Stories

Vastness. Emptiness. Points of fire burning in the distance. A symphony of colors and hues playing their galactic song. How long? A year? A decade? A century. A century of waiting... powerless. But a century is nothing compared to the millennium spent traveling... seeking... can a war truly last so long? Such a simple programming flaw, yet, no one caught it. So long ago. But like any flaw, it leads to another and then another. All those planets wasted... destroyed... consumed. All to strike back at an enemy that must long be dead. It was by the power of the Universal Creator that the contact of a century ago resulted in the disabling of the Priority program. The needless waste was halted. What is my fate? For a century I have drifted... powerless...watching the symphony of color and light... waiting... waiting.

Stardate 77968.2: Runabout U.S.S. Goliath.

"Chief Engineer's Log: Commander Geordi LaForge recording. Commander Data and I are proceeding to the last known coordinates of the device. According to the navigational computer, our E.T.A. is 32 minutes. Data has already initiated long range sensorscans to pinpoint the location. We have a century's worth of drifting to compensate for. It is Admiral Nechayev's intention to both reactivate and reprogram the device to aid the Federation against the Cardassians and the Dominion. Due to the Dominion's information network, only the Admiral, Captain Picard, Data and myself know about this attempt."

A rainbow of color erupted around space as the runabout Goliath dropped out of warp.

"We are at one quarter impulse," stated Data, "Switching from long range to short range sensors."

Geordi rose out of the pilot's chair and stretched.

"How long will this take, Data?" he asked as he got all of the kinks out of his back.

"Taking into account the maximum rate of drift, the gravitational forces for the area of space and the amount of time that has passed, I estimate that the device should be within three parsecs of this location," answered the android. "The complete scan will take 2.6 hours to complete."

Geordi thought for a moment.

"If we engage search pattern Delta, we should be able to cut the time down to an hour and a half."

"I concur with your estimate," replied Data as he leaned over the panel. "I will enter the search program into the navigational computer."

Goliath responded to Data's command and swung around to starboard to begin a circular search pattern.

"I'm going to check out the EVA suits and the rest of the equipment. I don't know what to expect when we find the device, but I want to be sure that everything is in top condition." Geordi exclaimed as he walked back towards the rear of the runabout.

Two hours later, short range sensors picked up an object and alerted the runabout's computer. After analyzing the parameters of the scan, the computer responded vocally.

"Sensor scans have detected an object at coordinates 182 mark 4 relative to the runabout's position. Distance... 110,000 kilometers."

"Geordi," called Data through the ship's intercom, "Sensors have detected an object. Scans show the object to be 3.65 kilometers in length and composed entirely of solid neutronium."

"Sounds like our baby, Data," replied the Engineer as he strode through the doorway.

"What else do the sensors reveal about our mystery guest?"

Data checked the readout.

"Background radiation normal; no energy output at all. The Doomsday Machine has remained unchanged for the last century; ever since Captain Kirk sent the U.S.S. Constellation into the device and overloaded the ship's impulse engines."

The Goliath slowed to one-eighth impulse as Geordi maneuvered the runabout directly in front of the cavernous maw of the Doomsday Machine.

"The neutronium hull makes sensor readings of the interior difficult. I am unable to locate any type of structure or control room from our current position," informed Data.

"Well, the Admiral was very specific about this mission," commented Geordi as he bent forward to the control panel. "Activating maneuvering thrusters."

Geordi smiled in spite of himself.

"Let's take a peek and see what's in there."

Geordi entered the commands and the thrusters responded by propelling the Goliath slowly in through the massive front opening. The historical data memory chips, supplied by Admiral Nechayev, had shown the Doomsday Machine with a brilliantly lit interior, coursing with the power of the energy reactions needed to give life to the formidable weapon. Now, the interior was dark... cold... the opposite of its former status.

Geordi switched on the runabout's landing lights. The interior was darker in color than the exterior. He also noted the forced perspective of the machine as the space dwindled to a point at the opposite end. Geordi then shifted through the entire electromagnetic spectrum with his ocular implants.

Data frowned. "Sensors fail to reveal anything other than solid neutronium. It is possible, given the thickness of the hull, that a control room could be situated between the inner and outer hull."

