My Maquis Lover

Disclaimer:

This story is based in the "Star Trek" universe. The use of anything related to "Star Trek" in this series is not intended to infringe upon the rights of Paramount Pictures,. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.

All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.

Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.

This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.

Ok as well before we start this is based on the series Star Trek Voyager but with a twist from the original story line and I hope you like it.

Chapter 14: Rise like a phoenix

"That's not possible". Kathryn said. I looked at her. "Ensign confirm the hull signature". I ordered. "Confirmed, Sir, it matches Starfleet Records, it's them". She said. Kathryn and I looked at each other in shock. "How is this possible after all these years" I asked? "Jack, it can't be. I watched it destroyed myself." She said. "Well, Admiral, there she is clear as day". I said gesturing to the viewer. "Like the Phoenix rising from the Ashes, there she is." She replied. "The Equinox" I said, astounded. "Yes, Sir, Nova class and heavily damaged." Lieutenant Pipkin told us. "Now the bigger question. Who did we encounter? And what about the five survivors that we brought on board?" Kathryn asked. "Maybe we should hail them and find out". I replied. "Be my guest", she said. I cleared my throat. "Alright. Mr Pipkin hail them". I said "aye, Sir". He replied. He worked his controls and soon a familiar face appeared. "Tell me this isn't a dream. Are we home?" He said. "Yes, captain, you're home. And no, this isn't a dream". I said. His face elated. "Thank God", he replied. "Captain prepare to be boarded. Carter out". I said

12 hours earlier.

As I sat in my office working, I recalled the banquet 2 weeks. ago. Then there was our family trip to Casperia. It was all a dream. And the trip was just what we needed as a family to unwind and relax. The kids enjoyed the water parks, the amusement. And the kids club. As for me and Tom. We took advantage of the clubs for the kids so that we could go do some activities ourselves like white water rafting, AB sailing, rock climbing and sunbathing on the beach. But now we were back to work. I was dividing my time between learning from my dad about what was going on at Starfleet Intelligence. Plus the highly classified areas such as Section 31 and covert operations. Then there was also the time I was spending with Tom giving him a hand over. I was lucky that my dads aide, Lieutenant Liam Styles was staying on as my aid. Of course, commander Daly had given him the low down on what to expect from me and what I would expect from him. Tom had found himself a new PA to replace Commander Mears And from the few times I had spoken to Kira, she had found herself a young Bajoran Ensign To be her aide. This meant the Admiral Black's former aide would move to be captain Mason Oliver's PA. It was a busy time for all of us. "Admiral, your husband is here". Daily said through the intercom. "Send him in," I said. The doors opened and in walked Tom. "Time to go home babe". He said. "Admiral Walker how are you?" I said. The day he collected his new uniform and dressed in it with his Admiral bars on his collar. He was just over the moon. "Oh, I do love it when you call me that", he said, grinning. "Well, as much as I'd love to come home, it's only 1500. Your Clock is wrong. Plus I have a meeting with Kathryn and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs at 1600." I told him. "Jack, you seem to be for getting that the property seller is coming to view the house". He said. "Alright, I forgot. Okay, let's go". I said standing up. I left the office with Tom and headed out of the building. With our recent promotions and with his expecting the Twins, we decided to move out of the house we had been in for six years and into a place closer to San Francisco. We had found a house in the suburbs, completely detached, three floors. 7 bedrooms a large kitchen and dining Room a Big Lounge and outdoor heated pool and Big Garden. There are only six houses in the cul de sac. So that meant that we had a lot of space.

