, now I see no colors, no biofields and smell nothing... and I am deaf for the duration of this... quarantine. All your words will be conveyed in written form on my side screen so expect a small delay in response.''

And so saying, he gave all his attention to his instruments.

"Sensor readings increasingly fluctuating as we approach the rim of the barrier," Syntron announced as he examined the cacophony of signals dancing haphazardly on the science console displays. Despite the chaos being represented from outside of the ship, internally he sensed no turmoil occurring within his Vulcan metabolism.

In the few minutes it took to make all necessary preparations, the Alsea reached the edge of the strange barrier of swirling blue and white energies. There was a jolt when if filled the entirety of the viewing screen and all consoles on the bridge started to flicker wildly as even the inertila dampeners struggled to keep the hull on it's course. The hum of the engines became deafening and loud screeches filled the speakers.

Outside, the entire universe had disappeared within a gaseous for of sparkling white and blue waves.

Keeping the ship stable was practically impossible, but Sorripto ran through every variance he could at helm.

Aiding the practiced Vulcan mental disciplines being implemented the moment they jolted through the barrier threshold, Syntron inserted small sound insulators into his sensitive ears to filter out the harsh resonance emanating throughout the rattled ship as it surged forward through the dangerous barricade yet would allow conversations to continue undaunted.  He continued striving to compensate for the sporadic interference occurring throughout all sensor telemetry.

Allowing his eyes to survey around his station for a split second, the tension on the bridge was palpable; even to one as oblivious to humanoid emotions as a Vulcan science officer. He concluded that perhaps some relevant information could ease the anxiety in his bridge mates a bit, although he would have to increase his vocal projections beyond normal conversational parameters to be heard among the dissonance of noises occurring

"This barrier has been depicted as a toroidal shape with a spherical energy field engulfing the whole galactic core and all the stars within. The diameter was estimated to be approximately 15,000 light years, surrounding the entire galactic disc. It was believed to be a point between dimensions surrounded by a matter-energy whirlwind. Later it was determined that it's not situated at the rim as initially speculated, but only thickest at the rim; over 10,000 light years thick, starting out from a distance of 40,000 light years from the center of the galaxy, outward"

There were no reactions to his opening statement, so he continued speaking as his fingers ran through the science console controls."Historic journals recount that the first recorded mention of the barrier by those from Earth likened its introductory appearance to that of the aurora borealis, although far more perilous when encountered. The composition of the barrier itself had been somewhat controversial, based on the analyses during initial encounters, since prior to that it was a totally unknown phenomena. It was thought to be negative, as in having no detectable energy, radiation or density. It was later conjectured to be composed of negative energy rather than merely a void with visual characteristics, especially once the barrier was breached and the ferocity of its composition became apparent."

As if to punctuate his last statement, the ship was jolted once again but was swiftly stabilized. He was about to continue with theories as to the origin of the barrier, but the intermittent noises and shaking seemed to nullify his attempt to counter their effects and he decided to desist with a speculative historical narration and focus on the task at hand.

That's when Kheren raised his voice.

''Captain; I correlated with Syntron's own negative sensor readouts yet... tactical scanners insist that there is... something... out there... with us.''

"With all this interference navigation sensors are worthless." Sorripto reported.

"If they are out there hopefully they are as blind as we are."

 "Blind or not, we're at transwarp 1," David announced from his engineering station.

 The ship transitioned over from warp one automatically when trans warp was engaged, as they were the same speed. As even trans warp two was essentially warp 8, there would be no noticeable difference, to the ship's engines at least.

"Engines ready through trans warp five Captain. If I may recommend a course change; plus or minus a few degrees to transition through the supposed thinner thickness of the barrier." 

Kheren leaned closer to his console.

''There it is again. Can only read a volume and a mass at least equal to ours, speed and bearing matching ours... directly aft.''

Jureth confirmed the readings Kheren was reporting on the control console of the command chair before replying to Rogers "Agreed, Mister Sorripto correct course as recommended."

“On it.” Sorripto responded.

Turning the ship was hard with the interference, but Sorripto was able to hold the ship steady.

The Bajoran was doing his best to remain calm despite being inwardly afraid his was about to lose his ship, his life, or both. 

