PHALANX - The series

Episode six : Destiny.

 

Frederic, Daphnix and Jennifer stood in the transporter room. They shook hands with the men and women gathered there.

"It is time. Thank you again for what you did in protection of our race," Frederic said, standing behind the controls.

"No, Phalanx. Thank you for giving us the chance. Farewell," One of the men and women said. The others nodded in confirmation.

"Farewell. May you find happiness in your life," Frederic said, plying the controls. In a blue energy beam, the men and women disappeared.

"Those were the last ones. I still can't believe it's over. No more war, no more Ketari, no more Phalanx needed. The troops have returned to their places in society they left behind when they joined up, their bank accounts containing enough to live out their lives in wealth. The only ones left is us, and we will be gone soon as well," Frederic said, sadness creeping into his voice.

"Well, look on the bright side: now we have all the time in the world to take a vacation. We're rich beyond measure, have powers beyond imagination and are the smartest people alive. We can do whatever we want," Daphnix said, but his voice betrayed a trace of emotion as well.

"Let's discuss that later. Right now, we have one last job to do," Frederic said, leading his two companions to the shuttle bay. They took the Daedalus III, and left the massive hangar.

Even at ten kilometers above the lunar surface, the three massive battlecarriers, the command center and the central command building still looked impressive.

"Linda, Borlan, transfer your consciousness into the phalanx satellite. Launch it when ready. Cloak it and move it into a high Earth orbit," Frederic ordered over the intercom.

Consciousness transferred. Satellite launched. In Earth orbit. Engines deactivated.

"Power down life-support and open the hatches." Frederic ordered. The air escaped from the ships, enabling them to be preserved perfectly in the vacuum of space.

"Power down the remaining ships and bases on the lunar surface," Frederic and his friends saw the ships' lights go out, and soon, nothing but darkness was visible in the constructions that were once filled with life.

Frederic flew over the constructions for the last time, and shook both his wings in goodbye. He then set a course for Earth.

 

"We'll be back in a couple of weeks. See you then," Frederic said to Daphnix.

"You two deserve it. Have fun," Daphnix said with a wink.

After their good-byes, Frederic and Jennifer stepped into the Daedalus III, cloaked it, and set a course for an unknown destination.

"Finally we have the time to go on a decent honeymoon. That's another plus," Frederic said, letting Linda fly. He relaxed as Jennifer rested in his arms.

"Yeah. And we won't have to worry about being interrupted. I have you all for myself for the next couple of weeks."

"And nobody knows where we are. The island didn't exist until two weeks ago. The house is replicated and was built in one week. The vegetation is imported, full-grown, from Hawaii. We have a custom-built tropical paradise all to ourselves."

"Wonderfullll," Jennifer sighed, relaxing in Frederic's strong arms. He hugged her closer, and their mouths traveled closer together. The lip-lock went on for at least a minute.

After Linda had landed, and Frederic and Jennifer had unpacked, they explored the island. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, they enjoyed themselves.

They made love in every possible way, on every imaginable place. The beach was one of their favorites. They also danced, often into the early hours, before going to bed.

The two lovebirds also took a liking to opera. Especially 'Carmen'. They often found themselves singing the roles of the male and female lead characters instead of the ones in the recording. Linda so graciously deactivated them as soon as Frederic and Jennifer took over. They never had to ask.

Frederic and Jennifer also found out that their knowledge included more than just science. It also included musical instruments. They enjoyed the time they spent, Frederic playing the grand piano, and Jennifer, on her stomach, laying on top of it, singing to the tunes Frederic drew from the instrument.

One evening, they were lying in the couch, watching TV. It was a romantic movie, and both Frederic and Jennifer could easily identify themselves with the main characters. They could feel the despair when the two were drawn apart, and they could feel the joy when, at the end, they came back together.

Sorry to bother you two, but there is an urgent call from Daphnix.

Linda's voice sounded real apologetic. Frederic and Jennifer sighed.