When we arrived at the house, the real estate agent was already waiting. "Ah Admiral's, I was beginning to think you had forgotten", she said. "Truth be told I did" I said smiling. "Well, let's get on with it, shall we? My time is limited." She said fake smiling. "Come on in", I said. We walked her into the House and showed her around. After half hour and with her snapping plenty of hollo images. We sat down in the lounge. "Well, with a property of this size with its uniqueness, the features and the space you're looking at, about 1000 bricks of gold pressed latinum. If you opt to sell. On the Ferengi property market. Minus a fee of course". She said. I looked at Tom. He nodded. "Will do it." He said. She smiled. "Great, I'll send the paperwork to your pa's and we can get the ball rolling". She told us. We smiled and showed her out. When Tom shut the door I pulled A face. "Snobby bitch. We should have fed her to the Xindi". I said Tom chuckled. "Now now" he said. "Come on, let's get back to command". I replied as we transported back to work. He went off to security and I headed for Kathryn's office. As I entered the office, I spotted the chairman on the sofa, waiting. "Admiral Carter", he said. "General how are you" I asked? "Well, thank you". He said shaking my hand. The door chime went off. "Come in". Kathryn said. The doors opened and in walked my dad. "And our party is complete." Kathryn said. "We all sat down at the desk. So here we go. Admiral Matthew Carter. You're here to surrender your title as a member of the Joint Chiefs. Jack, you're here to sign over as chief of Starfleet Intelligence. Matthew, we need to sign your non disclosure agreement for your retirement". Clements said. "Very well". Dad said. We read through all the paperwork and eventually we signed it all. "There we go all sorted for you. Thank you for your service, Matthew." Said the general shaking his hand. " I'll be in touch with. Admiral Walker to find out when is an appropriate time to set up a meeting to get him. As part of the Joint Chiefs." Clements said as he lleft."So now if I talk and threatened with treason and the death penalty". Dad said, as the doors closed. "Can I fire the phaser?" I said grinning. "Jack" Kathryn scolded. "Thanks son. Anyway, I'm off. See you about soon", he said leaving. "Jack, how is Tom settling in?" Kathryn asked. "He'll be ready to takeover next week," I replied. "Good and you. Are you ready", she asked. "Yeah, dad has given me a heads up. I met with director Fletcher from Section 31. And Admiral Bracket from Covert OPS. I'm all caught up." I said "good, glad to hear it. Well I need to finish here and head home. So I'll see you in the morning for our meeting", she replied. "Night Hun". I said leaving.

I went back to my office and finished my paperwork for the day before leaving for the evening. "See you tomorrow Thomas. Go home and see your husband". I said "I'm heading home in a minute, Sir." He said. "Well, Goodnight" I said leaving. I transported home and found Tom. Feeding Matthew and Emma their dinner. "Hi guys", I said. "Just in time I made a spaghetti Bolognese". He said. "Great" I said kissing Matt and Emma on the head as they devoured their pasta and meatballs. Tom handed me a plate of food as we sat at the dining table and ate. As a family we chatted whilst we ate and they filled us in on school. "Dad, I've decided I don't want to join the soccer team". Matt said. "Okay, what do you want to do instead", I asked. "Swim team". He replied. "Well, that sounds okay, but you have to promise me that you will keep up with your school work as well". I told him he nodded. "I will dad", he replied. We rounded off dinner and together we watched TV for an hour. "Dad, can we activate the holodeck and doing adventures of flotter programme?" Matt and Emma asked. "Sure," I replied. Tom activated the holodeck in the garage. And we Went out together. "Run programme". I said. The computer chirped. "Once Upon a time in the Forest of forever. The group encountered a mysterious element". The computer said. I smiled as the kids went running into the forest. I remember these stories from when I was a child. Tom and I run after them. It was so much fun. As it turned out, the mysterious element was fire. It was the tale of the ogre of fire. Mildly scary, but the kids enjoyed it, and by 2100 the programme was done and the kids were in bed. An hour later, Tom and I were tucked up in our own bed and soon fell asleep.