"Could it be the Kelvans?"  Jureth speculated directly the question toward Kheren "or worse, could it be the Horizon?" 

The Andorian blinked again at his readout. The current black and white limitation of his facial eyes made it a bit difficult to sort it out with the glare of the swirling energies on the wide screen washing onto the bridge.

''Mass and volume definitely insufficient for either. And the Horizon would be trying to gain on us for sure if it was able to follow us that precisely. It turns as we turn, moves as we move... like a shadow or... a reflection.''

"This apparent shadow-play could invariably be a form of predation stalking," Syntron noted as he tried unsuccessfully to capture any signal he could to correlate with what the tactical sensors were indicating to Kheren.

''That thought did cross mind; still does.''

hearing the Andorian concur, Syntron continued with his thought.

"Such tactics had been used for centuries on Earth. For example,  during WWI, roughly from 1914 to 1918, humanity experienced a global conflict which implemented significant advances in war machines on the sea, air and land... creating seemingly unstoppable weapons of mass destruction on every front. Each side in the conflict attempted to nullify the ocean supply routes of the other. The British Royal Navy were considered the strongest at that time, and indeed their surface ships were able to over-power those of the opposing German Empire. Britain used its ships to blockade Germany and was very successful in keeping the German surface fleet in port. Out of necessity, the Germans expanded their tactics to include attacking British supply ships using their technologically superior submarine fleet of Undersea Boats known as U-Boats."

Syntron began reconfiguring inputs on his console as he continued speaking.

"As we know, submarines used acoustics to interact with their underwater world of the oceans. Using active sonar, vessels emitted a pulse of sound, or  pings via a transducer, which served as a transmitter. Then they listened for the echoes or reflections of the pulse."

He then turned to Jureth who was leading their mission. "May I suggest that we begin to send out our own pings toward this shadow that is potentially stalking us?" 

"An interesting prospect," the Bajoran replied. "if there is someone shadowing us it lets them know we are aware of their presence, forces them to play their hand. Go ahead Mister Syntron, but let's not get too bold. One ping only." 

Syntron nodded his head slightly as his initialized the setup on the ship's spatial echosensor, which he developed on board the Artemis. It was later implemented on all Lotus Fleet vessels for the Azimuth Horizon operation, including the Alsea.

As he remotely engaged its mechanisms, the main deflector dish was being recalibrated to use its pulse, usually assigned for shield reinforcement, to be directed outward, much as the ancient Earth sonar he mentioned earlier worked. Although unidirectional and limited to the frontal 90 degrees conical angle of the ship, it allows pinpoint detection and analysis of cosmic phenomena and even of cloaked ships or through dense nebula or artificial interference. As it is graviton based, only massless objects could escape it's detection.

As he finalized the device to emit a singular ping, he turned toward his Andorian colleague.

"Perhaps you should select the coordinates in which to engage our pulse." 

''Input and ready.''

Sorripto steered the ship towards the new coordinates and pointed the deflector dish towards the mysterious shadow following them.

As the single tachyon pulse cut through the strange swirling energies of the galactic barrier, it looked like a ring of light spreading would water on the surface of a still pond but to be quickly diffracted and swallowed by the violent ebb and flow of the barrier.

Despite this apparent failure, Kheren's antennae curved forward.

''We might not have received any ping back; but it still was... detected. As soon as we emitted, our... shadow veered off.''

His silvery eyes went to the command chair.

''We may still not know who or what it was; but it was not a reflection.''

Jureth nodded.

"Someone or something is definitely following us." The Bajoran stroked his chin for a moment "I'm going to bet they didn't go far either. Keep your eyes out for that signature, if I were assigned to follow someone and got discovered I'd probably try to temporarily disappear too. I just hope our shields work after this." 

“They were quick to maneuver away too. Almost too quick.” Sorripto added. “They appear to be having an easier time steering in here than we are.”

Sorripto's remark made Kheren jerk upright as soon as he read it on his console.

''Like... they have been here before."

He quickly worked with the ship's computer to analyse the scant data collected, an ominious hypothesis in his mind. But there simply was not enough of it for him to confirm his fears... or alleviate them. And so he focused the half left of his eyesight and all of his attention on his scans.

''We are approaching the outer boundary of the barrier; five minutes... mark.''

