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From: etlmksr@etlxd20.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu
Subject: Revenge or Honour? - To be archived
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 94 15:53:45 GMT
X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil]
	["130619" "Sun" "20" "February" "94" "15:53:45" "GMT" "Mark Slater" "etlmksr@etlxd20.ericsson.se " nil "3513" "Revenge or Honour? - To be archived" "^From:" nil nil "2" nil nil])


Hi Joseph

Please would you archive this for me as I am without ftp access. 

Thanks
Mark

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


			    Revenge or Honour?



				Chapter I



Chief Medical Officer's Log, Stardate 46898.7

We have finally managed to isolate an effective cure to the virus 
that has caused the plague on Lapier III. Treatment on the worst
effected patients beamed up two days ago have shown that the antidote
works and my medical team are now replicating the antidote. I am
amazed that despite having been in orbit around Lapier III for over a
week and in constant contact with the Lapians, none of my staff
have contracted the disease. I estimate that mass distribution of
the antidote will take place in about 2 hours.

				-+-+-

It was just over 10 days ago when the Enterprise had received the 
distress call from Lapier III and being the only Starfleet vessel 
in the area, she had responded. They found that the Lapians had 
become infected with an unknown disease that exhibited flu like 
symptoms and caused death within 5 to 6 days. It had taken Dr. 
Crusher and her medical team nearly 4 days to isolate the cause of 
the disease and then a further 2 days to find an effective cure. 
What had puzzled Crusher was that the cause of the disease, a virus, 
had remained undetected for so long. Even the bio-filters on the 
transporter had been unable to detect the virus when the first 
patients were beamed up to the Enterprise's quarantine area. The 
only piece of luck Crusher and her team had had, was that the final 
antidote not only proved to be the cure, but also a very effective 
vaccine. This was something that Starfleet would have to bear in 
mind when considering inoculations of future teams assigned for 
further exploratory missions, particularly of this sector. Infact, 
the main reason for the Enterprise's presence in the sector was a 
charting and surveying mission, ready for future exploration of 
this sector, which although had been known about for over 90 years, 
had not yet been fully explored mainly due to the various conflicts 
with the Klingons and Romulans in the past and, more recently with 
the Borg and the Cardassians. If this new disease, now officially 
named Lapier Flu, was prevalent in this area, then future 
exploration teams would have to be vaccinated against it. Now all 
that Crusher had to do, was to officially register the new 
antidote, come vaccine, with Starfleet Medical. Turning once 
more to the computer pad on her desk, which bore the legend 
"LOG ENTER - HOLDING", she pressed the button and continued,

"Appended to this log entry is the formula to the antidote and 
the readings from the remaining patients on board the 
Enterprise. End Entry. Computer, store and send a copy of this 
entry to Starfleet Medical."

"LOG ENTRY STORED. COPY TRANSMITTED" responded the computer.

"Good" said Crusher, and then checking on the time, decided to 
pay her Lapian patients a visit.

Heading out of her office and into Sickbay, Crusher made her way 
over to the bio-beds where the three remaining Lapians lay. 
Checking their readings, Crusher noted with satisfaction, that 
all their vital signs had returned to normal. 'What they now need 
is some good, old fashioned rest' she thought. Behind her, 
Crusher heard the familiar whoosh as the Sickbay doors opened to 
admit someone into Sickbay. Turning, she could see that 
Counsellor Troi had entered and was heading in her direction.

"How are they?"

"Fine" replied Crusher, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. 
"All they need now is a couple of days rest."

"And so do you Beverly. You look dreadful!"

"Well that's what you get from taking only 4 hours sleep in 2 
days, but I think I can rest now." Crusher yawned again.

"Yes doctor, you can, and what is more, I'll will escort you to 
your quarters" said Troi in a mock, officially sounding 
counsellor's voice. "After all, we don't want you passing out 
on the way to your bed and doing yourself an injury. Sickbay has
been busy enough already without that!" she added smiling.

"Yes Counsellor" replied Crusher, in a resigned voice, 
suppressing yet another yawn. All those hours without sleep were 
catching up on her now that the immediate crisis was over and a 
cure had been found. Crusher turned to one of the duty doctors, 

"Dr. Tai, I'm turning in for the night. If you need my help...."

"Call Dr. Selar" butted in Troi.

Dr. Tai looked at the Counsellor then at Crusher, a slightly 
bemused look on his face. Crusher shrugged and nodded.

"Call Dr. Selar" she repeated looking at Deanna who just smiled.

"Yes Doctor" replied Tai.

Crusher turned to Troi,

"OK Deanna. I'm ready" 

and they both headed out of Sickbay.

They walked down the corridor and into the turbo lift in silence 
except for Troi ordering the lift to Deck 8. Troi studied her 
friend and sensed that it wasn't just tiredness that kept Crusher 
quiet. As they exited the turbo lift and headed down the corridor 
of Deck 8, Troi asked,

"Beverly, are you all right? You seem puzzled by something."

"It's that virus Deanna. There's something that I cannot quite 
put my finger on. Perhaps I'm just tired, but..." her voiced 
trailed off.

By now, they had reached Crushers quarters. As Crusher entered, 
Troi said,

"Well, get a good night's sleep and maybe you will figure it out
in the morning."

"I can't Deanna. I've got to be up in about 2 hours to supervise 
the distribution and treatment of the Lapians."

"Oh no you don't Beverly. Dr. Selar and I can see to that. You 
need all the rest you can get and thats an order!"

"An order. From you?"

"No. Not me."

"The Captain?"

"Yes, the Captain. It was either me or Worf. Now who would you 
have preferred?"

"You. If Worf had put me to bed, no doubt he would have posted
a guard on my door to make sure I got my 8 hours sleep." chuckled 
Crusher. Then yawning again, "OK Counsellor, I'll take my 
medicine. Good night Deanna." and she entered her quarters.

Troi grinned as the doors closed behind her friend. She hadn't 
dared to tell Beverly that Worf had actually suggested posting 
a guard on her door to make sure she got the sleep she needed. 
Troi had avoided this by persuading Worf that this wasn't
necessary, but wasn't quite sure if he was only joking. He did
have a slight smirk at the time, if Klingons smirk, and Troi
had to admit, it was this side of Worf that she hadn't yet 
got use to, despite serving with him for all these past years. 
'Do Klingons play practical jokes, or is Worf becoming more human 
than he would like to admit?' mused Troi as she headed back to 
Sickbay and her planned meeting with Dr. Selar.

				-+-+-

Nine hours later, Crusher stirred after sleeping right through. 
Turning in her bed and murmuring contentedly, she decided she 
felt far more human than she had for at least 48 hours. Sitting up in 
bed, she asked,

"Time?"

"09:38 HOURS" answered the computer.

'Oh well, I've missed breakfast with Jean-Luc, might as well get 
up and see how Deanna and Selar are doing in Sickbay' thought 
Crusher. Then swinging her legs out over the side of her bed, she 
ordered,

"Lights"

and the lighting in her quarters slow rose to normal.

				-+-+-

An hour and half later, Crusher had washed, dressed and 
breakfasted and was now entering Sickbay. The first thing she 
noticed was that the Lapians were up and one was even eating. 
She walked over to them,

"How are you all feeling this morning?"

"Well, apart from being very hungry and a little tired, I think 
we are all fine." answered one of the Lapians.

Just as she was about to respond, Crusher heard a voice behind 
her call,

"Well Doctor. Nice to see you up and about this morning, even if 
you did miss breakfast"

Crusher turned to see Captain Picard grinning at her.

"Well, who was it that ordered me to bed?"

"Yes, and I don't recall giving you an order to get up yet" 
responded Picard jokingly. Then turning to the woman standing 
next to him, Picard said, "Doctor, may I introduce to you Petron, 
Deacon of Lapier. Petron, Doctor Beverly Crusher, Chief Medical 
Officer of the Enterprise."

The leader of the Lapians smiled at Crusher and extend her hand 
as she walk towards Crusher.

"Dr. Crusher. I'm so glad to meet you, and thank you in person 
for saving my people. We owe you and your staff a great debt of 
thanks for all you have done for us."

"You are welcome Deacon Petron. Tell me, have you ever suffered 
such a plague before?"

"No never. Many of the more superstitious among my people think 
is was a warning from our god as the plague only came after 'The 
Night of Falling Stars' as it has become known. Others have blamed the 
Federation for introducing the plague. But luckily both are a 
minority and after all the Federation have done to cure us, maybe 
the anger in that minority will dissipate."

Before Crusher could ask any more questions, Worf voice came over 
the Intercom.

"Worf to Captain Picard. Medical teams reported that they have 
treated all the affected Lapians and are now vaccinating the 
remainder."

"Thank you Mr. Worf. Picard out. Well Deacon, it looks like the
worst is over."

"Thank you again Captain and to show my people's gratitude, the 
Council have invited you and you Officers to the 'Feast of 
Thanksgiving', our traditional way of thanking those who help 
us."

"Thank you Deacon. I am pleased to accept on behalf of my 
Officers"

"Good. Then if you could escort me to you transporter room, I 
will return to my world and make the necessary preparations."

"This way" said Picard, indicating the exit to Sickbay, then 
looking back over his shoulder, "I'll see you later Doctor" and 
exited with the Deacon.

				-+-+-

It was now late into the night on the planet of Lapier, and the 
Enterprise's Officers had just come to the end of an extremely 
pleasant feast. Due to the significance of the occasion, Picard 
had ordered that dress uniforms were to be worn, which had not 
pleased Worf as he thought that they were not the sort of garment 
a warrior should wear, but Picard had insisted. The only officer 
not present was Data, who had volunteered to stay on board the 
Enterprise in order to command the evening and night watches. 
This too had displeased Worf, as he had seen it as a way of 
getting out of the occasion. He was not one for occasions that 
involved plenty of eating and, worst of all, speeches, which he 
feared was next on the agenda as the serving staff cleared away 
the last remnants of the feast they had just consumed. He was 
right, for as the serving staff disappeared out of the various 
doors in the Great Feasting Hall, Deacon Petron stood up and 
addressed all that were present.

"Honoured guests from the Enterprise. My fellow councillors and 
the people of Lapier are gather here to pay tribute to you and 
give you thanks as our tradition demands. Centuries ago, the 
Feast of Thanksgiving was our way to thank and honour those in 
neighbouring settlements who had offered us a great service or 
gift, of any kind. Honoured guests from the Enterprise, we are 
here to honour you and thank you for the gift of life, no small 
gift. Your skill and you presence have saved our people and for 
that we now honour you and the crew of the Federation Starship 
Enterprise. Receive our Thanksgiving."

The Deacon then clapped her hands and all the Lapians present in 
the room stood. From somewhere above the great hall, a bell 
sounded out with a deep, resonating tone. As it sounded, the 
Lapians bowed before the Enterprise's officers, their left hands 
touching their heads and the right their chests above their 
hearts. After a short time, the bell sounded again and the 
Lapians straighten and sat. After this, Picard rose,

"Deacon Petron, Councillors, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is with a 
great sense of honour that I accept your Thanksgiving on behalf 
of my crew. We are pleased that we have been of assistance to 
you. As new members of the Federation, it is our duty and our 
pleasure to assist you in anyway we can and we are honoured that 
we have been able to do so. May our future ventures together be 
of equal success and under more happier circumstances. We thank 
you."

As Picard sat, a ripple of applause circled the Great Feasting 
Hall. As the applause ended, Petron stood again,

"Thank you Captain Picard. And now, shall be adjourn to the 
Terrace where we can partake of a tradition from your world, tea 
and coffee with pleasant conversation under the stars."

and with that, the whole assembly rose and headed out of the 
north entrance of the Great Feasting Hall and out, onto the 
Terrace.

				-+-+-

On the Terrace, having each been served with their drinks, the 
Enterprise's Officers and the Lapians started to break up into 
small groups and various discussions began. As usually, 
Commander Riker managed to surround himself with some of the more 
attractive female Lapians that had attended the feast, while 
Picard, Crusher and Troi were sat with Deacon Petron and her aid, 
Maklar. Opposite to Picard's group was LaForge and Worf with 4 
other Lapians.

After discussing the progress being made on vaccinating the 
remainder of the Lapian population, Crusher finally got to ask 
the question that had been burning on her mind all day, although 
she didn't really know why and assumed it was simple curiosity.

"Deacon. This morning you mentioned 'The Night of the Falling 
Stars'. Can you explain what you were referring to?"

Before Petron could answer, Maklar started,

"It was a night of warning, against impending doom. DOOM!"

"Oh really Maklar" rebuked Petron, "That sort of talk belongs 
to our tribal past. You know as well as I that is was nothing 
more than a simple astronomical event. Spectacular yes, but 
nothing more."

"What type of astronomical event?" enquired Troi.

"Oh, we had a magnificent meteorite display Counsellor. Similar
to what I think you would call a firework display. It lasted for
well over 10 of your minutes and visible from all areas that were
in night. It really was quite beautiful."

"It was a warning I say" continued Maklar. "A warning against 
our membership of the Federation. After all, the plague did start 
not long after the stars fell."

"Maklar, really! That was nothing more than sheer coincidence, 
and you know it!" said Petron, in an exasperated tone.

At this point, Riker came over,

"Sorry to interrupt Captain, but I'm due to relieve Data in 5 
hours and I think I'd better get some rest".

"Good idea Number One. It looks as if Worf might wish to return 
with you. I expect he cannot wait to get out of his dress 
uniform. Don't tell him I said this, but I agree with him. Some 
how dress uniforms do not suit Klingons."

"No sir, they don't" chuckled Riker. Then turning to Petron, 
"Thank you Deacon for a most pleasant evening."

"You are welcome Commander."

Riker turning back to Picard,

"Sir. Ladies."

and headed off in the direction of the group where Worf and 
LaForge were.

"Worf. I'm returning to the Enterprise now and thought you might like 
to join me. You don't look too well," he added.

Infact, Worf was beginning to look distinctly pale.

"No Commander. My duty is to guard the Captain." he replied.

"I think Captain Picard will be all right. After all, Lapier III 
is a Federation member now and like me, you are on duty in 5 
hours."

"Perhaps you're right Commander. I could do with a rest" conceded 
Worf.

"Commander, if you don't mind, I think I will join you as well" 
said LaForge, "I have a staff meeting in the morning."

"OK" replied Riker, then hitting his combadge, "Riker to 
Enterprise, prepare to beam three up"

"Enterprise standing by"

Worf and LaForge joined Riker.

"Energise"

As the familiar hum started to grow, Riker, Worf and LaForge 
turned into columns of glowing light, then they disappeared, 
along with the hum.

Having just watched Riker, Laforge and Worf disappear, Petron 
saw the Councilor of Health in the group they had left. Looking 
back at Crusher and Troi,

"I have just seen someone who has expressed a wish to meet both 
you Doctor and you Counsellor. If neither of you object?"