During the night I was awoken to the sound of my combadge chirping. "Go ahead". I said slapping it on the bedside. "Admiral Carter, I am so sorry to interrupt you". Captain Hillman said. "It's fine, captain. What can I do for you?" I asked. "Sir you're going to need to come to the command centre. There's something that you and Admiral Janeway need to see." She said. "Have you contacted the Admiral?" I asked. "Not yet", she replied. "Very well Admiral Walker and I are on our way in". I said "understood, Sir." She said as the Comm clicked off. "Babe" I said poking him. "I heard". He moaned. "Carter to Hillman. Get The on call officer. From the day care centre to my house now". I said "he's already on route, Sir". She said. "Good Carter out", I replied. I got out of bed and quickly got dressed into my uniform and soon Tom and I went down the stairs to greet Kieran at the door. "Hi Kieran," I said. He smiled. "Sorry for the early start. Make yourself comfortable on the sofa. The house alarm is set for 6:30 AM". I whispered. He simply nodded and got onto the sofa. He picked up the blankets are left hanging on the back of the sofa for when the kids fell asleep. He wrapped himself up in it and collapsed onto the sofa. "Lucky". Tom said coming out the kitchen with two cups of coffee. I took a sip as we stepped outside. "Carter to Hillman. Two to beam out". I said We dematerialised and reappeared in the command centre. "It's three in the morning this Best be important". Kathryn said also materialising with coffee in hand. "Well, I think you will be glad you came for this". Hillman said as she activated the viewer, showing us a ship. "A ship. What's so important about it?" Tom asked. "It dropped out of a spatial vortex 10 minutes ago", Hillman said. "So" I simply replied. She worked the controls and zoomed in on the ship. Now I could see why this is important. I looked at Kathryn. "That's not possible". Kathryn said. I looked at her. "Ensign confirm the hull signature". I ordered. "Confirmed, Sir, it matches Starfleet Records, it's them". She said. Kathryn and I looked at each other in shock. "How is this possible after all these years" I asked? "Jack, it can't be. I watched it destroyed myself." She said. "Well, Admiral, there she is clear as day". I said gesturing to the viewer. "Like the Phoenix rising from the Ashes, there she is." She replied. "The Equinox" I said, astounded. "Yes, Sir, Nova class and heavily damaged." Lieutenant Pipkin told us. "Now the bigger question. Who did we encounter? And what about the five survivors that we brought on board?" Kathryn asked. "Maybe we should hail them and find out". I replied. "Be my guest", she said. I cleared my throat. "Alright. Mr Pipkin hail them". I said "aye, Sir". He replied. He worked his controls and soon a familiar face appeared. "Tell me this isn't a dream. Are we home?" He said. "Yes, captain, you're home. And no, this isn't a dream". I said. His face elated. "Thank God", he replied. "Captain prepare to be boarded. Carter out". I said

I turned to Kathryn. "Board them?" She said. "I am still the head of security for another six days." I replied. "Fine, but you're going to need a command officer from 20 years ago to engage the command lockdown." She said. "My mother", I replied. "Fine". She said. "Captain wake my... Wake Admiral Julie Carter. Tell her to report here now on my order". I ordered. "Aye, Sir". She replied. "Tom, get me a full security team. Armed and ready in 10 minutes". I said "aye, Sir," he replied. "Lieutenant, call up the records from Voyager. Log entries, all of it. Go over it with a fine tooth comb. I want to know exactly what we're dealing with". I said to Pitkin. "Janeway to the doctor prepare for an away mission." She said. "Aye, Sir", he replied. I nodded at her. "Find out what's going on". She said. "I'll do my best" I replied. I left the command centre and headed for security. I found Tom briefing the security team. I grabbed a Phaser and tricorder as the doctor entered. I passed him a weapon which he attached to his belt. "You know your orders. Let's move." Tom said. They headed out as my mum walked in. "You have some timing". She said. "Have you been briefed"? I asked. "Kathryn filled me in and what I have to do", she said. "Good" I replied as I handed her a Phaser and tricorder. "Let's move," I said. We left the armoury and headed for the Transporter. "Coordinate set for Equinox Main Bridge". The attendant said. "Phasers" I said as everyone with drew their weapons. "Energise" I said. We dematerialised and reappeared on the Equinox Bridge. The ship was at Red Alert and there was a heavy smell of smoke and charred metal in the air. "All of you stay where you are". I called Captain Ransom, stood and moved over to me. "What is the meaning of this Admiral?" He said to me, I pointed my phaser at him. "Don't even think about it, Max" Tom said. I saw out of the corner of my eye first officer Maxwell Burke dropped a Phaser. "I demand to know what's going on." Ransom said. His hair was showing signs of age since the last time I saw him. "Stand down, captain. That's an order". I said I nodded at my mother. "Computer initiate command level override. Authorization Admiral Julie Carter. Gamma Echo. 7." She said. "Override confirmed". The computer said as all control stations went out. "Captain Rudolph ransom" I asked. "Yes," he said. "I am Admiral Jack Carter. Deputy commander in chief of Starfleet. Under security directive 136, Section 4. I hereby detain you and your crew until further notice. I must point out you are not under arrest at this time. Do you understand?" I asked. "Yes, Sir", he replied. "All hands this is Admiral Carter of Starfleet Command. Please report to transporter rooms immediately." "Our transporters are down". Gilmore said "fine. Carter to command. Request a ship wide transport of all equinox personnel to the holding cells" . I said "stand by Jack," Kathryn said within seconds, the entire crew dematerialised "doctor head back to. Command. Conduct scans on everyone saying nothing. Treat their wounded. I'll come and see you soon". I said he nodded. I moved away and went to Tom. "Take Charge here. Get the ship docked at McKinley. I want the entire computer core downloaded to command." I said my mother reactivated the control stations as security officers took over vital systems. "Carter to command. Two to beam out". I said is my mum and I dematerialised.