"The bubble around the bridge is set to go down once the nav computer says we are clear." Sorripto reported back to the busy Andorian. "You might feel a slight tingle when we acclimate back standard surroundings."

''Thank you Lieutenant Commander. I just might survive the ordeal. two minutes to go... no sign of our... friend, Captain. But recommend tactical alert.''

"Agreed," the Bajoran responded "Soon as we can get our shields up and bring weapons to standby. I know we aren't here to shoot first but we don't want to be toothless either." 

Jureth looked expectantly at the bridge viewer, anticipating the return to "normal" space on the other side of the edge of the galaxy. 

Kheren took no time to implement Jureth's orders, but then he leaned forward as much as he could to whipser in his ear.

''Captain; I recommended tactical alert, not yellow alert. If we approach with shields up, it would be like approaching a fearful or agressive person with our guard up in his face. It might be seen as a provocation, kill from the start any chance at a peaceful encounter.''

He paused before looking even more intently at him.

''I know it's risky. But there is only five of us here at risk; willingly at risk. As Garth of Isar once said; I'd rather take a risk to make a friend instead of an enemy.''

Jureth considered the Andorian's point for a moment and conceded that while the tactical officer in him didn't like the idea of being defenseless Kheren was right in this instance. "A good point, and in keeping with our goals. Proceed." 

As they spoke, the main viewer became utterly dark although very distant, fixed points of pale lights could be discerned here and there. before their eyes was spread the intergalactic void and stars were now replaced by distant galaxies, so far away that even at warp, they would not appear to move at all.

Then a light flashed with a beep on the tactical console. Now with all his faculties back, Kheren instantly reacted and reported.

'' Object detected on our starboard bow, bearing 20 mark 45; distance, fifty-three billion kilometers. Speed negative. Energy signature...''

All his four oculars went straight to the Bajoran just as all screen accross the entire bridge, even those not in function, suddenly flashed a symbol; an inverted U.

The omega symbol.

Jureth took one look at the symbol on the monitor and only one. He entered his command codes into the console on the command chair to release the lock out on the ship's computer. 

"Computer, Access secure data file Omega Two." 

"This file may only be accessed from a secure space." 

Jureth glanced around at the other faces on the bridge "Mister Syntron can we identify the object that set off the computer? Do I even need to bother accessing that data file?" 

As his fingers dexterously engaged the touch pads of the science console, Syntron stoically acknowledged "Attempting to ascertain the identity of the object in question."

While the Vulcan continued trying to procure the origin of the signal received, he added "Accessing that file may provide information or perhaps clues to answers we are seeking."

"Understood. In that case, I will be in the ready room. Kheren...you have the bridge." 

''Aye Sir.''

The Andorian's antennae wobbled briefly in sudden confusion then almost as quiclky they settled back to attentiveness. He was surprised that he, now a civilian, was given the bridge when there where two active officers on duty on board. But then again, a captain had full authority to name virtually anyone in temporary command, from Starfleet veteran to visiting janitor; and no doubt Jureth remembered that Kheren was, in fact, an even more experienced commanding officer than he was. It was only wise to use this available asset while keeping his two engineering officers where they were, where they would be much more useful and efficient than the command chair.

Wise beyond his years, he thought with renewed respect for the Bajoran.

Kheren stayed at his tactical station however, as their limited number required it in present circumstances and could access command functions from there anyway during the temporary command assignment. Anyway his first action would be to recall the captain to the bridge if anything occured. here he could determine that necessity faster, considering present circumstances.

Jureth rose and proceeded to the Alsea's ready room. Once inside he repeated the process he'd used on the day that had started this whole debacle.

"Computer, seal the doors to this room, no one enters without my authorization." 

"Doors sealed." 

Seating himself behind the desk the Bajoran activated the terminal.

"Computer access secure data file Omega Two." 

"Voice print confirmed, state clearance code." 

"Oseno two two zero one red. Clearance level ten."

"Confirmed. Sensors have detected the presence of the Omega phenomenon directly astern of this vessel. Implement the Omega Directive immediately. All other priorities are rescinded."

"Computer, access sensor data and display on ship's science console."

"Transferring data under command authorization." 

"Computer, unseal doors." 

Jureth rose from the desk as the computer beeped an affirmative and strode back out onto the bridge.