"Put him on," Frederic said. Daphnix looked distressed, Frederic thought. And the biggest surprise was: Daphnix was wearing the ESMF uniform!

"Why are you calling? And why are you in uniform?" Frederic's voice sounded not so much angry, but more concerned. If Daphnix was back in uniform, only something bad could have happened.

"Could you please come back here? We need you and Jennifer here," Daphnix's voice sounded desperate, and pleading.

"What's important enough for us to interrupt our honeymoon?" Jennifer asked.

"Captain Picard is here. He says that an alien race called the 'Borg' is underway to destroy the Federation. It's en route to Earth as we speak. Estimates are … Earth will be destroyed within 48 hours," Daphnix's voice took on the air of urgency as his professionalism buried the other emotions.

Frederic and Jennifer communicated silently for a few moments. They agreed.

"Fine. We'll be there in less than 10 minutes. Tell the captain that he'd better have a good presentation. We're mad as hell." Frederic broke the connection.

"Damn! We can't even have a quiet honeymoon! Is that so much to ask? A few weeks peace and quiet, that's all we ask!" Frederic burst out.

Jennifer put a hand on his shoulder. She knew just how to calm him down. "Calm down, honey. I'm sure Captain Picard has explored every possible alternative before asking us for help."

Frederic nodded. "I think you're right. Now, let's get ready. Linda, compile a database of knowledge we have on the Borg. And replicate an ESMF uniform for both of us. Rank insignia in place," Frederic ordered the AI.

Five minutes later, they were sitting in the Daedalus III.

"I never thought I'd have to wear this thing again. Let alone in such a short time," Frederic said, indicating the uniform. The Daedalus III was blasting at half-light speed through the atmosphere, the shields in overdrive, trying to compensate for the heat.

"Me neither. These Borg seem a bunch of dirty motherfuckers," Jennifer said, after scanning through the database.

Another four minutes later, they were sitting alongside Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Lieutenant-commander Data, an unknown woman and Daphnix in the living room of their mansion in Beverly Hills. (One of the perks of being richer than the sea is deep.)

"Now, Captain, what is so bad the Federation can't handle it herself?" Frederic asked as soon as they sat down.

"Five Borg ships have invaded Federation territory. We have just recently managed to destroy one Borg cube, and it took us nearly every ship we had. The Enterprise even had to travel back in time to keep the Borg from destroying us in the past," Data reported.

"What's the status of your fleet at the moment?" Daphnix asked.

"We have lost 45 ships, trying to stop the cubes. Most of the surviving ships are in no fighting condition. We have barely fifteen ships left, and those are obsolete," Data answered.

"I see. Unfortunately, the Ketari war is over, and our people have returned to their every-day lives," Daphnix said, looking at his friend.

<<Jen, what's the possibility of getting the Ortega operational, using the holographic crew support as our primary crew?>>

<<Pretty good, actually. We took into account that one day, the ship may had to be run entirely by holographic crew. It seems our precaution pays off.>>

<<Daphnix, what's the possibility of defeating the Borg with one Battlecarrier?>>

<<About 95%. That's way better than the fifty-fifty chance we took when destroying the Ketari.>>

"Very well, Captain. We will aid your cause. We will try to reactivate one of our ships. Please be so kind to ask your ship to move to the far side of the moon. That is where we have located our equipment," Frederic said.

"Who are you anyway? I expected a seasoned commander, someone with experience, and all I see is a bunch of kids," The unknown woman said. "And one ship? You expect us to be grateful because you send in one ship?"

"Listen, lady…," Frederic began.

"I am Admiral Nechayev. You will address me with the respect that is my rank and my age due! Now, take us to see the real commander," The woman was beginning to work on Frederic's nerves. Captain Picard was desperately trying to bring the admiral to reason.

"Admiral. I am Phalanx Frederic Fromthefield of the Earth Strategic Mental Forces. You seem not to appreciate the fact that one: we interrupted our honeymoon for you, two: the fact that that one ship carries as much firepower as a complete fleet of your Federation forces, and three: the fact that YOU came to ask ME for help. I'll help, but I expect you to listen, and do what I tell you," Frederic shoved her back in her seat when she tried to get up. He towered above her.