Over the course of the next three hours Lieutenant Pipkin and I reviewed voyages, mission logs, and the reports Kathryn made on our encounter with the Equinox. "So it's clear it was destroyed". I said "yes, Sir". Pipkin said. "Could this be a temporal incursion? Couldn't earlier equinox have travelled back in time?" Pipkin added. "Doubtful. But run the temporal scans anyway. I'm going to speak with the doctor". I said I walked across the courtyard and into medical and off to the doctor's office. "Doctor report". I said as I entered. "Minor injuries all taken care of. Malnourishment was the worst issue. So I put the mall on high protein diets and told the guards to feed them high calorie intake food". He said. "Did you check their DNA?" I asked. "I did, they're all a match", he said. "How many is there of them"? I asked. "34 survivors," he said. "Out of a crew of 88 that's outstanding". I said "any signs of Temporal interference." I asked. "No, they were all the correct age". He told me. "Very well, anything else"? I asked. "No, Sir," he replied. "Thank you doctor". I said as I left his office. I walked out the building and headed for the command centre. "Jack" Tom shouted running over. "Hi." I said kissing him. "I've just seen Kathryn. She has a team reviewing the Equinox Records and going over the equinox with a fine tooth comb. She told us to head home and shower before you and her begin to question Captain Ransom and 1st Officer Burke". He ssaid."Who are you questioning"? I asked as we made tracks to the transporter. "Lessing and Gilmore. They're the only two senior officers left". He said. " Fine," I replied. We transported home and after a shower and a change of uniform we got the kids breakfast sorted and Kieran got them up. "What was the emergency" Kieran asked? I gave him the basics Whilst Tom and he ate breakfast. I had cereal and coffee myself. We transported back to command. Once the kids were on their way to school.