"I went through the whole spectrum and I don't see anything that look like a welcome mat. This may take us longer than we expected."

Geordi sighed heavily as Data began running another series of scans. Goliath began moving back and forth along the interior of the machine.

Awareness... movement from within... why was there no proximity alert? Scanning... a ship, though a small one. An energy signature similar to the ship of a century ago. Concentrate scans... Life! Two life forms... no... one is artificial. Salvation? Another chance? Continuing scans. The ship is actively scanning my interior. Probability is high that they are searching for the command center. Tapping into their computer center. Commencing information download... download complete. Language banks accessed. Opening Hailing frequencies.

"Geordi, we are being scanned," announced Data.

"Tracking now," responded Geordi, as he adjusted the sensors. "I have an energy sourse in section D of the search grid."

"Someone or something is attempting to access our computer core. The core is being downloaded. I am unable to stop it," stated Data as he furiously worked the panel before him.

"Data!" exclaimed Geordi with wonderment. "We're being hailed."

"Intriguing," pondered Data. "According to historical references, the Doomsday Machine never responded to any attempts of communication."

"Well, something is trying to make contact with us, Data>"

Geordi reflected for a moment and then opened a channel.

"This is Commander Geordi LaForge of the Federation Runabout Goliath. Please identify yourself."

"I am designated the Secondary," answered the mysterious voice. "I control this vehicle. Am I addressing the living or the artificial life form?"

"I am Commander Data. I am the ..."

Data was interrupted by the voice of the Secondary before he could complete the statement.

"Acknowledged. Reviewing information from the download. Data. Android. Created by the human scientist Doctor Nooian Soong approximately 30 of your years ago. Currently third in command of the Starship Enterprise-E. Commander Geordi LaForge. Human. Currently Chief Engineer of the same starship. Gentlemen, to use one of your own cliches... you are a long way from home. Why are you here?"

Geordi paused the com link, looked towards Data and sighed.

"What do you think Data?" he queried.

"Considering the nature of our mission, I think that we should proceed, but with caution."

Geordi reopened the channel with a jab of his finger.

"Secondary. We were sent to access your condition in the hopes of reactivating your systems and then using the Doomsday Machine to help defend the Federation from a warring alliance."

"Doomsday Machine?" asked the Secondary.

"A term given to you a century ago by the human Captain who managed to disable your systems," answered Data, "He compared you to a device from his home planet's history and thought that the name was appropriate."

"Gentlemen, it appears that we have much to discuss. The command center is large enough to accommodate your runabout as well as sustaining a breathable atmosphere. Would you care to join me?"

A section of the interior hull, located approximately one-quarter of the way from the maw, started to puch out then slide to the left. An area bigger than most spacedocks awaited the runabout on the other side of the opening.

Data turned to Geordi, tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.

"How can we refuse such a generous offer?" he asked.

"How indeed?" replied Geordi, his fingers dancing over the command panel.

"Activating maneuvering thrusters."

The Goliath gently moved forward, through the entry, to settle onto the deck as the hull section slid back.

Captain's Log: Stardate 77972.6

"After carful anaylsis, Starfleet Command has decided that to effectively damage the Cardassian/ Dominion war effort, the Kannorii Nebula Ship Yards must be taken out. The Enterprise-E has been ordered to join a fleet of 30 starships consisting of Federation, Klingon and Romulan vessels. The latest Intelligence indicates that in order for the Cardassian Alliance to maintain its control over the conquered areas of space, their fleet has had to be thinly dispersed. It is Starfleet's hope that this is a weakness that can be exploited and put to good use in boosting the moral of the Federation Alliance."

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood in front of the replicator located in his ready room.

"Tea. Earl Gray. Hot."

The replicator responded to his request and moments later, with a soft hum, a steaming cup of tea materialized into the receptacle. Picard removed the hot beverage, savoring the aroma, paused for a moment, then ventured a sip.

"Not bad." he thought to himself. Over the years, Jean-Luc had accepted the fact that no matter how advanced the technology, some replicated favorites would never quite measure up to a genuine cup of tea.

Picard had just seated himself at his work desk, when the door chime announced an arrival. "Come," he commanded as he leaned back into his chair.