"Nobody has ever spoken to me like that! Certainly not a delusional young man as yourself. Now, get out of my way. This was a mistake." The woman got up.

Frederic sat down, a faint smile on his lips. "Captain, when I interrupted my honeymoon to come here and listen, I expected you to have at least…"

"You will address me!" the woman shouted.

"…told your travel companion here of our previous encounter," Frederic continued, ignoring the woman completely.

"It appears I have failed in this. I apologize," Picard said. Frederic nodded. "With your permission…?" Frederic motioned to the admiral.

Picard nodded. Frederic picked up his thoughts and gave a small smile and a nod, indicating to Picard he understood how much he wanted to chunk her out the airlock as well.

Frederic got up. Nechayev gasped as she felt her chest tightening, almost to the point where she could no longer breathe. "This is a small amount of force. When I was last on the Enterprise, Data lost arm-wrestling to it."

Frederic and his friends started to leave.

"Will you help us?" Picard asked. <<I will. Just don't tell her that. Tell her … we're offended, and that she'll have to do better to convince us to help you.>>

As no audible response came, Picard thought an 'I'll play. Nechayev needs this lesson.'

"You've offended them admiral. Now they won't help us," Picard said. Nechayev just called for transport.

Frederic and his friends boarded the Daedalus III. At light speed, it took then only two seconds to get to the far side of the moon. They touched down, pulled on spacesuits and went inside the ever-opened airlocks. Upon arriving on the bridge, they placed a small fusion battery in a socket. The bridge lit up. Because of the small amount of time, not much moon-dust had entered the large vessel.

"Transfer Linda and Borlan to Ortega. Close airlocks, bring life-support back online, and power up the anti-matter reactors and fusion reactors," Frederic ordered the computer.

Linda and Borlan transferred. Airlocks sealed, life-support operational for three people. Antimatter and fusion reactors online in ten…

The computer countdown approached zero. As it hit zero, the lights went to full strength. Frederic and his friends removed the spacesuits.

"Linda, bring the holo-crew online, and set course for the Enterprise." The holo-crew appeared, and mindless as holograms are, went to work.

Enterprise not detected.

"Is there a Federation ships in the solar system?"

Affirmative. Registry NCC-1701-E.

"Set course for that ship, and put it on visual. It seems that Picard has a new toy. Maximum fusion speed." The Ortega took off, and burned space towards the ship. It came at a full stop directly in front of it.

"We're being hailed," Jennifer responded.

"Let them sweat. Daphnix, fire a burst of quantum pellets directly next to them. Make sure they don't sustain any damage."

The beam of quantum pellets flew directly next to the Enterprise, 5 degrees starboard.

"We're being hailed more urgently."

"On screen," Frederic said, putting on his best smirk.

"Who do you… you? But, how? You're a kid! You don't…" the screen went dark. Frederic motioned to Daphnix, who fired another round of quantum pellets, this time: 5 degrees port.

"Put them on screen," Frederic said.

"Ok, I get the point. You have a gun, and you know how to use it. Now, what's the plan?" Nechayev asked. Her words were still filled with anger.

Frederic decided not to press the matter. Innocent lives were at stake. He could get her later.

"Bring the Enterprise to the topside of our ship." Frederic gave a hand motion to Jennifer, who opened the large double doors on top of the fighter bay, allowing the Enterprise to move inside the massive hangar. Nechayev nodded.

"Then, get the Enterprise inside, and enjoy the ride," Frederic said, and he cut the link.

"The Enterprise is inside," Jennifer confirmed.

"Close the doors, and prepare to go to their universe," Frederic said, sitting back in his command chair. The peace wouldn't last long. Nechayev, trailed by Picard, Riker and Data, stormed up on the bridge.

"I am assuming command of this mission. Stand aside," she ordered.

"Jennifer, what's the status on the quantum displacement drive?" Frederic asked, ignoring Nechayev's fuming form.