Both Troi and Crusher agreed. Looking at Picard, Petron said,

"Captain?"

"By all means" replied Picard, "I'm sure Maklar and I can find 
lots to talk about."

With this, Petron headed off in the direction of the official 
she wanted to introduce to Crusher and Troi, who both followed 
her. Picard faced Maklar,

"Well Maklar, why do you not trust the Federation?"

Maklar just smiled.

			-+-+-

When Petron, Crusher and Troi were half way across the Terrace, 
Crusher's combadge bleeped. Stopping, Crusher hit her badge,

"Crusher here."

"Medical emergency doctor. Can you return to Sickbay 
immediately."

Crusher looked at Troi who just nodded. Returning her gaze to 
Petron, Crusher said,

"I'm sorry Deacon, we must go."

"I understand doctor. Don't worry and good luck."

"Thank you Deacon. Crusher to Enterprise, two to beam up directly 
to Sickbay."

			-+-+-

At the same time Crusher and Troi were beaming back to the 
Enterprise, Maklar was grinning at Picard. It was an evil type 
of grin that was beginning to make Picard feel a little nervous.

"You'll see Picard" said Maklar, touching a ring on the index 
finger of his left hand. After he had done this, Picard felt the 
sensation of a transporter beam grip him. The next thing he saw 
was a Klingon.

"Picard. Nice to see you again. You have done well Maklar."

"My payment! Where is it?"

"Right here" and before anyone could blink, Maklar disappeared 
as the Klingon pulled out a phaser and fired. Picard, having 
seen Maklar killed, turned to face the Klingon.

"Ba'Tor!" he exclaimed.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge or Honour [2/8]
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 1994 08:02:32 GMT

Hi folks

Sorry for the delay, here is part 2.

Hope you enjoy

Mark

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

			    Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter II


Picard found himself being frog matched down a corridor of a 
ship, flanked on either side by Klingon Officers, with Ba'Tor, one 
of the sisters of Duras, leading the way.

"Ba'Tor. I demand to know why you have abducted me? Where am I? 
Where is...."

"Captain. Captain" cut in Ba'Tor, "You're in no position to demand 
anything, but don't worry. All will be revealed. Oh!" she added 
turning to face him, "Don't worry about the Enterprise either. 
We've now left orbit of Lapier III and I doubt if they would be 
looking for us in any case. Well, not until it's too late anyway!" 
She laughed and turned around to continue matching forward.

"Orbit?"

"Why yes Picard. It has been fun watching you this past week or so, 
attempting to eradicate _our_ little virus. I'm surprised it took 
your dear Dr. Crusher so long." She turned to smile at him again, 
"Still, no one's perfect, are they?"

By now, they had reached another doorway, which opened to reveal a 
Bridge. Picard instantly recognised it as the Bridge of a Bird of 
Prey. Some of the pieces started to fit together.

"You've been cloaked!" he exclaimed.

"Naturally Picard" came another voice he recognised.

Another Klingon female moved into view. She stood next to the 
command chair in the centre of the Bridge, which at this point 
was turned away from Picard. It faced the viewer screen, which 
displayed the starfield of a ship at warp speed.

"Welcome to the Taupag" said this Klingon, who Picard now 
saw was Lawsa, Ba'Tor's sister. "I told you at our last meeting 
that you didn't want to make enemies of us. Like all humans, you 
didn't listen." She laughed.

"What's the meaning of this?" shouted Picard, "And what do you mean, 
_your_ virus?"

"Why Picard, the virus you've called Lapian Flu, we created." 
answer Lawsa. "Oh. We did have help you know" she added, looking 
at someone who Picard assumed was seated in the command chair.

"Help?"

"Yes Picard" came a voice from the chair. It too sounded 
familiar, but Picard couldn't place it. "From us" and the chair
started to rotate and then Picard came face to face with a Romulan 
Commander.

"Sela!" he exclaimed. "So the Duras family is still being 
helped by the Romulans. But why after their last defeat?"

"Why Picard? For two reasons. First, they are still our best 
option for gaining control of the Klingon High Council and so 
destroying the Alliance with the Federation. Second, to revenge 
myself on you. Twice you have thwarted me. Something that doesn't 
go down well with the Romulan Senate. My only hope of promotion 
now lies in beating you." Turning to Ba'Tor, "Take him away. 
We'll deal with him later." Then looking directly into Picard's 
eyes, "First let him dwell on his future - or lack of?"

				-+-+-

First Officer's Log, Stardate 46901.8

The Captain is still missing. It has now been at least 5 hours 
since his disappearance was reported and all efforts to locate 
him have proven futile. Our efforts are not helped by the fact that 
we are missing our Chief of Security, Lieutenant Worf, who is at 
present, still lies unconscious in Sickbay after collapsing on 
the transporter pad upon beaming back from Lapier III. The cause 
of his illness is as yet, unknown.

				-+-+-

Riker was sat in Picard's Ready Room, opposite him sat Deacon 
Petron.

"I'm sorry Commander, but we've still not located Captain 
Picard. We have now completed the search of First City. Even with 
the aid of you men, we have found no trace of him. We are now 
searching the surrounding area and other cities, but I would think 
it is highly unlikely he would be able to have left First City 
unseen."

"Thank you Deacon. With your permission, I would like to send an 
Away Team down to the Terrace to carry out another, more detailed 
investigation. We may turn up some clue that we missed the first 
time round."

"By all means Commander. I am happy to help in any way I can. To 
be frank, I'm embarrassed that this happened on a night when we 
were supposed to be honouring you all."

Data's voice then came over the Intercom.

"Data to Commander Riker. Transmission from Starfleet sir."

"I'm on my way Mr. Data." Riker and Petron headed for the Bridge.

On the Bridge, Riker walked over to stand between Ops and Conn.

"On screen Mr. Data."

On the viewer, the display of the planet Lapier III was replaced 
by the Federation logo and then by a Vulcan. Riker immediately 
recognised Commodore Law'Pau, who was responsible for the 
sector.

"Commander Riker" started the Commodore. "Starfleet has reviewed 
your report and has decided to relieve the Enterprise of your 
current Surveying mission and assign you the investigation of 
Captain Picard's disappearance. It is logical to assume you are 
in the best position to accomplish this mission. Until you have 
recovered Captain Picard, it has been decided to temporarily 
promote you to the field rank of acting Captain, I'm transmitting 
the necessary ship's orders now. In view of the fact that you 
are not far from the Romulan Neutral Zone, and your investigation 
could involve an encounter with them, we feel it is advisable to have a 
Captain in charge of the Enterprise. Congratulations Captain 
Riker."

"Thank you sir," said Riker. "So Starfleet believes that the 
Romulans might be involved?"

"There are many possibilities to be considered Captain, it is only 
logical to plan for as many of them as we can. You have your orders 
Captain. Law'Pau out."

With that, the screen changed back to display the Federation logo 
and the legend "TRANSMISSION ENDED".

"Sir" said Data, "We have just received confirmation of our 
orders from Starfleet Command."

"Fine Mr. Data." (beat) "Computer, transfer all command codes to 
me as per Starfleet order, time index, this stardate."

"COMMAND CODES TRANFERRED AS PER STARFLEET ORDER 62744 BETA, 
STARDATE 46901.9. USS ENTERPRISE NOW UNDER COMMAND OF ACTING
CAPTAIN WILLIAM THOMAS RIKER"

"Mr. Data, while I'm acting Captain, I'm appointing you as First 
Officer. Computer, so note appointment of Lieutenant Commander 
Data as Ship's First Officer."

"CONFIRMED. ACTING FIRST OFFICER LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DATA."

"Data. I want you to take an Away Team down to the Terrace and 
conduct a detailed investigation of the area. I want to know what 
happened to Captain Picard. I'm scheduling a briefing in 2 hours. 
Report to me then."

"Aye sir."

Data keyed in a request for Security to send 6 guards to 
Transporter Room 2. Then, pressing the comm-button on the Ops 
panel,

"Commander Data to LaForge. Report to Transporter Room 2 for Away 
Team duty. Deacon Petron, can you assist us?"

Petron nodded. Data rose from Ops, looked at Riker and then 
exited the Bridge via the entrance next to the Captain's Ready 
Room. Riker walked over and sat in the Command Chair. Although 
this wasn't the first time he had sat in it, this time it 
felt strange. He realised that as First Officer, Data would not 
allow Riker to lead any of the Away Teams that would investigate 
Picard's disappearance. All he could do was wait, and Riker hated 
waiting. He keyed the comm-button on the Command Chair.

"Riker to Dr. Crusher. How's Worf?"

"No change I'm afraid" came Crusher's voice.

"Doctor, I've scheduled a briefing in 2 hours. I want a full 
report then. Riker out"

'Dam' he thought. I could do with Worf on this investigation.

				-+-+-

Data and the Away Team materialised on the Terrace with Deacon 
Petron. The Terrace was now bathed with a strong light from the 
star of the Lapier system. The place was now quiet, except for 
the sound of the breeze in the trees. Data turned to Petron,

"Deacon. Would you please show me the last known position of 
Captain Picard?"

"Over there," said Petron, pointing south, to the place where 
she had last seen Picard. "With my aid Maklar. It would seem 
that Dr. Crusher, Counsellor Troi and myself were the last people 
to see him, apart from Maklar."

"Fine. Would you please find Maklar, I would like to talk with 
him if that is possible" requested Data.

"No problem" replied Petron, "I'll go and fetch him now. He 
should be in his office," and Petron headed off in the direction 
of the Council Buildings.

Data turned to the person heading up the Security Team, who 
happened to be Worf's Assistant. Data searched his data files 
for a name.

"Lieutenant Jackson. Take you team and examine the east and west 
sectors of the Terrace. Look for any indication of Captain 
Picard's whereabouts. If you find nothing, then split your team 
up and start a detailed survey of the surrounding area using 
standard search procedures. Inform me immediately you discover 
anything."

"Yes sir!" said Jackson and then he split his team, sending 3 of 
then to the east and then accompanying the remaining 2 to the 
west.

Data and LaForge went south, in the direction Petron had 
indicated was Picard's last known position. As they approached, 
Data took out his tricorder, opened it and started to scan 
the area. LaForge studied the same area with his visor.

"Thats odd" he said in a quiet voice and got down to study a 
particular patch much closer with his visor.

"Data!" he called, "My visor is picking up a faint energy reading 
from the stone surface here"

Data came over and scanned the area with his tricorder.

"Geordi. The stone here, and all around, contains minute traces 
of di-lithium, but at this point..." he scanned the area LaForge 
had indicated again, "I am detecting a residue energy reading. 
It is as though the stone has been exposed to some kind of energy 
and the di-lithium has absorbed it."

"Could it be phaser fire?" asked LaForge, concerned.

"No. I do not think so. It is not the right frequency for phaser 
fire, or any other known weapon."

Data paused as his neural nets absorbed and processed some new 
information the tricorder was reading, a puzzled expression 
growing on his face.

"Intriguing. The stone is showing evidence of some kind of 
molecular displacement."

"Molecular displacement?" exclaimed LaForge stunned. "Are you 
trying to say that this was caused by the energy of a transporter 
beam?"

"It is quite possible Geordi," said Data straightening. "I will 
have to take these readings back to the Enterprise to confirm my 
suspicions, but if it is correct, then it would mean that Captain 
Picard was transported from this point."

"And" continued LaForge, "If it wasn't by the Enterprise, then 
it must have been by someone else, but who? It cannot be the 
Lapians, they don't have Transporter Technology yet, and why?"

"I fear Geordi that if Captain Picard was transported from this 
site, and as he has not shown up yet, then there can only be 
one possible explanation...."

				-+-+-

"Abducted!" exclaimed Riker, as Data presented his conclusions 
to the briefing. "Are you sure? Surely we would have detected 
any transporter beam as he was beamed out?"

"Not necessary sir" interrupted LaForge. "If Captain Picard was 
beamed out at more or less the same time as Dr. Crusher and 
Counsellor Troi were beaming back to the Enterprise, the ship's 
sensors may have interpreted the two beam outs to be one and the 
same."

"Can we check the ship's sensor logs to determine if this is the 
case?" asked Crusher.

"Yes Doctor" answer Data. "That was my intention before coming 
to this briefing, but it took me longer than I had anticipated 
to identify the residual energy readings."

"And did you?" asked Riker.

"Yes Captain. I am 95% certain it was a Klingon Transporter 
Beam."

"A Klingon!" exclaimed Riker, there had been too many shocks 
already in this briefing, Riker, as were some of the others at 
this briefing, was beginning to feel a bit numb. "But why? and 
from where?"

"I do not know Captain" replied Data, "But I recommend that as 
well as checking the sensor logs for an extra transporter beam, 
we also check the logs for sub-space anomalies."

"You mean look for a cloaked ship" stated Troi.

"Yes Counsellor. Although I expect that if such a ship exists, 
it is no longer in orbit above the planet. Yet it would prove our 
theory. We may also get some insight as to the ship's course when 
it left orbit. I would furhter point out that Maklar, Deacon 
Petron's aid, is also missing. He was last seen with Captain 
Picard. If Captain Picard was abducted by transport beam and 
Maklar was with him, it would be logical to assume Maklar would 
be taken as well, thereby leaving no witnesses."

"OK Data, begin you search of the sensor logs. Geordi, will you 
please help him" said Riker.

"Aye sir" answered both officers.

"Now doctor, what can you tell me about Worf's condition?"

"Nothing good I'm afraid Captain" started Crusher. "He's still in 
a coma and nothing I do seems to have any effect. We have, at 
last, isolated the cause. Worf is suffering from a form of Lapian 
Flu, but not the type we first encounter. The virus has mutated 
into a much more virulent form and although Worf had been 
inoculated against the original form, it had no effect on this 
mutation."

"Are the rest of the ship's crew at risk?" asked Riker.

"I don't know, but my guess is that they are not. There is 
something strange about this virus. We are carrying out a genetic 
analysis of both mutations at this very moment. All I can tell 
you now is that we have managed to identify 98% of the gene code 
of both viruses. However, we have no idea about the last 2%, except 
that in both viruses, it is identical. If I were to make an 
educated guess, I would say that this virus has been genetically 
engineered and then introduced into the Lapier III eco-sphere."

"How would such a virus be introduced?" asked LaForge.

"Well, it could be done a number of ways." replied Crusher, "It 
all depends on how the virus is transmitted. The most obvious 
ways are to introduce it into the water table, food chain or 
atmosphere. This virus is transmitted by inhalation, so I would 
assume that it was introduced into the atmosphere."

"But doctor. To have the effect that this virus had would mean 
that the virus must have been released a long time ago." said 
Lieutenant Jackson, who was present as the most senior member of 
Security.

"Released in small quantities, yes. A better method, would a mass
introduction over the whole planet surface. That would cut the
infection time down to as little as a few days." replied Crusher.

" 'The Night of the Falling Stars' !" said Troi.