I entered the command centre with Tom. "Ah, you're here. We can get started". Kathryn said as we approached. "Jack, you're with me, Tom you, and Admiral Paris are together. Let's see if we can get some answers". She said. We headed up to the conference floor and we each took a small conference room. Kathryn replicators is both a coffee as we sat down at the table on one side. "Carter to the holding cells. Captain Ransom, I'd like him in conference room 2 please". I said "Aye Sir," I female voice replied. Kathryn set the chairs up so that the only one was left on one side for ransom to set up. I grabbed two parts for us as we each downloaded the reports we wanted. The door chime went off. We sat down as I said, "come in". The doors opened and in walked captain ransom. Escorted by two officers. The guards quietly left as ransom sat down. "Not quite the welcome home we were expecting", he said. "Sorry to disappoint you, captain, but there are some questions that need answering first." Kathryn said. "I think introductions are in order." I said "even though we met already. But for the record. I'm Admiral Jack Carter. Deputy commander in chief. And this is Admiral Kathryn Janeway. Commander and chief." I said "Janeway. Of Voyager" he asked. "Yes, that's me". She said. "So you made it home before us". He said. "Pardon." Kathryn asked. "Well, we have been flying in your shadow for the last 18 months". He told us. "Captain, before you continue, there are a few questions that are required". I said he nodded. "For the record, will you please state your name, rank and current assignment"? I said "Rudolph Ransom rank captain. Assignment, captain of the Federation Starship Equinox which I have guided across the Delta quadrant for the last 16 years". He stated. "Very well, captain. My question first is this. Have you ever encountered me or Voyager whilst in the Delta quadrant?" Kathryn asked. " No, Sir." He replied. We shared a glance. "Captain, this may come as a surprise to you, but we have met. In the Delta Quadrant. Voyager came to the aid of you and your ship. You betrayed us when we discovered you were killing nucleogenic lifeforms. And using their remains to enhance your engine's. We chased you across the sector of space until you had a change of heart. However, your first officer mutinied against you. You got the upper hand however, and allowed the nucleogenic life forms that were now attacking us both to destroy the equinox with you aboard. We managed to recover five of your crew who were integrated into my crew and we got them home like I promised you." Kathryn explained. He sat there in shock, taking in what she had told him. He finally spoke up. "Admiral, believe me when I say we have never met. The events you described never happened", he said. He thought for a moment. "What date was this" he asked? "We met 10 years ago. But from your counterpart's confession. You began these experiments the year before. So the year would have been 2374. Star date 51036.8". I told him. "Sirs we were just entering the aboloske nebula by that point". He said. "Say again. The nebula that's just on the edge of the Vaskin sector". Kathryn said. "Yes, we did intercept transmissions from a race called the Vaskins". He said. "Why were you in the nebula?" I asked. "By the date you mentioned, we have been in the nebula for six months. I put us there as we had recently left the Kretonin Guard held space. There were raised that held territory that covered 20,000 light years. The first week with them was hell. They told us to turn back, but I gave the order to keep going and as a result lost 39 of my crew. We eluded them for a year trying to recover, but we were never able to. Then we came across a spatial wormhole. We entered it and we crossed 15,000 light years. We soon came 5000 light years from their borders. For two years we Traversed their space, fending off repeated attacks. How my ship survived is a miracle. When we left her space, we entered the nebula for protection and repair. He told us. For a year we stayed in that nebula. We wait around to the Clock repairs. My engineering team and crew cannibalised all but two of our shuttles to make the repairs. What we needed most was deuterium. Luckily we found a class Y planet that had deuterium on it. I sent one of the shuttles to bring us back as much as they could whilst the other shuttle scavenged for supplies." He explained. That's when it dawned on me. "The demon class planet." Kathryn said. "You know it," he asked. "At the end of 2373 we also needed deuterium. I landed Voyager on that planet. But the silver compound. That had the deuterium in it contained mimetic properties. As a result, it duplicated two members of my crew and eventually all of us. A year later, we discovered they had also duplicated Voyager as well. Sadly, that ship was destroyed because their mimetic properties collapsed, but we didn't know why". Kathryn explained. "That must have happened to us", Ransom said. "Then what we encountered were mimetic copies", I said. "So what about the five survivors? You said you rescued?" Ransom asked. "Good question. Carter to command centre" I said. "Go ahead" came my dads voice. "Dad round up the five equinox survivors from Voyager and have them detained". I said "understood Carter out", he replied. "So captain, when you left the nebula, what happened" I asked? "We continued home in open space. We learned about you and Voyager 18 months ago". He explained. "How?" Kathryn asked. "We encountered a species I believe you know. The voth". He said "where" I asked. "The Marconian outpost. Professor Gegan sends his regards". He added. I smiled. "So they helped you return home". Kathryn asked. "No Sir, they helped us with repairs, upgraded our Shields for us. We then continued on our way and eventually came across the catapult we assumed you had repaired. I sent a team to it and we learned how to use it. Before we activated it, we were attacked by a species called the CrowMeates We were lucky to get The catapult activated. And it hurtled us here. We came out of the vortex right on target". He told us. "Thank you, captain". I said. "So what happens now" he asked? "Well, we need to interview your first officer, Maxwell Burke. Once that is done, we will talk and then advise you further. I'd say we should have a decision before lunchtime." I explained. "In the mean time, you will return to your holding cell". Kathryn said. " I understand. I would like to ask if myself and my crew could have a little history lesson. A lot has changed when I left. Admiral Hayes was commander in chief." He ssaid."I'm sure that can be arranged," Kathryn replied. "Well, thank you, captain". I said I led him to the door. "Return captain ransom to his cell and bring us. Lieutenant Maxwell Burke", I said. "Yes, Sir". The guards said as he left.