"QDD is at 75% and climbing, sir. Dimensional jump in 10 seconds."

"Good. Borlan, Defcon 3. Go to Defcon 4 as soon as we clear the dimension jump."

Defcon 3. All crews: battle stations. Defcon 3. Alert. Alert. All crews to battle stations.

The music cut in. The warning hadn't completely died out, as 10 holo-persons appeared on the bridge, and tended to their stations.

"We're jumping, NOW!" Jennifer said.

The tunnel appeared on screen, and soon it turned red. Then, a short bump, and the Ortega was safely inside the Enterprise's universe.

"We're safely…" Jennifer started, but was immediately cut of but Admiral Nechayev.

"Didn't you hear what I said? I'm assuming command of your…"

"Security, get that bitch of my bridge. Put her in the brig," Frederic ordered. Immediately, 5 security holograms surrounded Nechayev, and pointed some type of pistol at her.

"I'd do as he says. Those are type-3 quantum pistols. They are able to disintegrate you in less then one second," Daphnix suggested. Nechayev fumed even more as the holograms dragged her off the bridge.

Nechayev, Alynna. Safely imprisoned.

"Thank you, Borlan. Jen, find the Borg ships. Put us in level-2 cloak, and plot an intercept course. Maximum speed."

"Borg found. We're now in level-2 phase cloak. Course and speed laid in."

"Engage."

"We're at 15000 lightspeeds and holding, sir. Intercept in less than five minutes."

Picard, who was just astonished by Frederic's quick orders, finally managed to get something in between.

"15000 times the speed of light? Our warp drives can only reach half of that of that, and even then only for a limited time. And how are you going to destroy the Borg? You only have one ship."

"Captain. We're less than 4 minutes and thirty seconds away from the Borg. I'll allow you to stay here, as long as you let me and my people do our jobs. Otherwise, I'll be forced to put you back on your ship."

"I understand completely. We'll talk afterwards."

"Thank you, captain. Daphnix, have you found a solution yet?"

"Solution plotted, and entered in the computer. Estimated time of completion: 1 minute after engagement."

"Good. Borlan, do a level one check on phasers, torpedoes, and quantum pellet guns."

Check completed. No anomalies found.

"One minute till arrival, sir," Jennifer said.

"Defcon 5. We're going to war."

Defcon 5. War! War! War! Alert: Defcon 5. War! War! War!

Again, Holst's Planet Mars started playing. The Holo-crew got ready.

"We're out of quantum displacement. The five Borg cubes have not detected us. They are going to pass us in 5 seconds."

"Match speed and course. Daphnix, get your firing solution ready."

"Course matched." "Firing solution ready."

"Drop cloak, and begin firing solution."

The Ortega dropped her cloak, and immediately after, the quantum pellet guns ripped two of the five Borg cubes apart.

"We've destroyed 2 of them. Three. The last two cubes are firing," Daphnix reported. "Shields at 85%. They are attempting to lock on with a tractor beam. Our phased shields are repelling it. Their tractor beam generators have been destroyed by the returning energy discharge. We have destroyed one more craft."

"Disable the last one. I want to get on board, and download their collective knowledge."

Picard, wanting to interject, stopped at the last moment. He had just seen one ship destroy four cubes, and not suffer as much as a scratch on the paint.

"Phasers and torpedoes have disabled the Borg cube. Estimated repair time: 25 minutes. We'll have to destroy it by then," Daphnix said.

"Thank you. That's about 20 minutes more than I need. Borlan, transport me to the Borg Cube. Somewhere near the center."

"Transport complete," Jennifer reported.

Frederic walked up to the nearest Borg drone, and linked his mind with the drone's. He accessed the collective without trouble. The knowledge poured in as Frederic explored further and further.

He found technology beyond his wildest dreams. As suddenly as it had begun, so suddenly it stopped. Frederic transported back.

"And? Found anything interesting?" Jennifer asked.