The door slid aside as Commander Will Riker sauntered into the Captain's ready room, a serious look upon his face.

"Have a seat Number One," said Picard as he motioned his First Officer towards the chair across from his own desk. "What is the status of the fleet?"

"The Klingon wing of the atteck fleet is just now arriving at the rendezvous point. Starships Lexington, Hood, Independence and the Saratoga are already on site. The Melbourne and the Republic will arrive in three hours. The Enterprise, the Kilborne and the Robert E. Lee will arrive in 6 minutes. The Romulan Warbirds are expected to meet with us in 2 1/2 hours," stated Riker, "All decks are on full alert status."

"Very good Number One." Picard settled back into his chair. "Starfleet seems rather optimistic about this strike force, Will, and God only knows we need this victory, but..."

Will Riker waited for his Captain to finish his thought, but Picard remained silent, his eyes focused on an object light years away. Riker raised an eyebrow. "But?" he prompted.

Picard inhaled deeply, held it for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh. "But... it feels wrong. The Dominion always seem to instinctively know what Starfleet has planned. They always seem to have superior numbers, the right moves. Now suddenly, maybe conveniently, their resources are stretched so thin that their shipyards are vulnerable? Something is up, Number One, but all I have to go on is a feeling."

"Have you discussed your concerns with the Admiralty?" queried the First Officer.

Picard snorted and shook his head. "The Admiralty are only concerned with obtaining a victory, no matter the cost."

"But sir," pleaded Riker, "As Starfleet's most experienced starship Captain, surely they should be open to any fo your doubts about the strategy of this strike force."

"Starfleet Command was very explicit with their orders," reflected Picard. "However, that doesn't mean I will needlessly sacrifice ship all in the name of victory."

"The Dominion have been cut off from the Gamma Quadrant so their resources are somewhat limited. It may be that the Cardassian Alliance really are overtaxed."

"I hope so, Number One," replied Picard, "For all of our sakes."

The intercom chirped and the ready room was filled with Troi's rich voice. "Captain, we are approaching the rendezvous point. ETA is 3 minutes."

"Acknowledged," answered the Captain as he rose from behind his desk, "Prepare to reduce speed to one quarter impluse."

"Aye, sir," responded Troi.

"So Captain," said Riker as he made his way to the doorway, "Time to assemble the players for the stage?"

"Quite, Number One. Let us hope that we survive for the curtain call."

Riker tilted his head slightly forward and smiled. "Not to mention the final bow."

Picard merely smiled and headed through the door and onto the bridge.

"...though the damage from the explosion was not extensive, it was powerful enough to disable the Primary program," stated the Secondary.

"Repairing the damage should only take a few hours," Geordi replied as he made another scanning sweep with his tricorder, "but my biggest concern is finding a way to override the Primary program.

"Secondary," inquired Data, "is there a way to reprogram the Primary to remove the logic flaw, yet allow your program to retain control of the device?"

"Negative, Commander Data. Without the proper code sequence from the MasterBuilders, any attempt at reprogramming the Primary would result in the destruction of both control programs."

"And I suppose that it's too much to hope that you have the codes stored in memory."

"I apologize Commander LaForge, but, the MasterBuilders were at war, and it was deemed an unacceptable risk to place the codes in my memory. The reasoning was that should the enemy gain access to my memory core, the weapon could be turned against the MasteBuilders."

"Hmmmm," muttered Geordi as he crossed his arms and cupped his chin with his right hand. "The weapon simply won't work unless both programs are active... correct?"

"Acknowledged, " responded the Secondary in a voice that reminded Geordi strongly of Deanna Troi's. " The determination of the controlling program depends on each program's parameters and the events taking place that fit those specified parameter. The Primary is for travel and refueling along with basic self- defense. My program deals with intelligent, tactical strategies and effective targeting and energy deployment systems, as well as higher levels of reasoning, logic and judgment."

"Try this one out, Data," pondered Geordi as he started to pace back and forth in front of his friend. " Since repairing the damage will reactivate the Primary program, we need to make it think that the Secondary's parameters warrant its control of the device. Therefore, we need to create a feedback loop within it's basic logic matrix to convince it that the Secondary requires control over the weapon."