10 minutes later, the doors opened and in walked Burke. "Thank you", I said to the Officer. "So commander in chief", he said to Kathryn. "Your point Lieutenant". I said standing. "That's commander". He said. "Well as the rank on your collar shows different, I'll address you as Lieutenant". I said "well, excuse me for not wearing the appropriate rank when the ship was falling apart around my ears." He explained. "Now that's enough, Mr Burke. You're not on the equinox anymore. You will remember your place." Kathryn said standing up. "Now sit down". She added forcefully. He was about to say something. "Don't push it or I will have your Commission if you continue", I said. "And just who the hell are you"? He asked coming to me. "Admiral Jack Carter, deputy commander in chief and head of Starfleet security", I said. "Now sit down before I have the guards outside Restrain you". I said he finally sat in the chair. "16 years I've made sure captain ransom and the crew survived. I haven't had a day off in four years and this is the way you treat us when we return. You should be more sympathetic Admiral. You commanded Voyager. No one understands the Delta quadrant like those who traversed it. You have no idea Mr Carter what it was like". He said. "Actually, Mr. Burke. I was. B'Elanna Torres Deputy on Voyager. Whilst we traverse the Delta Quadrant." I said. "Torres". He gasped. "Yes, she was chief engineer. We know you were involved before" I said. "She's back with you," he asked. "Yes, commander Torres returned with her husband Whilst giving birth to her daughter". I explained. "She is married", he said. "Yes, now on to your debriefing." Kathryn said. We asked him the same questions we asked Captain Ransom. He recited a Storey similar to what captain Ransom told us. We told him all about voyages encounter with the duplicate Equinox. He was overwhelmed by hearing this. When we finished, the guards went to lead him back to his cell. He paused before exiting. "Sir. Apologies for my earlier outburst. It's been a long 16 years", he said. "No problem commander." I replied as he left. "So now what?" I asked Katherine when the door closed. "Let's bring Tom and Owen in on this". Kathryn replied. I left the room to grab them. When they returned, we told them what Ransom and Burke had told us. "We got the same from Lessing and Gilmore". Tom said. "Well, what do we do with them?" Owen asked. "We know from experience about these mimetic beings." Kathryn said looking out the window. "My suggestion is this. We release them, let them go home, reconnect with their families". Kathryn said. "And what about the five survivors who believe they have had their families back for the last eight years"? Tom said. "We have the survivors in custody on Voyager. We will interview them and get an answer which I believe I already know. They can explain it to their families themselves." Kathryn added. "Agreed", we all said. "Then Jack, you and I will explain it to them. Tom, go to the doctor. Tell him to get ready for a trip to Voyager and bring 5 hypospray. With dichromate catalysts." Kathryn said. " Yes Sir," he replied. "Gentlemen," she said as we left.

Kathryn and I walked across the courtyard and into the holding cells. "Release the force fields". I said to the Lieutenant in charge. He did so as they all stepped out of their cells. "Ladies and gentlemen, if I can have your attention." I said "James Morrow. Brian Sophon. Angelo Tsoni Marla Gilmore and Noah Lessing. Come to me, please". Kathryn said. They moved over. "All right, everyone we have spoken with your captain. You are all free to go. You have all been granted extended shore leave. Go home, see your families. Counsellors are at your disposal at Starfleet Medical. We will be in touch with you all in short order. If any of you have any concerns then you are always welcome to come and visit me. As deputy commander in chief of Starfleet. Your needs and your well being and my top priority. If any of you wish to discuss your positions within Starfleet or have any concerns, then by all means. You are welcome to drop in anytime. Dismissed." I said "So a question, if I may, whilst everyone is here." Ransom asked. "Yes, captain" I said. "The equinox what will happen to her? And can we go back to collect personal effects?" He asked. "By all means, yes, go back aboard and collect your belongings. As for the ship itself, a decision has not been made yet," I said. "Now, if there's nothing further dismissed," I said as they all Dispersed and left. "Captain", I said stopping ransom. "Admiral" he replied. "We will be reviewing the equinox logs and reports. I'd like to ask that you don't go too far. We may have further questions for you," I said. "Aye, Sir", he replied as he left. Kathryn approached. "I told the five I took what to expect and what to say to their families". She said. "Now onto Voyager". I said. She nodded as we left the holding cells and beamed to Voyager. When we arrived, captain Paris was there to greet us. "Captain", I said shaking his hand. "Welcome aboard Admiral's. Good to have you back". He said. We exited the transporter room. "So the equinox returns. I must say I was shocked to see it", he said. "Weren't we all?" I replied. " Where are the five survivors we have?" Kathryn asked. "In the Brig. with the doctor." He replied. We entered a Turbolift and headed for Dec 9. Where the Brig. was located. As we entered, I saw the doctor scanning the five crewmen. "Admiral's what's going on here? No one has told us why we are here". Lessing said. I looked at the Doctor Who emerged from the cell. He handed me a Pad that showed the results of his scans. It showed minute traces of deuterium hydrogen sulphide and Dichromate's. "It appears the five of you have been keeping something from us". I said "Sir". Marla said. "There aren't many humans that have deuterium hydrogen sulphide and Dichromate's in their blood. But then again, there are no humans with silver blood", I said. They all looked away. "How did you find out?" James said. "Because the real equinox arrived home at 3:00 AM this morning", I explained. "Fine, yes we are from the demon planet. We just wanted life". Brian said. "I heard all that 12 years ago, not again". Kathryn said. She nodded at the doctor. "Please all of you step in to the containers." The doctor said. They did so he re entered the cell and injected each of them with the dichromate catalysts. We watched as they dissolved into the silver blood and into the containers. "Seal them in doctor and secure them in a stasis chamber". Kathryn said as we left.