"What?" puzzled Riker.

" 'The Night of the Falling Stars' " repeated Troi, "Deacon 
Petron was telling Captain Picard, Beverly and myself about it 
while we were on the Terrace."

"Of course!" said Crusher, "It would be perfect."

"What is 'The Night of the Falling Stars' ?" asked Riker.

Troi explained,

"It was a night when the Lapians were treated to a meteor display 
that last about 10 minutes and was visible over the entire night 
side of the planet"

"Captain" said Crusher, "That would provide an ideal method of 
delivery if you wanted to infect a whole planet with an airborne 
virus, and Maklar did comment that the plaque started not long 
after."

"It is possible," interjected Data, "That these two incidents 
are connected. The plaque did bring the Enterprise to Lapier III 
as it was the only starship in this sector. It is possible that 
this was a ploy, designed to bring the Enterprise here so that 
someone, and the most likely candidates are the Klingons, could 
kidnap Captain Picard."

"But why would the Klingons want to do that?" asked Jackson, 
"After all, we are at peace with the Klingons and Captain Picard 
is highly regarded by Klingon High Council."

"It is the only solution that at present fits most of the facts 
Lieutenant. Besides, not all Klingons are happy with the 
Federation Treaty or the High Council" responded Data.

"Your saying Data that we could be dealing with a rogue Klingon 
unit?" asked Troi.

"It is likely Counsellor."

"Data" started Riker. "Have Astrophysics scan this system to 
check for orbital debris that could have caused such a meteor 
shower. Include in that scan a search for the most likely parent 
comet to that debris. I want a report on both their search and 
yours for a cloaked ship as soon as possible."

"Aye sir!"

"Doctor" continued Riker, "Carry on with your analysis of this 
virus. Try and determine what effect it might have on the crew 
and an effective way to destroy it. See also if you can eradicate 
it from the Lapian atmosphere. If it can mutate once, it may 
again. And try and determine where it came from and who is 
responsible for it."

"Yes Captain" responded Crusher.

"In the meantime, I'll inform Starfleet Command of our 
findings and the possibility of Klingon involvement. Lieutenant 
Jackson, while Lieutenant Worf is unfit for duty, I'm appointing 
you as acting Chief of Security. You are to assume Lieutenant 
Worf's duty schedule. You may appoint your own assistant for the 
duration of your command."

"Yes sir and thank you sir."

"Fine. If there's nothing else?" (beat) "Dismissed."

Everyone, except Troi and Riker, got up and filed out.

"Will. How are you coping?" asked Troi concerned.

"Can't you tell?"

"I sense you're frustrated and a little angry."

"Deanna. I've always wanted command of this vessel, but not like 
this. I've always hoped I would succeed Picard, not replace him. 
Add to that, most of the Bridge officers are all acting." his 
voice trailed off as he went deep into thought. He fingered the 
extra pip on his collar and smiled, "Still not used to it being 
there."

Troi got and put her hands on his shoulders.

"You'll do fine Captain." 

She smiled at him and then left.

Riker just sat there, thinking. It wasn't the first time he had 
been made up to temporary Captain of the Enterprise. Yet even 
when the Borg had taken Picard, he hadn't felt like this. At least 
then, he knew what had happened. This time, he could only guess. 
He got up,

"I hope so Counsellor. I hope so."

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued.....




>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge or Honour? [03/08]
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 17:11:20 GMT


			     Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter III


Picard was sat in the quarters he had been confined to on board the 
Taupag. Sela had told Ba'Tor that as a Captain, Picard was not to 
be placed in the brig. However, compared to a Klingon ship, the 
Enterprise's brig was far more comfortable than the Taupag's 
quarters. Picard suddenly got up. Instinct told him that the ship's 
condition had changed. At that point, Sela enter his room.

"You will be pleased to know that we have rendezvoused with my ship 
and that we are transferring to it now."

Without waiting for Picard to say a word, Sela pulled out an object 
that Picard assumed was a communicator. He was right as Sela spoke 
into it,

"Ra'Pan, beam 2 over to the Victor"

The next thing Picard saw was the Transporter Room of the Romulan 
Warbird, Victor. The Romulan standing in front of the transporter 
control panel stepped forward and saluted the Commander. Sela 
looked at the Transport Officer behind the panel who instantly 
snapped to attention and saluted.

"That's better" said Sela, "After all we do have a guest." She 
smiled. "Captain Picard. May I introduce my Second in Command, Sub-
Commander Ra'Pan."

"Sub-Commander" acknowledged Picard.

"Captain" responded Ra'Pan, saluting. Ra'Pan noticed the slight 
look of annoyance on his Commander's face at his salute and 
immediately stopped. 'So the Terran's not a guest after all' he 
thought, 'What is she upto now?"

"Ra'Pan. Have Lawsa and Ba'Tor transferred over from the 
Taupag yet?"  enquired Sela.

"Yes Commander, they have."

"Good. Captain, will you accompany me to the Bridge. I'm sure 
you'll find it interesting."

Picard got the feeling that this was an order, not a request, 
but he decided it was best for the moment to play along, after 
all, there was the opportunity to get more information on a 
Romulan Warbird to add to that Counsellor Troi had gained on her 
enforced visit to a Warbird, 'Assuming I get back' thought 
Picard. He also got the feeling that Sela's 'request' was not 
standard Romulan practice. Although neither Officer in the 
Transport Room questioned their Commander, their reaction was 
one of shock.

"I would be delighted" responded Picard with a slight smile, 
sarcasm evident in his voice.

It seemed only a short walk from the Transporter Room to the 
Bridge. When they arrived, Lawsa and Ba'Tor were present. The 
exchanged glances as the saw Picard enter with Sela, evidently 
the were surprised also to see him on the Bridge.

"Good" said Sela, looking at the sisters, "You are both here. 
Ra'Pan. Arm the Disrupters, destroy that Klingon ship!"

Both Lawsa and Ba'Tor started to protest, but they were too late. 
On the screen, the Taupag exploded into a mass of sparkling 
cinders that expanded to fill the space they occupied. After 
about 5 seconds, all that was left of the Taupag were a few 
pieces of debris, some exhibiting arcs of static electricity 
resulting from the energy of the explosion.

"Why?" demanded Lawsa.

"We don't want any witnesses, now do we?" smiled Sela.

"But they were all loyal Klingons" put in Ba'Tor.

"And there will be more, when we are successful" countered Sela. 
"But if _you_ fail, then at least they died with honour, at the 
hands of the enemy. Isn't that what Klingons want, to die with 
honour?" By now, Sela's words were dripping with sarcasm. It was 
obvious even to Picard that Sela knew where the fault would lie 
if this venture proved unsuccessful, so did Lawsa and Ba'Tor, 
judging by the look on their faces.

"Set course, 192 mark 036, warp 2" order Sela.

>From behind Sela, a Romulan repeated Sela's order as it was 
carried out. On the screen, the starfield shifted to that of a ship 
at warp speed.

"Good" said Sela, "Now Picard, time to assign you some more 
comfortable quarters than any Klingon ship can offer, at least 
for now. Lawsa, you may send you request." Again, Sela had 
used a sarcastic tone for request. Picard got the distinct 
impression that she did not altogether like the Duras sisters.

"Picard if you'll follow me" and Sela headed off the Bridge. 
Picard had no choice about following, as when he didn't responded 
quick enough to Sela's request, he was pushed towards the exit 
by a Romulan Security Guard which had just appeared to his right.

				-+-+-

Sela, Picard and the guard entered what was to become Picard's 
new 'cell'. It was much more comfortable than the one on the now 
destroyed Taupag and compared very well with the guest quarters 
back on the Enterprise. Sela turned to the guard,

"Leaves us. Assume you station."

The guard left to take up his position outside Picard's quarters. 
As the door closed, Sela looked at Picard.

"I expect you're wondering what I'm going to do with you Picard?"

"Well, actually" started Picard, "I was wondering what you hoped 
to gain from this charade?"

"Charade!" exclaimed Sela. "Charade." She started to laugh. "No 
my dear Captain. This is no charade. This has been long in the 
planning. That virus took us almost a year to develop and when 
we learned of your assignment to the Lapier sector, we then added 
the last portion. Didn't your doctor tell you that the virus was 
perfectly suited for the Lapians?"

Sela stared at Picard for a moment, then she realised,

"Dr. Crusher didn't even realise it was a genetically 
synthesized virus did she?" Sela laugh, "That's better than we 
could have hoped for." Sela paused as something else dawned on 
her. She laughed again, "Then she won't know about ths sting in 
it's tail!"

"What do you mean?" asked Picard concerned.

"Ah well, the virus may have loved Lapians, but it will simply 
adore your Klingon, Worf! You see, it had to prove fatal to the 
Lapians in order to attract your attention and bring the 
Enterprise to Lapier III, but it had to be simple enough to cure, 
to get both you and Lieutenant Worf down onto the surface. You, 
so that we could invite you on this little trip, Worf, so 
that..." she left Picard hanging for a bit, and Picard knew it.

"OK, I'll bite. Why Worf?" he asked.

"So that the Duras sisters could extract their revenge on him 
for killing their brother and interfering with their attempts 
to gain control of the High Council. They failed to beat Worf in 
a fair fight, so they asked us for help. You see, when that virus 
comes into contact with Klingon blood, it mutates into a far more 
deadly form than before. It will prove much harder for your Dr. 
Crusher to cure, and if she's unaware of it's nature, she doesn't 
stand a change. Neither does Worf. I estimate he will be dead in 
3 days at the most."

"But that's....." started Picard.

"War Captain!" finished Sela.

Picard turned away, pain evident on his face.

"And the Duras sisters claim to want to restore honour to the 
Klingon Empire," he said, "They don't know the meaning of the word" 
he ended savagely.

"Ah. Now there we agree Picard."

After a moment's silence Picard returned to face Sela.

"How does this help your government gain control of the Klingon 
High Council?"

"Now that's where you come in" she answered. "At this very moment, 
Lawsa is sending a demand to Gowron, Leader of the High Council, 
to release Duras' son Taurell in exchange for your life."

"He'll never do that!" retorted Picard.

"Oh, but he will Picard. You were his 'Arbiter of Succession' " 
replied Sela.

"Yes, but my responsibility ended for Gowron when he became Leader 
of the High Council. What affect would threatening my life have 
on him now?"

"Picard. I thought you were well informed on Klingon tradition 
and law. As his Arbiter, it is his responsibility to protect 
your life for at least 10 of your solar years after he is 
appointed leader. Honour demands it. It is away of ensuring that 
a future leader does not bribe the Arbiter and then kill him, or 
have him killed, once he becomes leader."

"And if you get Taurell back, what then? He has been dishonoured 
before all Klingons, not one of them will follow him. So there's 
no point to any of this."

"Not quite Picard. You see, we will train him and when he's old 
enough, he will challenge the Leader of the High Council. When 
he wins, and he will - we'll make sure of that, he will become 
Leader by right of combat and his honour will be restored. All 
Klingons will have to follow him, or they will have to challenge 
him, it will be a matter of honour. And of course, we again will 
make sure he loses none of the challenges - as long as he is 
still useful. We will control the Klingon Empire and the Alliance 
with the Federation will be over! As a result, I will have 
regained the favour of the Romulan Senate. It's all so simple!"

"And what about me Sela?" asked Picard. "In order to get hold of 
Taurell, you will have to exchange him for me. How do you plan 
to get revenge on me then?"

"That too is very simple. As part of the demand, the Enterprise 
is to transport Taurell to a specific location inside the Neural 
Zone, alone. We are heading there now. Riker will of course 
demand a simultaneous transporter exchange, which we will agree. 
When the Enterprise has dropped it shields and the transfer has 
begun, we will destroy the Enterprise and recover Taurell. It 
will be close, but my Transporter Officer assures me it can be 
done. The Federation will have no proof we destroyed the 
Enterprise as there will be no other ships to witness the event, 
so I doubt if they will pursue it. If they do, we just go to war 
quicker than planned. It's a risk, but it'll be worth it and you 
will be dead!"

"Haven't you forgotten something Sela. As soon as the 
Enterprise detects a build-up of power in your weapons, they will 
raise their shields." countered Picard.

"What? And risk losing you?" exclaimed Sela in mock shock. "I 
don't think so. Even if they do, you'll be dead and they still 
will not be able to raise their shields quick enough to fully 
protect them. The Enterprise will still be destroyed, it will 
only take a little longer, that's all. I planned for every 
contingency. Nothing can go wrong. Now if you'll excuse me I have 
work to do."

As Sela head for the exit, Picard shouted with contempt,

"And you call yourself Tasha Yar's daughter. She would never have 
stooped so low as you have!"

"Oh, about that Captain. I have something for you." and she 
threw him a small, blue, rectangular object. "It's a memory chip,
much like your optical memory chips, you place it in the Reader by the 
replicator. Before my mother was executed, she claimed the Right 
of Statement, as can any prisoner who is about to be executed. 
You may want to consider one yourself Picard. Funnily enough, 
she addressed it to you. I thought you would like to have proof 
of the truth. After all, I owe my very existence to you."

and with that Sela left.

Picard fiddled with the chip in his hand before walking over and 
placing it into the Reader.

"Play recording" he said. He waited awhile as the Warbird's 
computer translated his request, then Tasha's voiced filled the 
room.

"To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the USS Enterprise - D. 
Sir, you are probably wondering how I could be an adult, in the 
hands of the Romulans while still a child on Turkana IV. It is 
because you sent me back in time at my request and on the advice 
of Guinan. In the future, from which I came, we encountered the 
Enterprise - C. She had been pulled through a temporal distortion 
while defending the Klingon outpost on Nerenda III, 20 years ago 
then, or 5 years ago now. According to Guinan, the appearance of 
the Enterprise - C had altered the timeline. Where I came from, 
we had been at war with the Klingon Empire for over 15 years and 
the Federation were losing. Yet Guinan maintained that this was 
not the way it should be and that the Enterprise - D was a ship 
of peace and exploration, not a Battle Cruiser. Upon her advice, 
and with Captain Garret's approval, it was decided to return the 
Enterprise - C back to the past, and to that battle. Both Captain 
Garret and her crew knew that their chances of survival were non-
existent, but there was a sense of unfinished business. It was 
also hoped, that whatever happened, the Klingons would honour 
the fact that a Federation ship had died, coming to their aid
and so prevent the war that was then taking place.

However, in a Klingon attack, both Enterprises were damaged and 
Captain Garret was killed. By this time, I had also learnt that 
I had died in that alternate timeline. Guinan also felt that it 
had been a senseless death as well, so I requested and persuaded 
you Captain, to allow me to go back with the Enterprise - C so 
that I could die with honour. As the Enterprise - C returned 
through the temporal rift, we were again attacked by the 
Klingons, and the last thing I saw was the Enterprise - D being 
destroyed. I hope my return prevented that from happening. I hope 
also that in the alternate timeline, I have as much respect for 
you there, as I have now. I never knew my father, but in you, I 
believe I found one. Thank you for the opportunity to save the 
lives, not only of the 43 that survived the battle of Nerenda 
III, but the countless that would have died in a senseless 
Klingon War. Also for the new life I have brought into this 
universe. Sela is half Romulan, but I hope the human values I 
have taught her will result in her becoming a bridge between our 
two cultures. 