Frederic gave a head motion to Daphnix. The cube was ripped apart by the quantum pellet guns. "Extremely interesting. Too bad those cubes are no match for us. I liked the Ketari better. At least they offered resistance when I try to read their minds."

"We can't have everything," Daphnix murmured.

"You are so correct, my friend. Now, captain. Allow me to bring you and your crew back safely to your solar system," Frederic said.

"Uhm? Oh, yes. Home. Thank you for uhm… uh… the destruction of the Borg."

"It was nothing. Jennifer, please be so kind to plot a course to their solar system. 5000 lightspeeds. I'm going to escort Captain Picard and his crew to his ship."

"Yes, sir. Me and Daphnix will join you as soon as we can."

"Very well," Frederic and his guests disappeared of the bridge.

As Frederic and the captain walked to the Enterprise, Picard asked:

"What'll happen to Nechayev now, sir?"

"Good you asked. I almost forgot. Let's release her right now. I just wanted to scare her, not harm her," Frederic said. Picard just nodded. Frederic could hear some of Picard's people snicker. Frederic's own smile mimicked their sentiments.

"I'm glad your people have a sense of humor as well. Ah, here we are. Linda, open brig. Authorization Fromthefield alpha-one."

The heavy-duty door slid open. The small group entered the area, and walked up to the only cell with active lights, and the hum of an active force field.

"Admiral Nechayev. You are being released, now that the battle is over. You will be escorted to the Enterprise. Your authority to enter this vessel has been revoked. Please come with us," Frederic said. The woman was too flabbergasted to respond. She just walked with Frederic and Picard and his people.

As Frederic, Picard and his crew walked up to the Enterprise, they found Daphnix and Jennifer waiting there. Frederic hugged Jennifer and said:

"We did it again, honey. We've saved humanity, even though it isn't our humanity. I just hope this isn't going to be a habit."

"So do I, but maybe destiny is trying to tell us something, love."

They noticed that by now the rest had gathered around them, grinning widely. Frederic and Jennifer released the embrace and they turned to Picard.

"We will reach your solar system in 3 hours, captain. We will contact you then, drop you off, and we can all go our own way," Frederic said.

"Very well. We will be standing by," Picard said. Frederic nodded. After Picard and his group had gone aboard the Enterprise, Frederic and his two friends went to the Holodeck for a workout.

 

The three people danced around the holodeck, cutting down vicious holograms with their old swords. All the new magical Swords, armor, and amulets had been locked in a big chest, sealed with holy seals, and sent into the Realm of Avalon, ready for when they would be needed.

We are entering the Solar system of this universe.

"Thank you Linda. Transport us to the bridge," Frederic said. The technology did its job and transported the three young people to the bridge.

"Contact the Enterprise," Frederic ordered.

Captain Picard's smiling face appeared on the screen.

"We are at your solar system. We've dropped out of quantum displacement, and are ready to open the doors," Frederic said.

"It appears that you're not going to get away from us that easily, sir. Starfleet central command whishes to thank you personally. If that's alright with you, of course." Picard said.

Frederic glanced at his friend and his wife. They both nodded. What the heck. Why not? We've destroyed their nemesis, after all.

"Very well, captain. How will the arrangements be made?" Frederic asked.

"Central command suggests we leave the Ortega, and escort you to Earth. This to make sure that our defenses do not mistake you for a hostile ship."

"Very well, captain. We'll open our doors and retract the latches. You can leave when you're ready. We'll take position next to you."

Enterprise is free. We're taking escorted position. We're following them at 25% fusion speed.

Captain Picard nodded a 'see you when we reach earth', and broke communications.

"All right, we have to get ready for an official meeting. Official dress uniforms required," Frederic said, leaving the bridge with Jennifer at his arm.

Not long afterwards, all three were standing on the bridge, their black dress uniforms contrasting beautiful with the yellow of their phalanx insignia and the gold of the sword on their backs. The black leathery material shone in the artificial light.

Captain Picard is hailing us.

"On screen. We're ready, captain. Can you provide transported coordinates?" Frederic asked the moment Picard was visible.