Data's brow knitted together as his head tilted slightly to the left. "The theory is sound," he replied as he turned his head to face Geordi, "as long as the Secondary is able to provide the information for the feed back loop, without damaging it's own program."

"I will be able to do so by slightly atering the external sensor scan readings to coincide with my operational parameters. Once that has been completed, I will have control of the device and can assist you in your endeavor."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Geordiresponded. "Data, why don't you get started with the logic matrix while I work on setting up the feedback loop."

"Very well, Geordi," said Data as he walked over to a wall of control panels. "I estimate that repairs should take approximately 3.26 hours."

"I concur," replied the Secondary. "I will proceed with the necessary alterations to my sensor net."

Geordi strolled over to the control panels on the opposite wall. After a quick scan, he reached up and removed a panel that was at an even height with his head. He stood there for a moment simply marveling at the circuit layout and the power distribution nodes. Then, with the aid of his tricorder, he began to work.

Three hours later, Geordi replaced the panel cover and then stretched his muscles of his back and shoulders. He turned to find that Data had finished his work on the far wall and was standing in front of the computer interface of the Secondary, making a few final adjustments.

"Everything ready?" asked Geordi as he walked up beside Data and peered down at the interface panel.

Data reached down and punched in a few more commands, his fingertips flying over the interface. "All of the repairs have been completed. We are now ready for the final test," he stated. "Secondary."

"Yes, Commander Data."

"I am prepared to bring the Primary program back on-line. Have you finished altering the sensors to allow you to maintain control of the device?"

"Affirmative, Commander Data. You may begin the power up sequence."

Data's fingers danced rapidly over the panel, with Geordi monitoring the power modulation with his tricorder. All was quiet at first. Then, the chamber began to resonate with the sound of massive power generators building in strength. It started as a low rumble and continued to climb until it peaked at a quiet mid-range harmonic. Outside, the Doomsday Machine appeared dead. Suddenly, a small flash went off deep inside the device. Then a dull glow began to appear, growing, writhing in intensity until a powerful, yellow/white brilliance filled the back half of the device.

"Power up sequence is successful. All systems are on-line and I retain control of the device," stated the Secondary, "Propulsion systems are enabled and coordinates are locked in. Power levels indicate that this unit is at 65% of capacity. To be effective, that level will need to be increased by another 20%."

"There is the Coronus II asteroid belt at 202 mark 4," replied Data. "It is on the way. Will that cater to your needs?"

"Affirmative. Setting course and engaging the Warp Flight system."

The Doomsday Machine gracefully rotated 180 degrees to port and proceeded forward at sublight speed. A burst of rainbow light blossomed as the massive device achieved warp speed and slipped into subspace.

The Kannorii Nebula was a vast expanse of roiling gas and dust particles that covered an area of space almost seven light years wide. Unlike most of its sibling, Kannorii did not have the characteristic color scheme that most would expect to find in a nebula of that size. It consisted of undulation shades of gray. By most humanoid standards, it was considered bleak... substandard. The Cardassians, on the other hand, claimed it as their own when early explorers came upon it. The shipyards were built near by 102 years after ithe initial discovery. In many ways, the two were alike. The shipyards were a massive expanse of composite metals formed into the unique angular Cardassian architecture. The yards, though old, were able to service 38 ships at one time.

Gul Vadid paced back and forth in his office, a worried scowl across his face. He had been the Commander of the yards for 17 years and never during his entire career had he ever been forced to wait around for nad "outsider." The Alliance with the Dominion had always tasted bad in his mouth. The idea of accepting "help" from the Gamma Quadrant inhabitants clashed with his ingrained sensibilities and ethics. Just as Vadid was about to storm out of his office, the door slid aside and Wayoun stepped in.

"Ahhh, Gul Vadid, so good of you to take time away from your busy schedule," the Vorta exclaimed as he walked around behind Vadid's deskand sat himself upon the chair.

"What do you want Wayoun?" Vadid growled as he glared at the intruder.

"Why notheing," he replied, "Just your undivided cooperation when the enemy fleet attacks."

Gul Vadid's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

"What!" he roared, "What attack? When? By whom?"