"So how were they able to maintain their forms for so long? And our counterparts weren't?" I asked the doctor as Kathryn, he and I sat in my office like a command. "Well, I've analysed their scans. It appears that the nucleogenic particles didn't just enhance their engines. I detected heavy traces of the particles in their blood systems". He said. "The same is probably true of their ship. That's why it was able to sustain the form even under weapons fire", I replied. "But we haven't seen those alien beings in 10 years", Kathryn said. "Somehow they have harnessed it through the wasted energy generated by voyagers engines". I said as I reviewed the doctor's report. "How can you tell?" Kathryn asked. "I recognise the isotropic decay signature". I replied. "Well, thank you doctor" Kathryn said as he left. "Happy to help", he said as the doors closed. Kathryn sat down at my desk. "So what do we do with them"? I asked. "The copies or the real ones." Kathryn asked. I chuckled. "Both" I replied. "Well, the copies I have ordered Captain Paris to return them to the demon class planet. Luckily with advancement in Transporter Technology, they won't need to send them down by shuttle avoids the risk of this happening all over again". Kathryn told me. "Well, that's good news", I replied. "As for the real equinox crew, they deserve to be celebrated. After all, we were. And we only did Seven years. They doubled us." She said. "Well, we need to complete the review of their logs before we make that decision", I said. "Agreed, and then there is the report from Captain Peters at McKinley station. On the condition of the ship itself". She said. "Sir, you have captain Peters here to see you". Thomas said through the intercom. "Speak of the Devil." I said to Kathryn. "Indeed", she replied. "Send him in". I said through the intercom. The doors opened and in he walked. "Captain Peters, we were just talking about you", I said. "Good things, I hope" he replied. "Just talking about the Equinox", I said. "That's exactly what I'm here about". He replied. "Take a seat", I said. He sat down next to Kathryn. "The good news is that the ship was held up well over the last 20 years". He told us. "The bad news is she isn't worth repairing. 65% of the Outer Hull needs replacing, and that's just the beginning. Every single one of our systems, and I mean every single one. Need ripping out and replacing. We're looking at a two year project just on this", he said. "For Nova Class ship there is simply no precedent". I said "I agree. Very well, captain began to make arrangements for decommission. We can inform captain ransom when it's appropriate". Kathryn said. I nodded. "OK, thank you captain". I said as Peters left. "Not exactly a nice chap to have after 20 years service" I said. "I know, but needs must", she said. "Let's reschedule our meeting for tomorrow." She told me. "No problem, I have plenty to get on with anyway", I said. "See you soon, Jack". She said leaving. I activated my monitor and began to work. I couldn't help but think about what life for the crew must have been like. I guess we're lucky ones in comparison.

Feedback And. comments welcome to leeteey2063@hotmail.com thanks for being patient with me and for keeping up with the story I am now back into writing.