Finally, I wish to tell you I lived long enough to see the 
signing of the new Alliance between the Federation and the 
Klingon Empire, a treaty I am honoured to have played a part of. 
I can now die, knowing my life was not given in vain. Good-bye 
Captain Picard. Yar out."

Picard just sat in the chair stunned. All the feelings he 
experienced when Tasha had died on Vagra II resurfaced again. He
sat motionless for what seemed like hours. He then walked over to 
the Reader, picked up the chip and placed it in his pocket. Then 
he walk over to the bed and laid down, staring up at the ceiling.

"Tasha" he whispered.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge of Honour ? [04/08]
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 17:24:40 GMT


			    Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter IV


Captain's Log, Stardate 46906.7

We remain in orbit around Lapier III while the investigation into 
Captain Picard's disappearance continues. It has now been nearly 2 
days since he was last seen and I am becoming increasingly worried 
for his safety. Starfleet Command has acknowledged receipt of my 
last report in which I detailed our progress so far, including the 
possibility of Klingon involvement, but I have heard nothing since. 

Worf's condition continues to deteriorate while Dr. Crusher and her 
team seem no nearer to finding a cure. The only bit of good news I 
have received so far is that Commander Data and LaForge have 
successfully completed their review of the sensor logs. They are 
now on their way up to report their findings.

				-+-+-

Riker was sat behind the desk in the Captain's Ready Room, when the 
door tweedled, indicating someone's presence outside it.

"Enter!"

The door opened to reveal Data and LaForge.

"Come in gentlemen. What have you found?"

"A cloaked vessel," answered LaForge, entering.

"Are you certain?" asked Riker.

"Yes" replied LaForge. "The sensor logs show a sub-space anomaly 
move into a synchronous orbit with the Enterprise, emit a sub-space 
energy beam and then leave the Lapier system on a course of 3 mark 
268 at 1/4 impulse speed. The logs also show that the sub-space 
beam emitted was of a type matching those used by Klingon 
transporters and it occurred at _exactly_ the same time as when Dr. 
Crusher and Counsellor Troi beamed back to the Enterprise. That was 
why the sensors never read anything unusual."

"Exactly?" queried Riker, surprised.

"Yes. Either they were extremely lucky or they had someone on 
the ground" replied LaForge.

"Someone on the ground?" queried Data, with a puzzled expression on 
his face.

"He means that someone else who attended the party was involved
Data," answered Riker. "Have you identified the ship or where it came 
from?"

"From the energy signature of the cloaking device, I would say 
it was an old style Bird of Prey," continued Data. "The energy
patterns of the transport do confirm this conclusion and 
also match the patterns of the residual energy readings Geordi 
and myself found on the planet surface."

"OK, that answers my question what." said Riker, "But how about 
from where?"

"That we are not sure about" answered LaForge. "We know where it 
went, but we don't know where it came from, except that it appear 
from above the planet's pole. There is a great deal of magnetic 
interference above the poles of Lapier III, the ship may have 
been hiding there."

"Indeed Captain" put in Data, "The ship may have been there long 
before we arrived. Even if the vessel was uncloaked, with the 
interference, it still would have been difficult to detect without
a visual sighting."

"I see" said Riker. "Have Astrophysics finished their search yet?" 

"Yes Captain. They have been unable to find anything that would 
account for the meteorite display experienced by the Lapians" 
reported Data. "This system is remarkably clear of space 
debris of any kind."

"So, it is looking more likely that the virus and meteorite 
shower are connected" commented Riker.

"Yes Captain," responded Data.

The door then tweedled.

"Enter!" called out Riker.

The door open to reveal Dr. Crusher, looking extremely tired but 
smiling.

"Got it!" was all she said as she entered.

"What? A cure for Worf?" asked Riker.

"No, not yet. But I have found the next best thing."

"You managed to identify the last 2% of the virus' genetic code 
Doctor."

"Yes Data and the good news is that the rest of the crew are 
safe." Crusher made her way to the sofa and sat down. Infact, 
Riker was concerned that she may fallen down. The good doctor looked 
as tired as she had 2 days ago.

"That virus was designed for two purposes. In its original form, 
it was a perfect match for the Lapians and although deadly, not 
too difficult to cure. However, this second form is totally 
different. When the orginal form comes into contact with Klingon 
blood, it mutates into an extremely deadly and highly specific 
virus, with the sole purpose of killing Klingons. It is also 
highly resistant to all forms of anti-viral treatments in common 
usage, so we are having to start from scratch in our search for 
a cure. Yet, there is something familiar about it."

"But why would the Klingons want to develop such a virus?" asked 
LaForge.

"I take it you have found a Klingon ship then?" asked Crusher.

"Yes Doctor" replied Data, then turning to LaForge and attempting
to answer his question, "Geordi, given our closeness to the Neutral
Zone, it is quite possible that the Romulans could be testing a new
virus as some sort of weapon, using a Klingon ship as a cover in case
they were discovered. Either that, or it is someone that holds a
grudge against both Worf or Captain Picard, assuming, that is, all
this was a ploy purely to bring the Enterprise to Lapier III."

"How about both Data" said Crusher.

"What?" said Riker, staring at Crusher.

"I said, how about both. Who do we know that holds a grudge 
against both the Captain and Worf and who is on friendly terms 
with the Romulans?"

"I give up" said Riker.

"The Duras family" answer Crusher. "Both the sisters swore 
vengeance against Worf for killing their brother, particularly 
after he took sides against them in the Klingon Civil War, _and_,
they weren't to happy with Captain Picard for dismissing Taurell's
challenged and installing Gowron as Leader of the Klingon
High Council. Then there is Commander Sela, who was none too
pleased when Captain Picard exposed her link with the Duras family
and their supply line."

"It does fit the evidence so far as we know it" put in LaForge.

"Yes, and so do a whole host of other theories as well" said 
Riker. He thought a moment and then looked over at Crusher. "Our 
first concern is Worf and destroying this virus. I don't want to 
take the risk of transmitting this virus to other parts of the 
Federation, not when you consider how many Klingons may become 
infected."

"Well destroying the virus in the Lapian atmosphere is easy, use 
ultra-violet light" said Crusher. "Infact, the Lapian's own 
star's UV emissions are already having an effect on the virus."

"We could use the ship's deflector dish to create a strong UV 
beam which would destroy virus" put in LaForge.

"What about the Lapians, aren't high UV doses dangerous?" asked 
Riker.

"Certain wavelengths are" answer Crusher, "But the specific 
wavelengths required to destroy this virus are not. The Lapian 
atmosphere already lets these through now without harming the 
Lapians. The only effect such a discharge would have on the 
Lapians is to increase the suntan of anyone exposed to the 
beam."

"OK Doctor, please supply Geordi with the correct wavelengths so 
that he can program the beam" ordered Riker. "In the meantime, 
I'll contact Deacon Petron and tell her what we plan and ask her 
to seek the Council's permission to proceed. How about a cure for 
Worf?"

"Thats a different thing entirely. As normal viral-treatments 
are out, we have to start from basics. I've informed Starfleet Medical 
and supplied them with all that we know. Hopefully if we can't come 
up with anything, they will."

"How long has the big guy got?" asked LaForge.

"Without a cure 2, maybe 3 days."

Crusher then got up and left, leaving behind her silence.

				-+-+-

Two hours later, Riker was sat in Ten Forward, attempting to 
relax after having finished his watch. It had belong a long 
couple of days, but he didn't feel quite as lacking in self 
confidence as he had done when talking to Troi 2 days earlier. He 
had arranged to meet Troi after his shift, she had hinted that she 
maybe a little late as she had a full day of appointments. Riker 
sat, staring out the window at Lapier III. It was a beautiful 
planet, set like a green gem in the heavens, but for all it's 
beauty, in Riker's eyes, it didn't compare to Earth.

Riker was suddenly brought out of his day dreaming as heard the 
russel of a dress behind him. Turning, he saw Guinan approaching,

"May I join Captain?"

"Yes, please do."

"Beautiful, isn't it? Reminds me of my home, although nothing is 
as beautiful as your own, home planet" said Guinan.

"Funny. I was just thinking that" commented Riker.

"You look like a man with a lot on his mind" said Guinan, looking 
directly at Riker.

"You're very perceptive Guinan. Like Troi, I seem never able to
hide anything from you."

Guinan just shrugged her shoulders,

"When you get to my age, you get to recognize certain signs. You 
know he'll be all right."

"Captain Picard? What do you know?" asked Riker, now fully 
focused on Guinan.

Guinan just looked in 'space', then back at Riker,

"He's OK. I can feel it."

"How? What can you feel?" asked Riker, a little impatiently.

"When you know someone as well as I know Picard, you can tell. 
Trust me Captain. He's doing OK and so are you. You've had a 
tough few days and your impatient to do something but you don't 
know what, but trust me, when its time, you'll know."

"Guinan, do you know something about this?"

"All I know is that it is to do with what has happenned and what is 
about to happen. Time has been disrupted and now it is putting 
itself right again."

"What does that mean?" Riker now looked puzzled.

"I'm not sure. I just know it's true." Guinan looked over at the 
door as a group of people entered. "Excuse me Captain, looks like 
I'm needed" and Guinan rose. Then she did something very unusual 
for her. "Will" she said, "Don't worry, all will turn out as it 
should" and then she left. 

Riker sat there stunned. It was the first time he had ever heard 
Guinan use his first name. He had never heard her use any 
officers first name, not in such a public place. Even with 
Picard, despite their obvious closeness, he had never heard her 
call him Jean-Luc.

He still had this stunned look on his face when Troi come over 
to join him.

"Will?" she said with a bemused, yet concerned look on her face, 
"What's up?"

"Oh, Deanna. Uhmm nothing. Guinan and I have just been talking."

"Well, she must have said something profound to make you look 
like that."

"She did. She said my name."

At this Troi started to laugh. Why she was not sure, but it was 
just the way Riker had said what he had. Riker turn and started 
to smile at her,

"You...." but he was cut off by the intercom.

"Bridge to Captain Riker. Message from Starfleet. Its marked 
Urgent sir."

"OK. I'm on my way. Sorry Troi, I've got to go." and he got up and
headed out of Ten Forward.

				-+-+-

Down in Engineering, LaForge and his team were putting the 
finishing touches to the reprogramming of the Deflector Dish after 
the Lapian Council had given the go ahead for the decontamination 
of their atmosphere to proceed.

"OK Bridge, program complete, powering up the Deflector Dish now" 
announced LaForge.

As more power was fed into the Deflector Dish, the warp core 
pulse rate increased slightly.

"Thats it Bridge. Deflector power now at maximum"

Over the intercom, LaForge could hear Lt. Jackson, who was filling 
in for Worf's watch, give the order to initiate the orbital 
pattern that would result in the Enterprise being able to irradiate
the whole planet with the correct amount of UV radiation, so 
clearing the planet's atmosphere of the virus. The whole procedure 
would take about 3 hour. It was at this point LaForge overhead 
Captain Riker enter the Bridge. He then heard Jackson say,

"Starfleet Standing by sir."

and Riker respond,

"I'll take it in my Ready Room"

and then the whoosh as the doors to the Ready Room opened and 
closed.

"Bridge to Engineering."

LaForge returned his concentration to the task at hand.

"Go ahead Bridge" he responded.

"Sensors show UV emissions are the required strength. Virus 
levels dropping rapidly. Its working."

"I hear you Bridge" LaForge smiled, "Engineering out."

LaForge sat back in his chair smiling. Everything in Engineering 
was working as it should, including the clear up operation of 
the Lapian atmosphere. The only thing now missing were 
news that Worf was going to be OK and that Captain Picard 
had been found.

'Come on Doctor' he thought, 'You can do it.'

LaForge was brought out of his reflective mood by an announcement 
coming over the Intercom

"All senior officers, report to the Briefing Room."

				-+-+-

Fifteen minutes later, all the senior officers were sat in the 
Briefing Room.

"15 minutes ago I had a message from Starfleet" started Riker. 
"It appears that Captain Picard has been kidnapped, but it would 
seem he is still alive."

There was an audible sign of relief in the Briefing Room, 
Riker continued,

"Starfleet has received a message from the Klingon High Council, 
reporting that they have received a demand from the kidnappers
who are none other than the Duras sisters. They want Duras' son,
Taurell, released and brought to them in exchange for Captain
Picard's life. Taurell is to be take to a specific location
inside the Neutral Zone, where he will be exchanged for Captain
Picard and they have demanded that the Enterprise is to transport
Taurell to the location. Alone."

"The Neutral Zone?" commented LaForge.

"Yes. It would appear that Lawsa and Ba'Tor have again joined 
forces with the Romulans. Oh. They also admitted responsibility 
for the virus on Lapier III. They said it had be a triumph of 
Klingon/Romulan co-operation."

"Did they give any hint as to a cure for the virus?" asked 
Crusher.

"No, they didn't. They did mention Worf, only to say that 
his death was in revenge for the death of their brother. I'm hoping 
they are being premature on that one doctor."

"So am I, but it doesn't look to hopeful at present" commented 
Crusher.

"Mr. Data. We are to rendezvous with the Klingon Battle Cruiser 
Bah'Leth at Starbase 56 in 6 hours. Can we make that and 
complete the decontamination of the Lapian atmosphere."

"Yes sir. We should finish the decontamination in 2 hours, 47.34
minutes. Then travelling at warp 7 should get us to Starbase 56
ahead of schedule."

"Good. Then make it so. Thank you all. Dismissed.

				-+-+-

Now back in Sickbay, Crusher was reviewing the latest set of test 
results. One set in particular had caught her eye as they look 
a promising avenue to follow. At this point the was a knock on 
the transparent wall of her office. She look up and smiled,

"Hello Deanna, what can I do for you?"

"Well, I thought you might like to buy me a chocolate sundae in 
Ten Forward?"

"That would be a bit difficult seeing as they don't take money" 
smiled Crusher.

"Ohhhh Beverly. You know what I mean. You haven't taken a break 
for hours, apart from that briefing we just had and even then, 
that was work."

"OK, but wait just one minute." Crusher got up and walked out of 
her office and into one of the Sickbay laboratories.

"Nurse Clarke. Test batch 467 looks the most promising. Tell Dr. 
Tai to continue with that one. He could also try batches 132 and 
399."

"Yes Doctor" answered the nurse.

"Right Deanna, lead on."

As the wandered down the corridor and into the turbo lift, the 
two friends started to talk.

"Deck 10" said Crusher, "How's you mother these days?"