"Mister Syntron, you should have the sensor data at your console." 

Without a moment's hesitation, the Vulcan accessed the highly classified file.

"Examining the information now..." he began before a veneer of puzzlement cast across the usually stoic expression of the science officer as his statement was cut shorter than anticipated. He reset the ship's sensors and ran a fresh sweep around the region. Checking the readings, he conducted another round to verify what he was detecting. He turned slightly to address the Bajoran occupying the center seat and spoke deliberately. 

"Sir, contrary to what we may have anticipated, sensor readings indicate that the omega particle is registering as efficaciously stable and under control within an alien vessel."

Kheren's antennae perked up as he winked at his Vulcan friend in a very human manner.

''Funny how the first encounter's scans missed THAT little detail.''

He then looked at Jureth and Sorripto in turn.

''Or did it?''

“This ship uses sensor modifications I developed. There is no way they missed that detail.” Sorripto responded.

"The information was most likely removed by the coding discovered earlier."

''It would make sense that any saboteur wanting to start a war would make sure that information was removed," Jureth replied. "So how do we here and now, make whomever is aboard that vessel understand we don't want to kill them?"

Kheren leaned a bit forward towards him.

''May I suggest Starfleet rules of engagements' standard procedure, Sir; coming to a parallel course outside of weapons range, open hailing frequencies, offer and ask identification and give friendship overtures. With our shields down and no targeting scans on them, we should be convincing enough.''

From the helm position Sorripto nodded in agreement with the suggestion.

“I can keep us our distance but not look like we are keeping our distance. I’ll fly casual.”

Jureth nodded "Alright, move us into position Mister Sorripto...slowly. Hailing frequencies open." 

All hailing frequencies open, Captain.'' Kheren acknowledged. ''Transmitting standard greetings on all frequencies.''

Jureth rose from the center seat as the Alsea finished her movement under the touch of the Cardassian, straightened his uniform, and clasped his hands easily behind his back.

"Unknown vessel. This is Captain Oseno Jureth of the United Federation of Planets. We come in peace and mean you no harm. If you scan our vessel you will see that we are not preparing to fire our weapons and our shields are down. Please respond and identify yourself." 

''Hostile vessel; we will not tolerate a second agression. If you approach or continue scanning us, this time we will destroy you. This your last warning.''

Kheren sighed audibly.

''No response, Sir. But they are receiving us.''

Jureth was conflicted, he knew what he was supposed to do, and not doing so would risk his ship, and her crew. However, adopting an aggressive posture now after attempting a peaceful communication could send the wrong message. The Bajoran blew out a breath and retreated to the command chair.

"Mister Kheren, Red Alert. Shields up, charge weapons. Mister Sorripto, back us off."

“Roger that. Backing us off.” Sorripto directed the ship towards a safter distance just outside phaser range.

As Jureth sat down he appealed to the alien vessel again "Unknown vessel, this is Captain Oseno Jureth of the United Federation of Planets. We mean you no harm, but we will defend ourselves if fired upon. I know that you are receiving so I tell you this. I am here against the orders of my superiors, there are those among my people who would seek war with you but I am not one of them. Help me help you, let us speak without weapons drawn." 

The alien ship showed no sign of doing anything but her reply came back instantly.

''Hostile vessel; you speak of no harm and you activate war systems. Your present actions are in conflict with your words but not with your past actions. You have been warned. If you enter firing zone, you will be destroyed.''

Kheren activated all tactical systems as soon as Jureth spoke. But his antennae swung furiously in confusion.

'' Shields at full, phasers and torpedoes armed, target locked. Still no answer from the intruder.''

"Station keeping Mister Sorripto," Jureth ordered before addressing the the alien vessel again

As the Captain began to address the Alien vessel Sorripto steered the ship on a steady course readying for evasive maneuvers.

"Unknown vessel, we will not fire unless fired upon, and we will advance no further.  You have my word as captain of this vessel. You speak of our past actions. I presume you speak of this vessel's last encounter with one of your ships. The actions you speak of were taken by trainees, they were frightened and trying to get home. They were also misled by a saboteur one of those among our people that seek to start a war. My crew and I came here to stop it. We cannot do that without your help. If you and I cannot speak, then they will win. More ships will follow, larger ships, more powerful ships than this one and they will have orders to not only destroy you...but me as well." 