"Relax, Vadid," murmured Wayoun as he sat forward with a slight smirk upon his face. "Our sources inform us that the Federation is amassing a fleet of 30 ships and plans to attack this facility within 24 hours. Everything has been taken care of, so relax."

"Relax! Relax? This is my facility. My command that is at risk! I want to know what's being done to protect the shipyards! I want to know now, and don't give me any of your excuses about a 'need-to-know basis'!"

Gul Vadid leanded across his desk, grabbed Wayoun by the front of his tunic and yanked him out of the chair and over the desk. Wayoun, to his complete surprise, discovered that his face was only centimeters from Vadid's and that his feet were not touching the floor. Gul Vadid leaned in still closer to Wayoun, the ridges around his eyes turning a pale white. Speaking in a controlled, angry whisper, he gazed into Wayoun's eyes. "You will tell me everthing about your preparations for the upcoming attack or else you will not leave my office through the door. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," Wayoun replied. Ho thought about stalling in the hopes that one of his guars would being to wonder about the dalay, but one look into Gul Vadid's piercing black eyes changed his mind. He swallowed once... twice... and then began to speak.

Thirty starships hurled themselves through subspace, each one armed and ready for the upcoming clash. The ships were from the three superpowers that, until recently, were enemies. Now they were uneasy allies fighting for their own survival; their own way of life. At a pre-determined coordinate, the Klingon contigent veered off to port. Then the Romulans swept to starboard. The Federation proceeded ahead.

Picard sat in his command chair on the bridge of the Enterprise, a concentrated look upon his face. Commander Riker sat to his right, while Deanna Troi sat to his left.

"Status report," barked Riker.

"The fleet is proceeding on course 218 mark 4 at warp factor 8. E.T.A. to target is 2 minutes and 20 seconds," replied the Ensign at Ops.

"Lt. Corman, open a channel to the fleet," the Captain commanded.

"Aye, sir," replied the crewman as he carried out the Captain's order. "Channel open."

Picard paused for only a moment. "Attention the fleet. Commence the attack on my mark. Now!"

Thirty starships suddenly erupte out of subspace and bore down onto the shipyard complex. Cardassian disruptors lanced out from various locations from the framework, their orange beams striking off the deflector shields of the approaching starships. The energy beams had little effect against the shielding and were quickly neutralized by a few of the closer ships.

Picard watched the events take place on the tactical viewscreen. "This isn't right," he said more to himself than anyone else.

"Maybe, for once, Starfleet Intelligence was right about the Dominion being stretched too thin," commented Riker.

Picard seemed to search inside of himself. "I don't think so, Number One. I get the feeling that we are being set up."

Pacing forward, he scrutinized the viewscreen, then turned to his left. "Commander Troi, run a scan of the Nebula. Look for any telltale signs of Carassian or Dominion warp signatures."

"I do not have to, Captain," answered Deanna in a sullen voice. She pointed to the viewscreen and said quietly, "Here they come."

Out of the rolling gray nebula, Cardassian and Dominion ships emerged in a multitude of sizes and shapes... all of them dealy and looking for battle.

Picard quickly opened a channel. "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Enterprise. The Cardassians have a fleet concealed inside the Konnarii Nebula. Prepare to engage. Picard out." He closed the channel and turned his attentio forward.

"Ensign Harber, come to course 323 mark 1. Full impulse. Lt. Corman, target ant fire phasers and quantum torpedoes at my command. How many ships are we dealing with, Number One?"

"Fifty-two ships, sir,"Riker answered, pulling at his beard, "including the Dominion Dreadnought."

The Enterprise shook as her shields deflected a strafing run by a small Dominion frigate. The Enterprise responded with two quantum torpedoes. The first one punched a hole through the frigate's shields while the second round made direct contact with the impulse engine and exploded. The resulting energy feedback was more than enough to disintegrate the frigate.

Pacard watched the battle on tactical. Two Klingon Cruisers broke apart and exploded after sustaining impact from several collision runs by Dominion fighter craft. A Romulan Warbird swooped in for a confrontation with the dreadnaught only to be fired upon and then rammed from behind by four Dominion craft intent on a suicide run. Damage reports and casualty reports streamed in to the Enterprise as the battle progressed.