"Oh fine. I was only talking to her last night, she's still on the
look out for a husband and still determined to marry another human
male. She was asking about the men on Lapier III. I think I said
too much. Before she went, she was on about chartering a shuttle to 
come and 'check them out' as she put it."

"Do you think we should warn them?" chuckled Crusher.

"I think they've had enough already, without inflicting mother on 
them as well. They really might leave the Federation." laughed 
Troi. "I was telling her about this flu virus and the condition of
Worf, when she was reminded me about the time my father caught Red 
Flu on one of his trips back to Earth. He had forgotten to get 
a booster shot before he left Betazed. He was bad for a week. 
The trouble was, he brought it back to Betazed and caused an 
epidemic."

The turbo lift stopped and they both got out and headed down the
corridor towards Ten Forward.

"Oh yes. I remember reading about it. How that particular strain 
mutated into a flu virus that infected nearly 80% of the planets 
population. I hadn't realised that you father had been the 
cause." Then Crusher stopped in her tracks.

"Deanna. Thats the answer. I knew right from the word go that 
there was something familiar about this virus. Quick, I must get 
back to Sickbay," and with that, Crusher dashed back down the 
corridor, towards the turbo lift.

"So much for my chocolate sundae," sighed Troi, and then turned to 
follow Crusher.

				-+-+-

Back in Sickbay, Dr. Crusher requested a computer link to the 
Medical Centre on Betazed. Within minutes, she was looking over 
medical reports of the epidemic that Troi's father had 
inadvertently started. Troi stood, looking over her shoulder.

"There it is" said Crusher. "The genetic analysis of the Beta 
Red Flu virus. Computer, compare the genetic code of the Beta 
Red Flu virus with the Lapian B Flu virus."

"88% OF THE BETA RED FLU VIRUS MATCHES WITH THE LAPIAN B FLU 
VIRUS"

"Computer. Would the same cure that worked for the Beta Red Flu 
virus work for the Lapian B flu virus?"

"THERE IS ONLY A 23% CHANCE THAT THE SAME ANTIDOTE WILL WORK FOR 
THE LAPIAN B VIRUS."

"Computer. Could the antidote be altered to work."

"YES WITH AN 86% CHANCE THAT THE ANTIDOTE WILL WORK."

"Computer. Download the information to this terminal."

After a couple of seconds, information started to stream across 
Crushers terminal screen.

"Well Beverly? Will it work?"

"I'm not sure, but it's worth a try." She looked at Troi and 
smiled, "I'm afraid I'll have to buy you that chocolate sundae 
later."

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge or Honour? [05/08]
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 1994 09:16:29 GMT


			    Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter V


Captain's Log, Stardate 46907.3

The Enterprise is now in orbit around Starbase 56, awaiting the
arrival of the Bah'Leth. Before leaving Lapier III, we were able to 
successfully complete the decontamination of the Lapian atmosphere. 
Scans showed that concentrations of the Lapian Flu virus were 
minute and Dr. Crusher informed me they presented no threat. She 
also reported that the normal UV emissions of the Lapian's sun 
should completely eradicate the virus within 6 solar months.

				-+-+-

Riker was sat in the Command Chair watching the planetoid, inside 
which Starbase 56 was built, revolve slowly on the Bridge viewer. 
Starbase 56 was once part of a series of Starbases that marked the
Federation side of the old Federation/Klingon Neutral Zone, its
original role being to monitor the Neutral Zone against possible
Klingon invasion. Being built inside the planetoid meant that the
Starbase had strong defenses, even if it shields failed. Add to, this
the massive fire power, which in it's time era, was the best the
Federation had to offer, meant it could last for quite sometime,
giving the Federation time to deploy a Battle Fleet to repel such
an invasion.

Now, Starbase 56's role was vastly different. It was now one of the 
few remaining ex-surveillance Starbases to survive the new post-Treaty
era, the rest had all been decommissioned. Starbase 56 now provided
a stop-over point for ships travelling between Federation and Klingon
Space. This kept the Starbase staff extremely busy, more so recently
since the Ferengi had started trading with both groups, bringing all
the problems associated with the Ferengi and their pursuit of profit.
Not that they had much success with the Klingons who despised all Ferengi,
except when they prove useful to them.

"Captain" said Jackson, pulling Riker out of his musings about the 
past, "Message from the Starbase. The Bah'Leth is going to be 20 
minutes late and Gowron is on board."

"Gowron!" exclaimed Riker, turning round in his chair to face 
Jackson. "Whats he doing here?"

"I don't know sir, but from his message, I get the impression he's 
none too pleased."

"I bet he's not" said Riker, rising. "Well, looks like we have a 
little time before he gets here. I'm going down to Sickbay to check 
on Worf. You have the Conn. Mr. Jackson."

"Yes sir."

				-+-+-

Picard was lying asleep on the bed, when he was woken by a 
chirping sound from the door. This was then repeated and followed 
by the entrance of a Romulan Officer. As the sleep cleared from 
Picard's eyes he saw that it was Sub-Commander Ra'Pan.

"Good morning Captain Picard" he said brightly, "And how are you 
feeling this morning?"

"Morning?" questioned Picard groggily, and then looking at the 
chronometer, he realised he had been asleep for over 7 hours.

"Yes. I've come to tell you that our Chief Engineer has 
programmed some traditional Terran meals into our replicator's 
computer."

"How nice of Commander Sela" said Picard scathingly, "The last 
meal for the condemned man I suppose" he added as he got up. He 
look at Ra'Pan and was shocked to see what on a human, he would 
have called a hurt look.

"Well actually, it was my idea. I thought it would make you feel 
more at home during you stay with us."

Picard started to think fast. 'I don't think he knows why I hear,
although I can't see Sela keeping her Second in Command in the dark
unless what she is planning is in someway against fleet policy. 
If this is true, I may be able to turn this to my advantage.' Then 
he said,

"Thank you Ra'Pan" in a more conciliatory tone.

Ra'Pan moved towards the replicator,

"I must admit Captain, I am rather fond of some of your Terran dishes, 
so it does give me a good excuse to sample them myself. Would you
like something now?"

"Yes. I'll have a cup of Earl Grey Tea" said Picard, walking into 
what could be described as the living area of 'his' quarters. Then 
thinking that this would be a good time to try and find out what 
Ra'Pan knew, he asked, "Would you care to join me?"

Ra'Pan's eyes lit up,

"Thank you Captain, I would. I have a little time before I start 
my Duty Period."

Ra'Pan then order a cup of hot Earl Grey tea and a black coffee 
with no sugar. Handing Picard his tea, they then both sat. An 
awkward silence fell over the pair. Picard sat, trying to decide 
how to get the conversation going again when Ra'Pan asked,

"I understand you came to Romulus to meet with Ambassador Spock?"

Picard looked up in surprise, but answered,

"Yes I did. Thats when I encountered your Commander for a second 
time. Have you ever met Spock?"

"No, but I have heard of him and his teaching."

"And what do you think of his teachings?" Picard asked gingerly.

Ra'Pan paused and then answered,

"I'm not unsympathetic towards them."

There was another pause and then Ra'Pan spoke again,

"Since your last visit, the Vulcan movement has grown in 
strength. Some Senators are listening to what this movement has 
to say, really listening, not like when you were on Romulus. Yet, 
in some ways, what Spock is teaching is considered treason, 
but..."

Ra'Pan's voice trailed off and before Picard could prompt him to 
say any more, Ra'Pan got up, finished his coffee and placed the 
cup on the table. Turning to Picard,

"Thank you for the coffee Captain, but I must go. My Duty Period 
is about to start and if I'm not on the Bridge soon, Commander 
Sela will be displeased, especially if she finds out I was late 
because I was drinking coffee with you."

"I understand" said Picard, a bit disappointed.

Ra'Pan headed towards the door. Before it opened, he looked back 
at Picard, 

"I'll try and drop by later, if I can"

and with that, he left.

Picard looked at Ra'Pan's empty coffee cup as he finished his 
tea.

'With a bit of luck, I may have found my ticket out of here' he
thought.

				-+-+-

Riker entered Sickbay and immediately made his way to Crusher's 
office. He found her sat at her desk, with a steaming cup in her 
hand. Judging by the aroma in her office and its colour, it was 
strong, black coffee. As he entered, Crusher smiled at him.

"Well doctor, trying to keep awake I see" he said, nodding at 
the cup in her hand.

"There are other, more effective stimulants" responded Crusher,
"But none tastes as good as freshly brewed coffee, even if it is
replicated."

"How's it going?" asked Riker.

"OK I think. I'm waiting for the latest set of test results. The 
last lot showed that what we had actually inhibited the virus, 
so I have high hopes for this next lot. All I can say its a good 
job Alexander is on holiday with his Grandparents. I would hate 
to have to treat him as well as his Father. Besides, there's no 
knowing what added complications his human side might have 
added."

"Alexander! I'd forgotten all about him. I suppose we had better 
inform him of Father's condition, although I wouldn't want to spoil 
his holiday" said Riker.

"Deanna has already seen to it. She has sent Worf's parents a 
message and they're on their way to Starbase 56, although they will 
not be here for at least 2 days, by which time I hope we will 
have some good news."

"And Captain Picard back" added Riker, moving further into 
Crusher's office to let an approaching nurse enter, who handed 
Crusher an information pad, 

"Here are the latest test results Doctor" he said.

"Thank you" said Crusher, taking the pad. The nurse then left. Crusher
started to review the results, pressing buttons to bring up the
rest of the information. She was beginning to look distinctly unhappy.

"Dam!" she said, pressing a few more buttons, "Dam!" and then 
she throw the pad onto her desk in a frustrated manner. She put 
her head in her hands, trying to force the tiredness and 
frustration back. Seeing Crusher's tension, Riker moved behind 
her and started to massage her shoulders.

"Come on Beverly. Don't let it get you down. We all know that 
you and your team are working hard to beat this. We all have the 
utmost confidence in you all."

"Yes Will, I know, but the last set were so encouraging. They 
gave us a substance that inhibits the virus, but its not enough. 
It's only bought us an extra day at most. If we don't find the 
cure, in 2 days, Worf will be dead."

"Just keep plugging away. You'll get there in the end" encouraged 
Riker.

"Bridge to Captain Riker" came Jackson's voice over the 
intercom. Riker stop his massaging, but didn't remove his hands.

"Go ahead Lt. Jackson."

"Sir. The Bah'Leth has just arrived and Gowron wants to beam over 
immediately."

Riker looked at Crusher,

"Is it safe for him to come on board?"

"Yes" answered Crusher, "Worf is in quarantine and the ship's 
recycling system has cleaned any trace of the virus out of the 
ship's air."

"OK Lt. Jackson. I'm on my way" responded Riker, "Have Mr. Data 
meet me in Transporter Room 1. Also assign a Security Team to 
act as a Guard of Honour. After all, he is the Klingon Leader, 
he expects nothing else." he added, looking at Crusher.

"Aye sir" came Jackson's voice.

"Got to go Beverly"

Crusher placed her right hand on Riker's, which was still on her 
left shoulder,

"Thank you Captain. I'll recommend you to Counsellor Troi as an 
assistant. You have a wonderful beside manner."

Riker looked at her,

"I can imagine her response" he said, laughed and then left.

				-+-+-

Riker entered Transporter Room 1 to find Commander Data and a 
Guard of Honour consisting of 3 of Jackson's Security Team, with 
him heading up the team.

"Bah'Leth has signaled that Gowron is ready to beam over" said 
the Transporter Chief to Riker as he entered.

"OK" said Riker, taking up a position to Data's right, 
"Energise."

The transporter hummed into action and when it was once again 
quiet, there stood Gowron, wearing the robe of the Leader of the 
Klingon High Council. Riker stepped forward,

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise Gowron. I believe you know my 
First Officer, Commander Data?"

Totally ignoring Data, Gowron stepped off the Pad and looked 
straight at Riker.

"Where's Worf. I want to speak to him now. This is all his 
fault!"

"He's in Sickbay" replied Riker, annoyed.

"So it's true" said Gowron, drawing back slightly from Riker, 
"Is he dead yet?"

"No" answered Riker.

"Then I want to see" said Gowron heading towards the Transporter 
Room's exit. He stopped when he realised Riker was not following 
him.

"Where's Taurell?"

"That P'Tacg is waiting to be transported aboard your ship now. 
You will bring _it_ aboard after I have left this room. I don't 
want too see _it_ or be in the same room as _it_!"

"Fine" said Riker, then turning to Data, "Mr. Data. See to it 
that Taurell is transported aboard and then have him escorted to 
his quarters. He is to be kept under guard. I will return to the 
Bridge shortly, till then, you have the Conn."

"Aye sir" responded Data.

"This way Gowron" said Riker, and he headed back to Sickbay, this 
time with Gowron in tow.

				-+-+-

Entering Sickbay, Riker took Gowron straight to the window that 
looked into the quarantine area where Worf lay in a coma. He 
looked almost grey in colour, a sight that seemed almost to shock 
Gowron.

"He only has himself to blame" said Gowron, watching Worf lying 
there. "If he had killed that P'Tacg when I gave him _it's_ life, 
then none of this would have happened and my honour would not 
have been called into question. Still, its not right for a 
warrior to die like this, without honour. Then again" he said 
looking now at Riker, "The Duras family know nothing of honour." 
He turned back to Worf, "Good-bye Worf, son of Morgh."

"He's not dead yet" said an indignant voice from behind both men. 
They turned around and came face to face with Dr. Crusher, "There's 
still every possibility we will be able to cure him."

"If you have any honour, you will kill him before the disease 
does" said Gowron, "But if you can cure him, I would be pleased. 
Worf deserves to die in battle."

With this, Gowron turned and left. Crusher scowled at Riker,

"Kill him indeed, does he think we are barbarians?"

Riker said nothing, he just shrugged his shoulders and followed 
Gowron.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge or Honour? [05/08]
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 1994 09:27:06 GMT


			    Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter V


Captain's Log, Stardate 46907.3

The Enterprise is now in orbit around Starbase 56, awaiting the
arrival of the Bah'Leth. Before leaving Lapier III, we were able to 
successfully complete the decontamination of the Lapian atmosphere. 
Scans showed that concentrations of the Lapian Flu virus were 
minute and Dr. Crusher informed me they presented no threat. She 
also reported that the normal UV emissions of the Lapian's sun 
should completely eradicate the virus within 6 solar months.

				-+-+-

Riker was sat in the Command Chair watching the planetoid, inside 
which Starbase 56 was built, revolve slowly on the Bridge viewer. 
Starbase 56 was once part of a series of Starbases that marked the
Federation side of the old Federation/Klingon Neutral Zone, its
original role being to monitor the Neutral Zone against possible
Klingon invasion. Being built inside the planetoid meant that the
Starbase had strong defenses, even if it shields failed. Add to, this
the massive fire power, which in it's time era, was the best the
Federation had to offer, meant it could last for quite sometime,
giving the Federation time to deploy a Battle Fleet to repel such
an invasion.