"Why don't you come aboard the Enterprise, so we can show you around before we leave for central command?"

"We'd like that very much. Thank you, captain. We will see you in a minute, in your transporter room number one."

"Yes, sir. In a minute." The contact broke.

"Linda, put the Ortega in complete independence mode until we get back, and beam us to the Enterprise's primary transporter room."

The matter/energy transport took only a second to complete, and soon they found themselves in transporter room one of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-E.

After the grand tour of the Enterprise, Captain Picard, Frederic, Daphnix and Jennifer left for Starfleet. They appeared in front of the building.

The small group was almost immediately greeted by a delegation of admirals. After the pleasantries, they were escorted to a large conference room, where they were awaited by a large group of admirals, captains, and other important people.

Frederic, Daphnix and Jennifer sat down on three chairs in front. An important looking man took the stand.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We are here today to honor the people who avoided disaster for the entire Federation. They single-handedly destroyed the Borg threat, and therefore saved all of the Federation."

"Those brave young people came from a parallel universe, to save people who they have never met, just because we needed help, and they were in the position to help us. For this noble act I, the President of the Federation, award the Medal of Honor and Valor to Phalanx Frederic Fromthefield, his wife Jennifer and his tactical commander Daphnix Smith. They are honorary members of the Federation, and will always find friends amongst us." Again, the room erupted in applause.

Frederic looked at his two companions. The surprise was written all over their faces. Slowly, they got up and walked to the president. He opened a wooden box, and took out a medal. Frederic bowed his head as the President slid the medal over Frederic's neck. He then gave the box to Frederic.

The president than took a second box, and the ritual repeated itself with Jennifer. Daphnix was awarded it in the same way as well. After the medals had been handed out, it was clear that Frederic was expected to say something as well. A little shaky, he took the stand.

His mind worked overtime in trying to come up with something good to say. He decided that the direct approach would be the best.

"Thank you for this honor. Although I wish that someone had notified me up front, so I could come up with a decent speech." The room chuckled. Frederic smiled. Now that the ice was broken, the words came more fluently.

"Although it was quite unnecessary, I assure you. I was able to help, and I always come through when people need it. I really hate when innocents get hurt, whether it's one human, one hundred people or one billion people, when I'm needed, the innocent can always count on me. So can the people who hurt them, for that manner, to be brought to justice for the crimes they have committed. Thank you."

The people in the room gave Frederic a standing ovation. Frederic and his two companions bowed.

After that ceremony, Frederic, Jennifer, Daphnix and Captain Picard went back to the ship.

"Would you do me one last favor, sir?" Picard asked.

"I'm no longer on duty. Just call me Fred, or Frederic, OK? I'm not real keen on that 'sir' stuff. Now, ask away Captain. What can I do for you?"

"Ok, Frederic. Could you give us a description of that vessel of yours? I'm impressed by its capabilities, and I'm sure that a lot of my people are too. And call me Jean-Luc."

"I'd be delighted to give you and your people a tour on the Ortega, Jean-Luc. But please understand that I can't disclose too much of it's secrets."

"I understand. Let me get some of my people together."

"Sure. How about we start in one hour?"

"One hour is fine. See you then."

"Until then, Jean-Luc. Ortega, three for transport." They vanished in the shimmering blue transporter beam.

 

"Before we start, is everyone is good shape? The ship is 5 kilometers long, 2 kilometers wide, and 1 kilometer high at the bow." Frederic said to the people in the small conference room.

A faint smile was visible on some of the people's faces.

"Ok, let's start on the bridge." Frederic led them through the ship, pointing out the room for 5,000 fighters, the 15,000 men and women required to fly them, and the tremendous amount of energy and kinetic weaponry. The Enterprise people were impressed.

 

Frederic sank back in the command chair as Linda guided them home. His two friends sagged in their chairs as well.

"Do you think that this will become a habit? Saving the human race from the various bad guys?" Daphnix asked to no-one in particular.

"I don't think we'll be able to avoid it. It's our destiny." Jennifer responded.