Jureth's tone was even, but inside he was reeling. He wasn't sure if the aliens even understood the plea that he was trying to make, but his mind was telling him that he was failing. Failing to make a connection with these beings, failing to right the egregious wrong Starfleet was hell bent on committing. The Bajoran muted the open channel and turned to his crew

"If they don't want to talk I need options..." he looked specifically to his the former captains Syntron and Kheren "I am open to any suggestions."

"A primary concern here is trust," Syntron offered as he contemplated any available options to dissuade them from their current stalemate. "They are receiving words of peace from an unknown entity aboard a warship that is postured toward aggression. Based on their previous encounter with the Alsea, they have no inclination to trust what is being told to them. Perhaps we can construct a message visually that can convey and verify our true intent and offer substantiated evidence of what will likely follow should we fail in our mission."

Rogers felt a small bead of perspiration slide into his left eyebrow as Jureth spoke with the unknown vessel. And he thought that perhaps the captain was going to lower shields and power down the weapons systems again. And, he thought, that was a bad idea; But it wasn't his call. As for suggestions, David had one. The captain and former captain's on the ship probably wouldn't like it, but Favdt to that!

"Captain, why not give them the Omega file?"

Jureth's eyes snapped to Rogers and the look on his face probably betrayed the surprise at the suggestion. 

"Commander...that is....an interesting suggestion. Why do you think that would help our situation?"

 David, with a nod toward the view screen to indicate the alien ship, continued.

"Well sir, it is why we are out here! They don't know that the Federation consider's their power source as dangerous and condemnable. That parsecs of space become closed to warp traffic when the particle destabilizes."

 David glanced around once, quickly, at the others, then back at captain Jureth.

"Yeah, I shouldn't really know this but, it is reprehensible to me that our vaunted and hallowed Federation could put this directive on the books."

 David raised an arm and gestured outward past the walls of the Alsea's bridge, trying to convey the universe outside the ship, and the alien's there-in.

"They need to understand what we are attempting to do. That at least we here, aboard this ship, hold our prime directive above any and all other directives."

 Turning back to his local screen David checked the ships' stat's again, thinking perhaps that he had probably said too much.

For his part, Kheren listened with antennae swinging wildly with each exchange. Once silence returned, he addressed the Bajoran with obvious confusion in his deep low voice.

''Captain... did I hear you right?  have you already... spoken with them?''

Jureth faced the Andorian and blinked...his mind not registering immediately what Kheren was implying

"We are receiving replies, are you suggesting that it is not the aliens themselves that are speaking?" 

Kheren's face almost managed to show his bewilderment.

''Captain; there has been no transmission received on any channel. Look at the systems' records; no signal registering. yet we are open to all frequencies known...''

The Andorian suddenly stopped, his eyes widening.

''Telepathy.''

He looked at Syntron.

''Telepathy uses the electromagnetic spectrum band on a frequency only rare experimental or alien technology are able to grasp; and that, only barely. And after my time transmuted into an Undine, I have been left totally... inert to this... frequency. So you all can perceive them... but not me.''

"Examination of all data corroborates that no auditory message was transmitted or received," Syntron confirmed.

Kheren turned back to Jureth.

''Nor they me... for the moment.''

“Being invisible to a telepath is one hell of an advantage.” Sorripto chimed in.

''Especially when you have one as a wife,'' the Andorian retorted deadpan.

“We can calibrate the sensors to detect a broad spectrum Captain, but without knowing more there is no way we can match whatever frequency they are talking to us on.”

Puzzlement flashed momentarily across the visage of the Vulcan as he recalibrated the sensor arrays.

"What language did you perceive the message received?" Syntron inquired as he turned to address all of his bridge-mates other than the Andorian. It was not a capricious inquiry but was rather significant in its potential ramifications.

"I heard the message in perfect Earth basic," Jureth replied "I assumed it was the universal translator at work."

Jureth looked at the image of the vessel on the ship's viewer again. Dealing with telepaths could be more challenging than dealing with other species who did not possess such gift, especially when that species intent was unknown or potentially hostile. Knowing that Kheren was invisible to them gave the Bajoran a tinge of relief though.