Now, Starbase 56's role was vastly different. It was now one of the 
few remaining ex-surveillance Starbases to survive the new post-Treaty
era, the rest had all been decommissioned. Starbase 56 now provided
a stop-over point for ships travelling between Federation and Klingon
Space. This kept the Starbase staff extremely busy, more so recently
since the Ferengi had started trading with both groups, bringing all
the problems associated with the Ferengi and their pursuit of profit.
Not that they had much success with the Klingons who despised all Ferengi,
except when they prove useful to them.

"Captain" said Jackson, pulling Riker out of his musings about the 
past, "Message from the Starbase. The Bah'Leth is going to be 20 
minutes late and Gowron is on board."

"Gowron!" exclaimed Riker, turning round in his chair to face 
Jackson. "Whats he doing here?"

"I don't know sir, but from his message, I get the impression he's 
none too pleased."

"I bet he's not" said Riker, rising. "Well, looks like we have a 
little time before he gets here. I'm going down to Sickbay to check 
on Worf. You have the Conn. Mr. Jackson."

"Yes sir."

				-+-+-

Picard was lying asleep on the bed, when he was woken by a 
chirping sound from the door. This was then repeated and followed 
by the entrance of a Romulan Officer. As the sleep cleared from 
Picard's eyes he saw that it was Sub-Commander Ra'Pan.

"Good morning Captain Picard" he said brightly, "And how are you 
feeling this morning?"

"Morning?" questioned Picard groggily, and then looking at the 
chronometer, he realised he had been asleep for over 7 hours.

"Yes. I've come to tell you that our Chief Engineer has 
programmed some traditional Terran meals into our replicator's 
computer."

"How nice of Commander Sela" said Picard scathingly, "The last 
meal for the condemned man I suppose" he added as he got up. He 
look at Ra'Pan and was shocked to see what on a human, he would 
have called a hurt look.

"Well actually, it was my idea. I thought it would make you feel 
more at home during you stay with us."

Picard started to think fast. 'I don't think he knows why I hear,
although I can't see Sela keeping her Second in Command in the dark
unless what she is planning is in someway against fleet policy. 
If this is true, I may be able to turn this to my advantage.' Then 
he said,

"Thank you Ra'Pan" in a more conciliatory tone.

Ra'Pan moved towards the replicator,

"I must admit Captain, I am rather fond of some of your Terran dishes, 
so it does give me a good excuse to sample them myself. Would you
like something now?"

"Yes. I'll have a cup of Earl Grey Tea" said Picard, walking into 
what could be described as the living area of 'his' quarters. Then 
thinking that this would be a good time to try and find out what 
Ra'Pan knew, he asked, "Would you care to join me?"

Ra'Pan's eyes lit up,

"Thank you Captain, I would. I have a little time before I start 
my Duty Period."

Ra'Pan then order a cup of hot Earl Grey tea and a black coffee 
with no sugar. Handing Picard his tea, they then both sat. An 
awkward silence fell over the pair. Picard sat, trying to decide 
how to get the conversation going again when Ra'Pan asked,

"I understand you came to Romulus to meet with Ambassador Spock?"

Picard looked up in surprise, but answered,

"Yes I did. Thats when I encountered your Commander for a second 
time. Have you ever met Spock?"

"No, but I have heard of him and his teaching."

"And what do you think of his teachings?" Picard asked gingerly.

Ra'Pan paused and then answered,

"I'm not unsympathetic towards them."

There was another pause and then Ra'Pan spoke again,

"Since your last visit, the Vulcan movement has grown in 
strength. Some Senators are listening to what this movement has 
to say, really listening, not like when you were on Romulus. Yet, 
in some ways, what Spock is teaching is considered treason, 
but..."

Ra'Pan's voice trailed off and before Picard could prompt him to 
say any more, Ra'Pan got up, finished his coffee and placed the 
cup on the table. Turning to Picard,

"Thank you for the coffee Captain, but I must go. My Duty Period 
is about to start and if I'm not on the Bridge soon, Commander 
Sela will be displeased, especially if she finds out I was late 
because I was drinking coffee with you."

"I understand" said Picard, a bit disappointed.

Ra'Pan headed towards the door. Before it opened, he looked back 
at Picard, 

"I'll try and drop by later, if I can"

and with that, he left.

Picard looked at Ra'Pan's empty coffee cup as he finished his 
tea.

'With a bit of luck, I may have found my ticket out of here' he
thought.

				-+-+-

Riker entered Sickbay and immediately made his way to Crusher's 
office. He found her sat at her desk, with a steaming cup in her 
hand. Judging by the aroma in her office and its colour, it was 
strong, black coffee. As he entered, Crusher smiled at him.

"Well doctor, trying to keep awake I see" he said, nodding at 
the cup in her hand.

"There are other, more effective stimulants" responded Crusher,
"But none tastes as good as freshly brewed coffee, even if it is
replicated."

"How's it going?" asked Riker.

"OK I think. I'm waiting for the latest set of test results. The 
last lot showed that what we had actually inhibited the virus, 
so I have high hopes for this next lot. All I can say its a good 
job Alexander is on holiday with his Grandparents. I would hate 
to have to treat him as well as his Father. Besides, there's no 
knowing what added complications his human side might have 
added."

"Alexander! I'd forgotten all about him. I suppose we had better 
inform him of Father's condition, although I wouldn't want to spoil 
his holiday" said Riker.

"Deanna has already seen to it. She has sent Worf's parents a 
message and they're on their way to Starbase 56, although they will 
not be here for at least 2 days, by which time I hope we will 
have some good news."

"And Captain Picard back" added Riker, moving further into 
Crusher's office to let an approaching nurse enter, who handed 
Crusher an information pad, 

"Here are the latest test results Doctor" he said.

"Thank you" said Crusher, taking the pad. The nurse then left. Crusher
started to review the results, pressing buttons to bring up the
rest of the information. She was beginning to look distinctly unhappy.

"Dam!" she said, pressing a few more buttons, "Dam!" and then 
she throw the pad onto her desk in a frustrated manner. She put 
her head in her hands, trying to force the tiredness and 
frustration back. Seeing Crusher's tension, Riker moved behind 
her and started to massage her shoulders.

"Come on Beverly. Don't let it get you down. We all know that 
you and your team are working hard to beat this. We all have the 
utmost confidence in you all."

"Yes Will, I know, but the last set were so encouraging. They 
gave us a substance that inhibits the virus, but its not enough. 
It's only bought us an extra day at most. If we don't find the 
cure, in 2 days, Worf will be dead."

"Just keep plugging away. You'll get there in the end" encouraged 
Riker.

"Bridge to Captain Riker" came Jackson's voice over the 
intercom. Riker stop his massaging, but didn't remove his hands.

"Go ahead Lt. Jackson."

"Sir. The Bah'Leth has just arrived and Gowron wants to beam over 
immediately."

Riker looked at Crusher,

"Is it safe for him to come on board?"

"Yes" answered Crusher, "Worf is in quarantine and the ship's 
recycling system has cleaned any trace of the virus out of the 
ship's air."

"OK Lt. Jackson. I'm on my way" responded Riker, "Have Mr. Data 
meet me in Transporter Room 1. Also assign a Security Team to 
act as a Guard of Honour. After all, he is the Klingon Leader, 
he expects nothing else." he added, looking at Crusher.

"Aye sir" came Jackson's voice.

"Got to go Beverly"

Crusher placed her right hand on Riker's, which was still on her 
left shoulder,

"Thank you Captain. I'll recommend you to Counsellor Troi as an 
assistant. You have a wonderful beside manner."

Riker looked at her,

"I can imagine her response" he said, laughed and then left.

				-+-+-

Riker entered Transporter Room 1 to find Commander Data and a 
Guard of Honour consisting of 3 of Jackson's Security Team, with 
him heading up the team.

"Bah'Leth has signaled that Gowron is ready to beam over" said 
the Transporter Chief to Riker as he entered.

"OK" said Riker, taking up a position to Data's right, 
"Energise."

The transporter hummed into action and when it was once again 
quiet, there stood Gowron, wearing the robe of the Leader of the 
Klingon High Council. Riker stepped forward,

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise Gowron. I believe you know my 
First Officer, Commander Data?"

Totally ignoring Data, Gowron stepped off the Pad and looked 
straight at Riker.

"Where's Worf. I want to speak to him now. This is all his 
fault!"

"He's in Sickbay" replied Riker, annoyed.

"So it's true" said Gowron, drawing back slightly from Riker, 
"Is he dead yet?"

"No" answered Riker.

"Then I want to see" said Gowron heading towards the Transporter 
Room's exit. He stopped when he realised Riker was not following 
him.

"Where's Taurell?"

"That P'Tacg is waiting to be transported aboard your ship now. 
You will bring _it_ aboard after I have left this room. I don't 
want too see _it_ or be in the same room as _it_!"

"Fine" said Riker, then turning to Data, "Mr. Data. See to it 
that Taurell is transported aboard and then have him escorted to 
his quarters. He is to be kept under guard. I will return to the 
Bridge shortly, till then, you have the Conn."

"Aye sir" responded Data.

"This way Gowron" said Riker, and he headed back to Sickbay, this 
time with Gowron in tow.

				-+-+-

Entering Sickbay, Riker took Gowron straight to the window that 
looked into the quarantine area where Worf lay in a coma. He 
looked almost grey in colour, a sight that seemed almost to shock 
Gowron.

"He only has himself to blame" said Gowron, watching Worf lying 
there. "If he had killed that P'Tacg when I gave him _it's_ life, 
then none of this would have happened and my honour would not 
have been called into question. Still, its not right for a 
warrior to die like this, without honour. Then again" he said 
looking now at Riker, "The Duras family know nothing of honour." 
He turned back to Worf, "Good-bye Worf, son of Morgh."

"He's not dead yet" said an indignant voice from behind both men. 
They turned around and came face to face with Dr. Crusher, "There's 
still every possibility we will be able to cure him."

"If you have any honour, you will kill him before the disease 
does" said Gowron, "But if you can cure him, I would be pleased. 
Worf deserves to die in battle."

With this, Gowron turned and left. Crusher scowled at Riker,

"Kill him indeed, does he think we are barbarians?"

Riker said nothing, he just shrugged his shoulders and followed 
Gowron.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenge or Honour? [06/08]
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 10:04:08 GMT


			    Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter VI


Captain's Log, Stardate 46907.5

The Bah'Leth has now left Starbase 56, having transferred Taurell 
to the Enterprise. We ourselves are making preparations to leave 
once Dr. Crusher has returned from Starbase 56, where she is 
consulting with one of the doctors on the starbase who is herself 
a Klingon. Dr. Crusher is hoping that she might be able to find 
some missing piece of information that will help her find a cure 
for Worf.

				-+-+-

Riker sat in the Command Chair, impatient to leave Starbase 56 and 
recover Captain Picard.

"Transporter Room to Bridge. Dr. Crusher has just returned from 
Starbase 56" came the voice of the Transporter Chief.

"Thank you, Bridge out. Ensign Farour, break orbit and set course 156 
mark 208" order Riker.

The ensign at Conn replied,

"Course 156 mark 208 laid in sir"

"Speed, warp factor 6, engage"

"Aye sir."

On the viewer, Starbase 56 moved out of sight and then after a 
brief pause, the starfield changed, indicating the jump to warp 
speed. Turning to look at Data, who was sitting on his right, Riker
asked,

"Mr. Data. What's our ETA to the rendezvous point?"

"At present speed, 10 hours, 48 minutes sir"

"Thank you Mr. Data" responded Riker, turning to face forward. 
'Great' he thought, "And there's nothing I can do except wait. I 
hate waiting!"

				-+-+-

Commander Sela sat in the Command Chair on the Victor 
contemplating her final victory of Picard. Her thoughts were 
interrupted by Ra'Pan

"Commander. The Klingons have responded to our message."

"And their response?"

"I simply says 'they agreed and that the Enterprise is on its way."

"Good. Very good. Ra'Pan, have Lawsa and Bay'Tor report to me 
here."

"Yes sir" responded Ra'Pan and then nodded to one of the Security 
Guards on the Bridge. Ra'Pan was a little confused as to what 
Sela was upto. She hadn't told him what their orders were, which 
was against command protocol. He decided now was the time to find
out.

"I take it we will be returning Captain Picard to his ship when 
the Enterprise arrives?" he probed.

"Sort of" smiled Sela.

Now, this response did puzzle him. He was aware of her past 
encounters with Picard and so was somewhat surprised when she 
had announced that he was to be a guest on the Victor, but he 
thought that this was all part and parcel of the recent political 
changes with the replacement of Proconsul. Yet he hadn't pushed 
Sela for too much information because he knew she didn't trust 
him and would sooner get rid of him in much the same way as his 
predecessor 'disappeared'. The only reason he was now her Second 
in Command was due to the respect his family had with the current 
Senate, despite his family's recent past, or maybe because of 
it. However, this didn't help him in this present situation. He 
was also disturbed by Picard's comment about being the 
"condemned man". Deciding he need more information, he pushed 
Sela for more,

"What have the Klingons agreed to?"

"Oh, just a simple trade" Sela answer. She was well aware of 
Ra'Pan's confusion, but she didn't trust or like him. She knew 
he was aware of her feelings, but didn't care. The problem for 
her, and her friends, was that the political scene was changing 
and changing fast. There was even talk of peace between Romulus 
and the Federation. She just hoped that this little venture 
worked and would be enough to swing the balance of power back in 
their favour. 'Then I can deal with Ra'Pan and those like him' 
she thought. Her thoughts were then interrupted by the entry of 
the Duras sisters.

"Sela. Whats happened?" demanded Lawsa.

"Just one moment Lawsa" said Sela, then turning to 
Ra'Pan."Sub_Commander, I want you to go down to Engineering. They've 
reported a problem with the cloaking device. I want you to lend 
a hand and check on their progress."

"Yes sir" responded Ra'Pan and left. He knew that Sela just 
wanted him out of the way, so she could talk to the Duras sisters 
without him present. This in itself was an insult and the Bridge 
crew would realise it as such, but Ra'Pan cared little. He was 
beginning to realise that Sela was upto something that was designed 
to change the political reforms now taking place. This he must 
somehow prevent, if for no other reason than if she succeeded, it 
might mean his 'disappearance' as well.

				-+-+-

In Sickbay, Crusher was reviewing the information she had 
obtained from Dr. Kornan, the Klingon doctor on Starbase 56. She 
had been lucky to find her, not only because Klingon doctors were 
rare, but also because Kornan was returning to the Klingon home 
world in 3 days time. Kornan had given Crusher some very useful 
data on the Klingon immune system, which was very similar to the 
human immune system, but with some very subtle differences. Some 
of them Crusher hadn't known existed as medical information on
Klingons was rare, even in the Klingon Empire. Most Klingon who
fell ill or wounded and who could not be treated easily were killed
as part of the Klingon Code of Honour.