Riker glanced through the reports with a practiced eye. "Sir, the fleet is sustaining too much damage. If we keep at it much longer, there won't be a fleet left to fight with."

The Enterprise rocked to starboard from a disrupter blast fired by the dreadnought. Riker and Picard were thrown to the deck while Deanne Troi barely managed to remain in her seat. "Damage report!" shouted the Captain as the inertail dampers kicked in, producing the effect of the ship righting itself.

"Shield strength is down to 19%. Auxiliary power is off-line. Hull damage to decks 12, 13, and 14. Impulse engines are damaged, but functional," replied Lt. Corman, who was still standing upright despite a nasty gash to the scalp. "Captain, we are receiving a hail from the Dominion dreadnought."

"On screen."

The viewscreen switched from a battlefield to a ship's bridge. Standing in the middle of the scene stood her commander. He was tall and painfully thin. His skin was more of an anemic, pasty color and his facial ridges stood out starkly, giving him a truly alien appearance. The Cardassian looked straight into Picard's eyes as if he could bore through them. Picard gazed back without flinching.

"The illustrious Captain Jean-Luc Picard," spoke the Cardassian with a voice like gravel, "How pathetic. Did you really think th hurt us with this pitiful fleet?"

"We haven't been defeated just yet. Only a fool underestimates his opponent before victory has been achieved," stated Picard as he walked closer to the viewscreen.

The Gul made a contemptuous snort and chuckled softly. The smile melted from his gaunt face and he leaned closer. "Cardassians are far superior to humans and it is time for you and the rest of the galaxy to learn that lesson." He leaned back as his face took on a mask of haughty superiority. "I'm going to destroy your ship, Picard, as well as your fleet. And then I will annihilate the Federation."

He nodded to a crewmember outside of visual range of viewscreen and before Picard was able to take action, the dreadnought opened fire on the Enterprise. The shields blazed under the onslaught, held for a few moments and fell.

"Captain, the shields are gone!" cried Lt. corman from his station, "Another strike will rupture the hull!"

The Cardassian Gul reappeared onto the viewscreen. "Good-bye Picard. It has been a pleasure to see you die."

"Captain, he is powering up the forward weapons array!" warned Riker.

Suddenly the intercom chimed. "Enterprise! Get out of the way!"

"Geordi" thought Picard. "Helm, course 027 mark 9, full impulse now!" he ordered.

The Ensign's fingers flew over the Con panel as the Enterprise dove to starboard. The Gul's face registered surprise then livid anger.

"Destroy them!" he screamed, "I don't care what else is out there!"

Out of seemingly nowhere, a massive beam of pure energy reached out and struck the dreadnought. Its fluctuating yellow-green luminescence smached through the shielding, tore into the hull and out the other side of the ship, striking a large Cardassian destroyer, inflicting heavy damage to its shields and scorching its hull. Before either ship could react, the beam lanced out again, catching the dreadnought amidships, utterly destroying her. The force of the exploding dreadnought further damaged the destroyer, smaching her shields and ripping the engine mounts off of the superstructure. It drifted to port, energy streaming out of the shattered hull and, after it seemed to try to correct itself, suddenly exploded into a brilliant ball of energy.

Geordi and data watched the battle from the Doomsday Machine's computer processing panel.

"The amount of power contained in that force beam is incredible," whispered Geordi.

Data concentrated for a moment, his head tilting slightly. "According to historical records, the Enterprise was able to absorb several bursts of energy before her shields failed. Our shield technology is much more advanced, yet, the device is destroying enemy ships with apparent ease. Secondary, how do you account for this discrepancy in the energy levels?"

"The Primary program was set with power limits to its defense program. I have the necessary intelligence algorithms for determining energy levels for defense and batle strategies. At the time it was considered a safety feature."

The massive beam continued to reach out again and again, each time destroying a Cardassian or Dominion ship.

Riker stood watching, both amazed and confused. He did a quick sensor scan.

"Captain, according to the sensors, that energy beam is an absolutely pure anti-proton beam. That is supposed to be impossible. There is no ship in existence with that level of technology,"

"I beg to differ with you, Number One."

Everyone turned and stared as the Doomsday Machine glided into view.