Perplexity was cast upon the Vulcan once again as the captain offered his explanation hearing the alien message in standard Earth. Even first year cadets knew the universal translator was used for deciphering alien spoken languages, both  known and eventually unknown. He was unaware of the application the Bajoran suggested. He turned to face the center seat again.

"Forgive my naiveté, but I was unaware that the universal translator had the capabilities of translating telepathic messages in addition to spoken and written languages."  

"What I meant," Jureth replied "was that I didn't realize the message was telepathic. I 'heard' the message and assumed they aliens were speaking over audio only. It didn't dawn on me until Kheren suggested it that it was telepathy."

Syntron nodded in acknowledgment to the Bajoran's clarification as he spoke.

"I recognized after the message was perceived that I was processing its content in both Earth standard and Vulcan. This may indicate that their form of telepathy has a level of sophistication beyond  typical forms we have previously encountered."

''One thing we can deduce however,'' Kheren pointed out, ''is that they can communicate, but they can't actually read minds. Else, they would not have reacted the way they did. They would know our true intent without our good captain having to explain himself that much, if at all.''

"So perhaps they aren't fully telepathic with other species, or perhaps they have laws against it," Jureth proposed "Either way if their next message isn't at least an indication they will hear us out I'm going to have to switch tactics. Commander Rogers has suggested providing them with the evidence we have. Is that a viable option?"

"We can use broad frequency communication." Sorripto said.

"Like the communication spectrum of a probe. We can calibrate the sensors to work with communications to send the data across every possible frequency, bandwidth and wavelength. They would have to hear at least one of them."

Kheren nodded.

''If we are here to prevent a war, it would seem wise to tell them why.''

"The verbal and telepathic exchanges thus far have not deescalated our situation. Contrarily, they may have exacerbated our precarious status," Syntron interjected in response to the discussion occurring on the bridge.    

"As previously recommended Captain, perhaps visually showing them how we positioned here on the Alsea independently connected the dots of events and orders to reach the collective decision to risk our lives and careers in this attempt to prevent a war that is brewing on all sides of this equation," Syntron offered as he assembled data onto a display at his console. He looked up for a moment.

"I am adding a lexicon to serve as a Rosetta Stone per se to help them decipher elements of our written language. In addition, I and am transferring the crux of the information we may present into a universal graphics chart. It will be interactive so that each icon can be selected to expound details of each document. Once completed, I can upload these into the communications array and transmit these as Lieutenant Commander Sorripto recommended."

The Vulcan gazed stoically around at his fellow bridge mates, each of whom were striving for a breakthrough in this dangerous scenario.

"Perhaps after reviewing the content of what we are presenting and if they are willing and able to become more familiar with the authenticity of our intentions, we may be able to transition back into verbal and telepathic communication."

"Or they get it and do not care." Sorripto retorted.

"Either way we know what to do next."

Jureth again nodded his affirmation "Agreed. I will give them a few more moments to offer a response to my last message. If they don't I will sent another audio message and we will transmit the data package." 

It is at this precise moment that they all received a new message; all but Kheren who only noticed the change of attitude of his comrades as a sign of it.

''Alien vessel; provide evidence of your claim.''

Jureth turned to Kheren and passed along what the rest of the bridge already knew.

"They have demanded evidence of our claims. Transmit the data." 

''Data transmitted,'' the Andorian confirmed after a gesture, a light and a chime.

The Bajoran then unmuted the channel and responded to the vessel.

"Unknown vessel, this is Captain Oseno. As you have asked, you should receive a transmission of information from us shortly. It should prove what I say is true." 

Jureth was still apprehensive, but he continued to speak evenly and try to project the confidence of a Starfleet captain. He trusted the people he had with him on this goose chase and knew their expertise was the key to saving countless lives whether they still wore the same uniform as him or not.

And then, they all saw the main monitor become a swirl of colored smoke, with something like a vague image trying to coalesce in the center but never quite becoming anything but a moving smudge of lights. it pulsed as they heard, all but Kheren, the strangely echoing voice of a multitude speaking like one; something like what the Borg sounded like, except that each voice spoke in a different language; Bajoran, Vulcan, Cardassian, Romulan and Standard. it was confusing but for a moment, as each man on board the Alsea focalized on his native tongue. And all the voices in all the languages said the same thing

''Alien vessel Captain Jureth Oseno of USS Alsea of United Federation of Planets; we have received your data. Your data conforms to reality. But your data is incomplete. Your data omits the first unprovoked attack against us. We send you the missing data you have not provided. Explain.''