Dr. Selar walk into Crusher's office.

"Doctor, the computer confirms it. The differences in the Klingon 
white cell mitochondria would affect the way it fights the virus. 
Further more, it confirms the reason why the last test batch 
proved ineffectual against the virus, and the previous batch to 
that only inhibited it."

"Some, if we account for the differences and then retest the last 
batch, we may just be able to cure it" said Crusher.

"It is logical doctor, but it will take us 1.14 hours to make 
the modifications" commented Selar.

"Which means that we will only have at best, 5 hours left to find 
any fault and rectify it should the modifications fail. It 
doesn't leave us much margin for error Selar."

"No doctor, but as I have often hear Wesley say, 'Nothing 
ventured, Nothing gained."

"True, and the sooner we start, the sooner we will have a 
result."

With that, Crusher and Selar headed for the Sickbay Labs.

					-+-+-

Ra'Pan sat at his desk in his quarters. His Duty Period had 
finished over half an hour ago after he and the Chief Engineer 
had managed to successfully repair the fault that had occurred 
in the cloaking shields. Yet, all the time he had been involved 
in the repair, his mind had been trying to figure out what his 
Commander was upto. On returning to his quarters, Ra'Pan had 
decided to review the ship's orders. There had been nothing about 
any Klingon trade or even about any contact with Federation, let 
alone bring a Federation Officer on board the Victor. There had 
been a couple of coded messages marked for Commander Sela's eyes 
only, and while being from high ranking officers in the Military 
Commission, they were nothing to do with those who were 
responsible for fleet orders. Ra'Pan was now becoming 
suspicious that Commander Sela was working on her own, without 
the consent of the Military Commission. He needed to talk to someone 
about this, but who? Not all on board the Victor were totally 
loyal to Commander Sela, and some, he knew, were even 
followers of Spock's Teachings. However, none of these would talk 
to him, believing that he was possible spying for Sela. No, there 
was only one person he could talk to and that was Captain Picard, 
but he wasn't sure how far, or if Picard would trust him. Ra'Pan 
decided he had to tell Picard the truth. Besides, Ra'Pan wanted 
to ask Picard to perform a small favour for him and in order to 
ask him, he would have to tell Picard the full truth in any case. 
His mind made up, Ra'Pan open a small draw in his desk, took out 
a red, memory chip and headed off towards Picard's quarters.

					-+-+-

Picard was sat reading a book of Romulan Fairy Tales. It had been 
the only book that he had been able to get the replicator to 
produce for him, anything else, and the replicator's security 
system would refuse. Still, he had been finding it very 
interesting and it had helped to while away the hours. Picard's 
reading was interrupted by the chirping of the door. Ra'Pan then 
entered. Looking at him, Picard could see a look of concern on 
his face. Wondering what was wrong, Picard put the book down and 
said,

"Sub-Commander Ra'Pan, what can I do for you?"

"Can we talk?" he replied.

"Of course Sub-Commander. Would you like a drink?"

"Yes please Captain, a black coffee, no sugar."

Picard order the drink and an Eary Grey tea for himself. He was 
glad of another opportunity to talk to Ra'Pan and try to gain 
more information from him on how he might escape. Giving Ra'Pan 
his drink, he sat down waiting to hear what was on the Sub-
Commander's mind, although he wasn't quite prepared for the 
surprise he was about to receive.

"Captain Picard. I have a small favour to ask of you." Ra'Pan 
paused, as though he wasn't quite sure how to proceed. "When 
you return to your ship, would you please carry a message back 
with you to my father?"

"Your _father_?" exclaimed Picard, surprised.

"Yes. He was one of the Senators who aspired to Spock's 
teachings. At the time, Proconsul Jarid was still in power and 
after his defeat over the planned invasion of Vulcan, he clamped 
down harshly on the Vulcan Movement. When my fathers connection 
was uncovered, he decided to defect to the Federation, as many 
had before him, so he and my mother were smuggled out. 
Unfortunately, the ship on which they were being carried did not 
escape without incident. A battle ensued and my mother was killed. 
However, my father made it and he is now living somewhere in the 
Federation. I do not know where, but I would be grateful if you 
would deliver this to him." and with that he offered Picard the 
chip he had taken out of his desk draw.

"Is Commander Sela aware of your father's defection?" asked 
Picard, not for one minute thinking that Sela didn't, but 
wondering how Ra'Pan could still be her first officer.

"Yes, she is, but at the moment there is nothing she can do about 
it. Despite my family's past, or even because of it, we still 
wield a lot of power and respect within the Romulan Empire. That 
sort of power she cannot yet overcome. But I fear it is only time 
before she finds a way. Then I hate to think what will happen, 
not only to me, but also to the Empire."

Picard looked at the chip in Ra'Pan's hand and then at Ra'Pan 
himself.

"I fear I will be unable to deliver your message to your father" 
he said.

The look of disappointment on Ra'Pan's face was clear as he 
lowered the hand holding the chip.

"May I ask why?"

"Because, I don't know if I will make it back to the Federation" 
responded Picard, still trying to accertain what Ra'Pan really 
knew.

"But the Enterprise is already on it's way to collect you. 
We will rendezvous in 5 hours. Surely, your ship will then take 
you back to the Federation" said Ra'Pan, puzzled at Picard's 
response.

"Not if Commander Sela get's her way, it wont. She plans to 
destroy it as I am beaming back aboard."

"She WHAT?" exclaimed Ra'Pan, standing in rage and beginning to 
pace. "But we have no such orders to plan any attack. If 
anything, those orders are to try and avoid an contact with 
Federation or Klingon vessels. She going against her orders, and 
against all that the Senate is now considering."

"What?" queried Picard, now the puzzled one. Ra'Pan sat and 
explained.

"My father may no longer be on the Senate, but I still have my 
contacts. Before we left Romulus, the Senate was to begin a 
series of debates aimed at improving relations between it and both 
the Federation and Klingon governments. Nothing fancy at first, 
just a straight forward agreement on aid and trust. We too have 
been facing the threat of the Borg as have both the Federation 
and the Klingons. Some Senators are even suggesting that an alliance 
between our governments should be sort. Many have seen how well
the treaty between the Federation and the Klingon Empire is
working, and that it hasn't resulted in either side losing their
identity. They now believe that the same can work for us. Yet there
are those opposed to such a move and are planning to put a stop
to it. Sela is one and if she succeeds in this plan of hers, she
and her friends may put the cause of peace back many decades. We must 
stop her. What do you know about her plan?"

Picard still wasn't sure how far he could trust Ra'Pan, but he 
decided he had to start somewhere. His gut instinct told him that 
Ra'Pan was on the level. He explained everything that Sela had 
told him.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued.....


>From etlmksr@etlxd30.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: ST:TNG Revenger or Honour? [07/08]
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 10:38:59 GMT


Hi Folks

Here is the penaltimate (sp?) chapter, the final chapter should appear around
Wednesdays, work permitting.

Mark
---------------------------------------------------------


			     Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter VII


Captain's Log, Stardate 46908.7

We have arrived at the rendezvous point, but are yet to find any 
vessel to meet us. Now being deep within the Neutral Zone, I have 
place the Enterprise on Red Alert and we are activity scanning the 
area. However, with present Romulan Technology, we have at best a 
slim chance of finding any cloak vessel, particularly it they are 
remaining stationary.

				-+-+-

With the Enterprise on Red Alert, Riker had the whole of the main 
Bridge personnel on duty.

"Data. Can you give me anything at all?" asked Riker.

"No sir, nothing definite. There is some evidence of a sub-space 
anomaly, but I cannot pin point it's exact location or even be certain 
it is a cloaked vessel" Data replied.

"I'm sure their is something out there" said Troi, "I can sense the 
emotions of a vast number of beings."

"Are you sure you're not just picking up the Enterprise crew 
Counsellor?" asked Riker.

Troi paused, as if looking in on herself. She shook her head and 
looked at Riker,

"No, these are not human emotions I am sensing. I believe they are 
Romulan."

"OK" said Riker, Lets get their attention." Standing, Riker then 
ordered,

"Lt. Jackson. open a hailing frequency."

"Aye sir. Hailing frequency open."

"Romulan vessel. This is Captain William Riker of the USS 
Enterprise. We have brought Taurell with us as requested. We demand 
you decloak."

After a short pause, the viewer changed and  Sela was displayed.

"Well _CAPTAIN_ Riker. I see you've earned a promotion, and your 
Captain isn't even dead (beat) yet." she smiled.

"Commander Sela. I demand you decloak and then let me talk to 
Captain Picard before we go any further."

"Why of course Captain, after all we are here to trade goods and 
therefore I also ask that you bring Taurell to your Bridge so 
we can see him. And, as a sign of our good faith," Sela nodded to 
an officer out of sight.

"Sir" said Jackson, "Romulan Warbird decloaking off our Port 
side."

"And now Captain, I suggest we give each other a little time to 
bring our guests to our Bridges, say 5 minutes. Victor out" and 
with that, Sela was gone.

"Odd" said Data, drawing Riker's attention to him,

"What is it Data?" he asked.

"Captain. That sub-space anomaly we were tracking, it does not 
correspond to the Victor's location."

"Is it still there?" asked Riker again.

"No sir. It simply disappeared about 10 seconds before the 
Warbird appeared."

"Could it have been the Warbird which simply moved before 
decloaking?" queried Riker.

"I do not think so" answer Data, "It just disappeared. If it was 
the Warbird moving then, in theory, that would make her easier 
to track."

"What about a natural phenomenon?" asked Troi.

"That is a possibility Counsellor. There are recorded instances 
of such anomalies. It is also a possibility that it was simply 
a echo of the Warbird's cloaking shields. I will endeavour to 
determine what it was" finished Data.

"Fine Data" said Riker, then turning to Jackson, "Lt. Have 
Security escort Taurell to the Bridge. Sela will be hailing us 
in about 3 minutes, I want him here by then."

"Yes sir."

				-+-+-

Sela was pleased, despite Riker's front, she was convinced he 
was unaware that she was planning anything other than a simple 
hostage exchange. She turned to Ra'Pan,

"Sub-Commander, make arrangements for Picard to be brought to 
the Bridge and inform Lawsa and Bay'Tor that the Enterprise is 
here."

"Yes Commander" said Ra'Pan, then turned to one of the Bridge 
Security Guards and instructed him to escort Picard to the 
Bridge. He then used the intercom panel to inform Lawsa and 
Bay'Tor of the Enterprise's arrival. 

Moments later, the Security Guard returned with Captain Picard.

"Ah Captain. The Enterprise has arrived and _CAPTAIN_ Riker has 
demanded your return. Seems he has already taken your place Picard. 
You're redundant. Still, it wont matter, in around 15 minutes 
you'll both be dead and the Enterprise no more. You know, 
you made a serious mistake opposing me during the Klingon Civil 
War. Had the Duras won, we would never have come to this."

"No" replied Picard, "The Klingons would be at war with the 
Federation, aided by you of course, and all you would have to do 
is sit back and watch. Then when it finally ended, who ever won 
would be so weak, you could move in and take over with hardly 
any resistance at all."

"Why Picard. You aught to be a Romulan" smiled Sela.

"Don't count your eggs before they hatch Sela. This game isn't 
over yet" said Picard.

"Oh, but I think it is Picard" retorted Sela.

Ra'Pan just stood and watch the exchange between Sela and Picard, 
his loath for her growing. He knew he had to act quickly if he was 
to prevent the destruction of the Enterprise, and possibly even 
a war. The only problem was, he didn't know how, all he could 
was watch and wait for the moment. At this point, Lawsa and 
Bay'Tor arrived

"Have they brought Taurell?" asked Bay'Tor

"Of course, after all, they do want their Captain back. Infact,
you will see him now. Ra'Pan, open a frequency to the Enterprise."

"Yes sir" he responded, moving towards the console. Before he 
reached it, Sela said, "And Ra'Pan, when I give the signal, I 
want you to power-up and then immediately fire the Disrupters. 
Destroy the Enterprise as they beam back Picard."

Ra'Pan looked at her shocked. Till now, he only half believed 
that Sela would destroy the Enterprise, now he knew for certain.

"But" he protested, wondering how he could stop her without 
getting killed himself, "As soon a I power them up, the Enterprise 
will know. They will fire back and with our shields down, we will 
be seriously damaged." He hoped reasoning would work, it didn't.

"Not if you follow my orders Ra'Pan. We have the element of 
surprise. Besides, they will not want to lose their Captain in 
transit. Now do as I say, or I will have you relieved."

Realising that his best option to stop Sela was to stay on the 
Bridge, Ra'Pan decided to play along, hoping an opportunity 
would present itself.

"Yes Commander. I obey" he responded.

"Good. Now open a channel."

"Aye sir. Channel open."

"Victor to Enterprise. Have you brought Taurell Riker?" asked 
Sela.

Riker's picture replaced that of the Enterprise on the Victor's 
viewer. Next to him stood Taurell, flanked by two Security 
Guards.

"Yes, as you can see" he replied.

"And here is your Captain Picard. Now Captain Riker, this is what
I propose. We will both drop our shields and beam our respective
guests off the other's Bridge. That way, everything can be done in
full sight of all. Agreed?"

"Agreed" said Riker. "But with one addition, we will beam them 
out simultaneously."

'Just what I thought he would say' thought Sela, "Agreed Captain. 
Ra'Pan lower our shields. Have our transporter lock onto Taurell."

Ra'Pan acknowledged Sela's order and keyed in the appropriate 
commands. His console bleeped.

"Commander, Enterprise has lowered her shields and is locking 
onto Captain Picard."

"Transport on my command" said Sela, then turning to Ra'Pan, she 
said in a sotto voice, "Disrupters now"

Ra'Pan made his decision.

"No!" Then facing the view screen "Enterprise, its a trap" he shouted
and before Sela could react, Ra'Pan raised the shields and broke 
communication.

				-+-+-

"What the hell?" exclaimed Riker.

"Sir. The Victor has broken communication and they've raised their 
shields resulting in the lost of their transport lock on Taurell. 
We've also lost our lock on Captain Picard."

"Raise our shields" ordered Riker, "What the hell are the playing 
at?"

				-+-+-

Sela flew at Ra'Pan in rage, knocking him to the floor.

"What have you done?" she screamed at him, "You've ruined 
everything, I'll have your life for this!"

"I will not let you wreck our one shot at peace" replied Ra'Pan, 
standing. "If you destroy the Enterprise, you will destroy any 
hope of a peace treaty with the Federation." He was no standing 
right in front of Sela, staring directly at her, challenging her 
authority.

"But that's exactly the point" raged Sela, pushing Ra'Pan with 
such force, that he stumbled and fell to the ground again, his 
personal disrupter, that all Romulan Officers wear, falling from 
its holder.