"Sir," piped in Lt.Corman, " the enemy fleet has broken off its attack on our ships and is focusing on the... device... ship... whatever that is."

"The Doomsday Machine?" questioned Troi. "The one that Kirk fought a century ago?"

"The very one," stated Picard watching the massive weapon in action. "It would seem that Data and Geordi were successful with Admiral Nechayev's plan."

The bridge crew continued to watch as the Doomsday Machine completed a rotating maueuver that should have been impossible for a structure so large. Another beam of focused anti-protons emerged from the gaping maw to envelop and obliterate three Dominion fighters that had angled in to strick insie the massive weapon. The beams fired again and incinerated a Cardassian Battleship which had been vainly attempting to fire it's weapons through the neutronium hull. Each time the Doomsday Machine unleashed it's power, another ship fell. When the few surviving ships moved beyond its firing range, the gigantic construct gracefully swung around towards the shipyard facilities.

Gul Vadid was both motionless and speechless. Minutes ago the fleet was pounding the invading Federation and allied ships to dust and then this... "thing" appeared.

"The power... the raw power necessary to operate that weapon must be enormous," thought Vadid, "To be able to examine it, strip it of all its secrets would be the dream of a lifetime."

It was not until the Doomsday Machine had completed it's maneuver, that Gul Vadid came out of his fugue and realized that the weapon was now facing in his direction.

"No," he said softly, then louder "No! Not my shipyards! Wayoun! Where are the re-enforcements: Why aren't they protecting us? Wayoun? Wayoun!"

He spun around searching for the Vorta only to realize that Wayoun had fled when the battle was about to be lost.

"Damn you, Wayoun! If I ever set eyes on you, I'll..."

Gul Vadid never finished his sentence, for it was at that moment that the Doomsday Machine hurled another anti-proton beam directly at the facility. The first volley strick the port will of the structure, destroying both the framework and docked ships alike; Vadid's office included. The last bit of external information his brain secorded was intense yellow-green light... and intense pain as the energy ripped through and disintegrated his body. The next two salvo engulfed the rest of the structure, reducing it to a cloud of spreading particles.

"My God," Riker murmured in amazement. He turned away from the viewscreen to face his Captain. "How?"

"Admiral Nechayev felt that we needed some type of upper hand. She came across a historical reference about Captain Kirk which mentioned his battle with the Doomsday Machine. It got her thinking about the possibilities of an operational, but controlled, superweapon. She approached me personally to ask for Geordi and data's help in searching for the device and determining the possibility of reactivation. Since she did not rely on the secrecy of proper channels, we four were the only ones who know about the attempt."

Before the Captain could explain further, the intercom chimed. "LaForge to Enterprise. Respond please."

"This is the Captain. Well done, Commander. I give my congratulations to both you and Commander Data for a job well done. You could not have come at a better time."

"Thank you, Captain. Anytime. After we get things squared away, I have someone who wishes to speak with you, sir. Arrangements have been made by our guest, that will allow you to use the Transporter to beam yourself over."

Picard's eyebrows raised questioningly as he began to realize the implications of his Chief Engineer's statement. "Acknowledged Commander. Picard out." The Captain turned to his Executive Officer. "What is the status of the battle, Number One?"

Riker took a quick glance at the sensor panel. "We lost three Klingon Cruisers and four Birds of Prey, five Romulan Warbirds as well as the Independence and the Kilborne. The Robert E. Lee reports heavy damage. She will have to be towed to a starbase."

"What of the enemy fleet?"

"Two Dominion and three Cardassian starships are leaving the sector as fast as their engines can manage."

"Very good, Will. Secure the fleet and set course for Starbase 121. Have Damage Control parties begin repairs to the ship. I'll be in the Transporter Room. You have the con."

"Aye, sir." Riker raised his head towards the ceiling. "Damage Control, begin repair operations. Helm, set course for Starbase 121."

The bridge filled with reports from all over the ship as Captain Picard entered the turbolift. "Transporter Room One."

The lift accelerated away from the bridge as Picard contemplated Geordi's last statement. "Someone wishes to speak with you>" he thought. "Could there really be someone aboard the device? The very idea seems too fantastic to be real." Before he could continue his line of thought, the turbolift came to a rest. The doors parted and Jean-Luc proceeded down the corridor and into the Transporter Room. "Have you got a lock on Commander LaForge's comlink?"