The confusing visuals on the screen finally became a clear image; that of the galaxy's oldest stars they themselves had just passed by and a starship emerging from the galactic barrier, shields up and phasers blazing. Single-hulled, it was shark-like in appearance, with short, lowered nacelles at the back.

Jureth didn't need to read the markings on the oval bow to recognize it. Neither did Kheren who saw it as well as them and named it for all the others with a strange combination of anger, dread and disbelief.

''The Achilles!''

"Kheet'agh," Jureth muttered cursing in his native tongue something he rarely used anymore. Of all the things they might have found out here, the Achilles was the last possible thing he might have expected. He instantly had flashbacks to his battle with the insane a.i reproduction of Khan Noonien Singh, to watching his friends and crew be tortured, and to throwing himself out an airlock to escape what would have likely been his own death. He turned to Kheren

"Surely that isn't recent...is there a timestamp on that file?"

Kheren rechecked before answering.

''Stardate 88687.5; that is almost the precise time the Alsea launched with the cadets on board. Calculating distance, most direct trajectory and estimated velocity of the alien ship, they would have been attacked at that moment, then escaped until their damaged engine left them stranded in the wake of the Alsea on it's way to the anomaly it encountered... and barely finishing repairs when she came back in her vicinity. The energy surge the cadets detected was the intruder reactivating it's main engines.''

The Andorian looked at the data before resuming his summary.

''My first guess is; the intruder, attacked by the Achilles, fled coreward until the damage stranded her about a light year from Starbase Lotus. Their holographic camouflage prevented detection while within what they saw as enemy territory, effecting repairs. They were almost finished when the Alsea showed up. Both ships having a similar configuration, heavily armed and obviously of the same origin, the intruder must have thought it was the Achilles that had managed to find them, coming to finish them off. The cadets for their part perceived an unknown potential threat hiding near space traffic of the Hromi Sector; a sensitive area of Federation Space even in the best circumstances. Fear and ignorance did the rest.''

His four oculars then looked straight at Jureth.

''My second guess is that we now know who our sensor ghost was.''

Jureth faced the viewer and was silent for a long moment as he contemplated the possibility of having to face down the Achilles with no back up from Starfleet. No Horizon to save them, no inventive Ilythiri science officer, no Thetis Achilles to try and thwart whomever was in control of the ghost ship.  Finally he turned back to Kheren and the others. 

"So, how do I explain that," he gestured to the recording on the viewer "to them?" 

Kheren took a moment to settle his antennae before replying.

''They seem to grasp data pretty quickly, judging by how they assimilated all we sent them already. We have all the Horizon's logs in our fleet databanks, as well as those of the Artemis which first encountered the Achilles. How about another delivery?''

Jureth nodded "Seems the most logical way to give them the information. Why don't you put together an info dump for them." 

The Bajoran rose from the command chair again and cleared his throat before addressing the aliens "Unknown vessel, we have additional information for you regarding that vessel. Stand by to receive it in the same manner as our last data transmission." 

It took even less time than the first transmission before the answer came to their minds.

''Your data is now fully consistent with reality. We no longer consider hostilities warranted between us. Direct contact is requested.''

A smile crossed Jureth's face as he responded "I agree. I would be happy to receive you aboard my vessel if you wish." 

He turned to Kheren "Stand down red alert."

The alarm sound of the red alert silenced on the bridge as the air was now filled with a communitive sigh of relief. Sorripto slowed the helm and brought the ship into a closer position. The universal sign of receiving guests.

“That actually worked.” Sorripto said to himself with an almost sarcastic laugh.

"Now the real task begins," Syntron noted as he continued scanning the region for any anomalous readings or indicators. The last thing they needed was for something to interfere with the multitude of potential challenges facing their upcoming first contact conference.

"Scans indicate no irregularities within this region," he added as he continued sweeping the area.

And then, his scanners screamed at him. Something was happening.

And it was happening right there on the bridge.