"If those fools sign any treaty with the Federation, it will mean 
the end of the Romulan civilisation." continued Sela, now 
staring down at Ra'Pan.

"Sela. The game's over." Picard spoke in a calm voice.

His tone made her stop. She swung round and faced him, coming face 
to face with Ra'Pan's disrupter, pointed straight at her. Picard 
continued,

"If you don't stop this now, I'll be forced to fire and I don't 
know much about Romulan disrupter settings."

Sela was furious,

"Picard, you wont stop me and you wont fire either. You humans 
are to weak when it comes to killing. Too many plans have been made 
to stop this now. If this fails, then so does everything else. 
My friends will not like that" and with that she rushed at Picard 
in insane fury. Picard fired. A blue beam lanced out from the 
disrupter and hit Sela, stopping her in her tracks. Then from 
the point of impact and radiating outwards, Sela vanished. There 
was stunned silence on the Warbird's Bridge. The the sound of one 
of the Security Guards drawing his weapon could be heard. Ra'Pan 
swung round to see who it was. Pointing at the guard he shouted,

"No. Captain Picard is not to be harmed!"

"But...."

"I said no." Ra'Pan's voice now much quieter and calmer. "Captain 
Picard had to fire. Commander Sela had obviously become irrational 
and was acting without orders. It was not the Captain's fault that 
his is unfamiliar with our weapons and he did warn the Commander 
of the situation. She choose to attack, leaving him no 
alternative. No fault can be attached to him. What happened, 
happened because the fates ordained it." 

There was silence on the Bridge as Ra'Pan walked over to Picard 
and took the disrupter from him and placed it back in his holder. 
The was a bleep from one of the consoles.

"Sir, a shuttle has just been launched" reported one of the Bridge 
Officers.

Ra'Pan scanned the Bridge. Lawsa and Bay'Tor were missing.

				-+-+-

"They're not responding to our hail" stated Jackson, after trying 
to hail the Victor repeatedly on Riker's order.

"Keep trying" said Riker. "Counsellor, can you sense anything 
from that ship?"

"Only a lot of confusion and some anger. I don't know what Captain, 
but something is wrong over there." Troi sounded worried.

"Captain. They've just launched a shuttle" reported Jackson.

"Data?" said Riker, looking at the android.

"Two life signs" reported Data, "Both Klingon." He turned to face 
Riker, "Sir, it must be Lawsa and Bay'Tor. I am picking up no 
other Klingon life-signs from that Warbird."

"Lawsa and Bay'Tor. Now what are they up to?" puzzled Riker.

"Sir! There's another ship decloaking behind us" reported 
Jackson. "It's the Bah'Leth?!"

"I believe the Bah'Leth was that anomaly I scanned" said Data, 
looking at the scan readings.

"At least that's one puzzle solved, but what is she doing here? 
Data, what are they upto?" asked Riker.

"They are homing in on the shuttle sir."

As the Bridge crew watched, the Bah'Leth swoopped down on the shuttle,
they witnessed it fire a single photon torpedo which headed straight for 
it. As it hit, the shuttle seem to shudder, then exploded into 
a shower of brightly coloured debris, before winking out into 
nothingness.

				-+-+-

The destruction of the shuttle was also witnessed on the Victor.

"Klingon vessel withdrawing" reported the Romulan Tactical 
Officer, "Enterprise is still hailing us.'

"Open channel" said Ra'Pan, then turning to Picard, "Perhaps 
you would like to talk to them Captain."

"Thank you" replied Picard, as Riker's face appeared on the 
screen, "Hello number one, keeping my seat warm I see."

"Are you allright sir? You look awful. What's going on?"

"I'll be fine Will. I will be returning shortly. I have a few things 
to collect, including a message" he said, now turning to Ra'Pan.

Not quite sure what to make of this, Riker just said,

"Fine sir. Enterprise out."

				-+-+-

As Riker close communication with the Victor, he looked at Troi. 
She too looked concerned.

"He looked very drawn. Did you sense anything from him Deanna?"

"He's distressed about something and he has had a few hard days, which
are bound to have taken their toll" said Troi, "But I think he
will be OK."

"Sir" said Jackson, "The Bah'Leth is hailing us."

"On screen"

"Enterprise. This is Gowron. Have you recovered Picard yet?"

"No Gowron, he is returning shortly. What are you doing here?" 
demanded Riker.

Gowron smiled, 

"Tiding up a few loose ends"

"Do you want Taurell back?" asked Riker.

A look of disgust fell across Gowron's face.

"No!" he spat out, "You can keep _it_, although if you take my 
advice, you will dispose of _it_ like any other piece of worthless 
garbage. Bah'Leth out"

and with that, the Bah'Leth warped out, heading for Klingon 
space.

				-+-+-

Back on the Victor, Ra'Pan was seeing Picard to the Transporter 
Room. As they entered, Picard simply said,

"Thank you Ra'Pan."

"Thats allright Captain. Besides, if I'd done nothing, we may
have been at war for decades to come, and I would have ended up
dead. This way, peace has a chance. Good luck Captain Picard."

"And to you Sub-Commander Ra'Pan."

Picard mounted the Transporter Pad. The Transporter hummed into 
life and Picard faded from the Victor's Transporter Room.

--------------------------------------------------------------

To be continued.......


>From etlmksr@aom.ericsson.se (Mark Slater)
Subject: REPOST-ST:TNG Revenge or Hounour ? [08/08]
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 1994 10:54:13 GMT


			     Revenge or Honour?


				Chapter VIII


Captain's Log, Stardate 46909.1

William T Riker reporting. This will be my last entry as acting 
Captain. Captain Picard has now returned to the Enterprise and is 
on his way up to the Bridge. The Enterprise in proceeding back 
to Starbase 56 for debriefing and to collect Worf's parents 
and his son Alexander.

				-+-+-

Riker was sat in the Commander Chair, his mind now on Worf. The 
Romulan Warbird had departed without any explanation as to what 
occurred on board. Taurell had been returned to his quarters 
without protest. He had been quiet ever since he boarded the 
Enterprise and now, having seen his only living relatives 
perish, along with his chance to escape, he now seemed more 
depressed than ever. His behaviour was in marked contrast to the 
young, defiant man who had claimed his right to the Leadership of 
the Klingon High Council, a claim that resulted in a Civil War that 
cost countless lives. Whatever he had experienced at the 
hands of the Klingons after his disgrace and had resulted in the 
withdrawn figure of a shell now left, could only be guessed at. 
Troi had watched him being escorted off the Bridge with concern. 
She had wanted to go with him and try and talk with him, to see if 
she could have been of any help, but her first responsibility was 
to Captain Picard and his mental well being, as regulations demand 
after such an experience as his. Therefore, she had to remain on 
the Bridge until Picard had arrived and she had had time for a 
quick assessment to see if he was OK. She didn't have to wait too 
long, as the doors to the Bridge whooshed opened and Picard 
entered. Almost immediately, Troi could tell that he was feeling 
tired, but there was nothing to indicate that there was anything 
wrong that could not be put right by a few good nights sleep and maybe 
talking. Troi relaxed as her Betazoid senses told her he was fine.

Riker stood as Picard entered,

"Captain. Welcome home"

"Thank you number one. Its good to be back" Picard responded, walking
down the ramp, heading for the centre of the Bridge.

"Computer" said Riker, Picard now standing in front of him. "Transfer
command to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Authorisation Riker Alpha 9012."

"COMMAND TRANSFERRED. USS ENTERPRISE NOW UNDER THE COMMAND OF 
CAPTAIN JEAN-LUC PICARD."

"I relieve you Commander Riker" said Picard.

"I stand relieved" responder Riker.

"Computer" said Picard, "Reinstate Commander Riker as ship's 
First Officer. Authorisation Picard Gamma 6703."

"FIRST OFFICER USS ENTERPRISE, COMMANDER WILLIAM THOMAS RIKER"

"Right" said Picard, "Now the formalities are done, what's our 
current status number one?"

"We are heading back to Starbase 56 for debriefing. Worf is still 
critically ill in Sickbay. Dr. Crusher estimates he has 4 hours at 
best if she can't find a cure."

"He's that bad. I had hoped that Sela had over estimated the 
potential of her virus. Dr. Crusher is aware that it is a 
genetically engineered virus?"

"Yes she is" answered Riker.

"Well, we can only trust in her and her team's ability."

At this point, the doors to the Bridge opened and the turbo lift 
deposited Crusher on to the Bridge, a board smile on her face.

"We've done it" was all she said as she descended the ramp to 
the centre of the Bridge.

Data look a bit confused,

"Do I take it you have found the cure for the virus Doctor?"

"Yes Data, you do."

"And Worf?" asked Picard.

"He's out of the comma and is now sleeping. In about 2 or 3 days, 
he'll be out of bed and then back on duty inside a month."

"That's excellent news Doctor" said Picard really smiling for the 
first time in days. "By the way Beverly, you look awful. It seems 
I going to have to order you to bed again" he joked.

"Oh no, not for the time being at least. I seem to remember I 
owe someone a chocolate sundae" replied Crusher, now looking at 
Troi, "Coming Deanna?"

Troi looked at Picard, who simply nodded. "Yes Beverly" said 
Troi and then the both departed for 10 Forward.

"Talking of sleep" said Picard, "I think I could do with some."

"And a wash sir" smiled Riker.

Picard looked at himself,

"Hmm. I see what you mean number one" he said, "You have the 
Bridge."

"Aye sir" Riker's grin becoming even broader.

Picard headed off up the ramp and then stopped.

"Oh Data, I have a small job for you. Would you search the 
records on Romulan defections over the past year and try to find 
a Senator Jurat Ra'Pan. We have a message for him from his son" 
said Picard and emptied out the contents of his pocket in which put 
the chip Ra'Pan had given him. He stopped when he realised he 
had two chips, one red, one blue. He stared at the blue chip.

"Tasha, I'm sorry" he whispered.

"Sir?" said Data.

Picard recovered himself, 

"Oh nothing Data. Number one, if I'm needed, I'll be with 
Guinan."

"Guinan?"

"Yes. I've just remembered something" and he headed off the 
Bridge.

				-+-+-

Checking with the computer for Guinan's location, Picard found 
she was in her quarters, so that was where he headed. Reaching 
her door, he pressed the access button which tweedled to announce 
his presence. Moments later, the door opened and there was 
Guinan.

"Come in Jean-Luc, I heard you where back." She looked him up 
and down. "You need a wash she said moving to one side to let 
him enter. "Tea?"

"Yes please Guinan" answered Picard, "Riker said exactly the same thing."

Guinan laughed, "I like him. He's got my sense of humour." She 
moved over to the replicator and ordered two Earl Grey Teas. Bringing 
them over to the table in front of two easy chairs, she placed 
the teas down. Motioning Picard to sit in one of them, Guinan sat in
the other.

Picard sat, staring at his tea. Guinan just looked at him and 
after short silence, she said,

"Sela's dead."

Picard looked at her,

"Yes. I killed her."

"I know" responded Guinan.

"She was Tasha's daughter. It was all true. I did send her back, 
although I don't remember when or how. To me, she died on Vagra 
II."

Picard pull out the chip and put in on the table.

"It's all there. Tasha's last statement before they executed 
her. How can someone have two futures? How can someone die 
twice? Why did I have to kill her daughter?"

Picard fell silent.

"Because she was never meant to be and she was altering the 
future. The timeline had to be restored. You were responsible 
for this..., this parallax in time and so you had to correct it. 
One woman, two futures. You had to resolve the difference and 
the only way to do that was by Sela dying."

Picard looked at Guinan.

"You knew?"

"I guessed. It was the only logical explanation. I tried to 
explain it to Riker when he asked. I don't think I made a very 
good job of it. I just felt that time was correcting itself. Now what 
should be, will be."

Picard reached forward for his tea and took a sip, trying to
comprehend what Guinan had said,

"And now?"

"Time has been restored. As I said, what should be, will be."

Picard wasn't yet convinced, he just knew he felt extremely 
tired. He loathed taking life, but knew sometimes it was 
necessary, maybe then had been one of those times.

"I feel so tired" he said, settling back into the chair.

"After what you have been through, I'm not surprised." said 
Guinan.

				-+-+-

Troi and Crusher were sat in 10 Forward, chatting about nothing 
in general. Troi had just finished the biggest chocolate sundae 
they could find and was now finishing off Crusher's, who could 
only get half way through it. For the first time in several days, 
both felt relaxed.Then their conversation was interrupted by the 
intercom.

"Dr. Crusher" it said, "Medical Emergency"

Crusher hit her commbadge,

"What's up? Has Worf had a relapse?"

"No sir. Will you come to Taurell's quarters."

"On my way. Crusher out." Troi looked at her,

"I've got a bad feeling about this Beverly. I'm coming to."

				-+-+-

Inside Taurell's quarters lay the body of the young Klingon. As a
formality, Crusher scanned the body before declaring him dead. His
death had resulted from an injury caused by a Dahk'Ta, Taurell's
hand still clasped tighty round the hilt of the Klihgon knife.

"I should have guessed this would happen" said Troi. "I shouldn't 
have gone for that sundae. I should have come to talk with him 
and maybe I could have stopped him."

"Deanna. Judging by the scan, he was dead long before you left 
the Bridge with me. There was nothing you could have done."

"Maybe" said Troi, not convinced.

Crusher looked up at the orderly,

"You can take him away now. I'll conduct an autopsy in the 
morning, but there's not much doubt about the cause of death."

Crusher and Troi watched as Taurell's body was carefully lifted 
onto the anti-grav stretcher, covered and taken away.

				-+-+-

			      Epilogue

The Enterprise had been docked at Starbase 56 for nearly a day. 
Picard had ordered shore leave for all those who wanted it. Worf 
was now conscious and was causing Crusher problems, wanting to 
leave Sickbay before she thought he was ready. It had taken an 
order from Picard to stop him from getting out of bed. Worf 
complied, but he was not happy. Picard sat in his Ready room, 
chuckling at Worf's efforts to leave and Crushers frustration 
with him. On his desk was the autopsy report on Taurell. Picard 
read it, the conclusion reading:


			Cause of Death : Suicide


An investigation had shown that the knife that Taurell had used
was one of Worf's. It was not clear how, but Taurell had managed
to slip into Worf's cabin and take the weapon, without alerting
his guards. Although this had been a breach of Security, Picard 
had decided not to take the matter further, although he guessed
that once his Chief of Security was pronouced medically fit for
duty, he would have more than a few words to say to his men on the
subject. 'Best leave it to Worf,' thought Picard.

Picard closed Crusher's autospy report and placed it back on his desk.
By Klingon standards, suicide was considered the only honourable 
thing for a Klingon in Taurell's position. Taurell was the last 
of the Duras family, when he died, the family died. 'Maybe, at 
the end, there was some honour left in the Duras family' thought 
Picard.


			      THE END