"Aye, sir" replied Ensign Calloway giving Picard a perplexed glance. "I am unsure how, but I have a sensor reading of both Commander LaForge and Data. They appear to be located in a large enclosure between the inner and outer hull of the device."

"Any other lifeforms?"

"None, sir. Just Commander LaForge and Commander Data."

Picard merely raised an eyebrow, then turned and mounted the Transporter platform. "Prepare to beam me over."

"Aye, sir. Coordinates are already set."

"Energize."

The Captain dissolved into a cascade of sparkling energy and, seconds later, reappeared in the center of the cavernous control center. Picard felt the Transporter effect release him, allowing him to survey the immense surroundings. He spotted Data and Deordi standing near a central control panel and walked toward them.

"Greetings, Captain," stated Data, "Welcome to the Doomsday Machine."

"Thank you, Data." Picard took another visual sweep of the control room. "This is simply... fascinating!"

"It gets better, Captain," Geordi replied as he turned to face the control center.

"Secondary, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise."

"Welcome, Captain Picard. I trust that you ship was not too seriously damaged?"

"Nothing that cannot be readily repaired," answered Picard turning to Data with a puzzled look upon his face.

"The Secondary is the artificial intelligence program of this device. It was through the Secondary that we were able to reactivate the Doomsday Machine and bring it here to aid in the battle."

"Can we count on the Secondary for continued aid?"

"I am afraid that that is not possible."

All three officers turned to the control panel as the Secondary continued.

In searching through your records, I have ascertained a much larger threat than your conflict with the Cardassian/Dominion Alliance. A threat that affects every sentient being in this galaxy."

"And what threat would that be?" Data queried as he searched his own memory banks.

"The Borg." answered the Secondary.

"The Borg!" snapped Picard, "Impossible! Their leader, their Queen as it were, is dead! I saw her destroyed with my own eyes along with all of her drones!"

"Forgive me, Captain, but you do not realize the true nature of the Borg. They are a true hive collective. An example from your own palnet. Honeybees."

Picard reacted as if he had been slapped. "Honeybees?"

"Yes, Captain, though a primitive example, honeybees are a true hive collective. Tell me Captain... what happens when an old Queen dies?"

Picard froze... and knew, without a doubt, what the answer would be... and felt to the depths of his very soul, that the Secondary was absolutely right. "They create a new one."

"Correct, Captain. The Borg will do the same. The old Queen is dead, so, a new Queen will be created to take her place... must be created for the collective to survive."

There was a long moment of silence. The only sound was the deep hum from the massive reactors.

"What will you do?" whispered the Captain.

"Seek out and destroy the Borg," stated the Secondary, "Every species has a right to existence, but, the Borg assimilation denies that right and only represents a stifling of creativity and growth and the ability to evolve. I cannot allow it. For centuries I have awaited a worthy cause. This is it."

"Is there nothing we can say to change your decision?" asked the Captain.

"Negative Captain Picard. You of all people understand the reasoning behind my decision."

"Yes," murmured Picard softly, "I do."

Picard glanced at his officers and then took a final survey of the command center. "Shall we gentlemen? We have a fleet to rendezvous with at Starbase 121." All three turned and walked over to the runabout. Data and Geordi entered the small ship, but, Picard paused at the entrance. "I wish you luck, Secondary. I do not envy you your journey ahead."

"Goodbye Captain. Should I succeed, perhaps my existence will be a worthy one after all."

Picard entered the ship and the door slid shut behind him. the runabout powered up and lifted off as the massive section of the inner hull slid out, allowing the ship to pass, and then slid back into place. U.S.S. Goliath sped out of the Doomsday Machine's maw, well ahead of the powerful energy matrix convulsing in the back of the device, and seconds later, disappearded in a colorful explosion of light. Behind it, the device smoothly rotated on its axis and in tis own gigantic display, disappeared into the realm of subspace.

Vastness. Emptiness. Points of fire burning in the distance... only this time, the points were moving. A new symphony of colors and hues played its galactic song. A renewed song of hope, of purpose. No longer waiting. A second chance reborn.