Disclaimer: The following work of fiction, and it's inherent contents, is sole property of me. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Chapter codes: Implied M/F


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Chapter 1

Damian looked up at the double suns in the sky again.

<[You must help my children, D'Shaolith.]>

[Who are you?] he asked. [Where are you?] He looked around, trying to find some clue as to where he was. The landscape before him was lush and green, with trees in the distance. Damian shivered slightly, finding it both familiar and foreign at the same time. He was certain that he had never been here before, but it seemed to remind him of someplace he had been.

<[You must help my children, D'Shaolith. You must save them]>

<[Who are your children? Where are they?]> Damian asked. He looked around again, trying to find the speaker. His thoughts suddenly shifted to his home world of Talactis Prime. That's what this place reminds me of, he thought. Not present day Talactis, but Talactis of the past.

<[Save my children, D'Shaolith.]>
*         *          *          *          *

Battleship SS Miranda, 0500 hrs
Omicron Sector, Gamma Quadrant

Damian woke to the quiet of the early morning. In the ship's artificial environment, it could have been anytime, but after years of living in space, the last two aboard the Miranda, he had learned to tell the time without consulting the ship's chronometer by the sound of the ship's various components working together. He listened to the soft breathing of the sleeping form beside him before quietly getting out of bed. He walked to the bathroom and got in the shower as he remembered his dream. He'd stop by and talk with the ship's counselor about it later.

His shift didn't begin until 0800 hrs, but he never let that stop him from getting an early start. He usually took a quick morning inspection of the ship, ate some breakfast, and spent some time in the holochamber for his morning workout and training session. After a quick shower, he would be at his post by 0730 hrs at the latest. Then his day truly began, depending on their orders.

As a deep space battleship, the Miranda's primary mission was to patrol the sector and act as the military police. Since it was primarily a peaceful sector, very seldom was there any fighting action, so most of the time was spent in military training and drills. They also served in diplomatic functions, as the Alliance's representative ship in the sector. Damian looked forward to each day and the possibilities it brought.

He stepped out of the shower, fully refreshed, and began drying himself off. Once dry, he tossed the wet towel into the linen receptacle and reached for his uniform setting on the cabinet. As he placed his hands over the clothing, it began moving on its own, climbing up his arm and continuing over his body until he was fully clothed.

He took a moment to inspect his reflection, making certain that his uniform, all black with purple piping, was straight, with the symbol of the Alliance on the left side of his chest and rank insignia on his shoulders. Not that he needed to, as he knew it would be precisely as it should be. He allowed his gaze to travel up to the reflection of his face. Dark black hair streaked with metallic silver framed his angular, youthful face and its small features. His silver eyes, flecked with blue, were filled with both wisdom and knowledge that seemed to defy his otherwise youthful appearance. He brushed back the strand of beaded hair, signifying his station within Talactian society, behind a pointed ear. His looks, along with his height of only five feet and four inches gave him an elfish appearance, similar to that of a child, though no one who worked with him dared to call him that, for fear of his reputation as one of the Shai'al, the most feared and respected group of warriors in known space. Only the Quinnjila were feared more and respected less.

"No matter how many times I see that, it never ceases to amaze me," came a soft voice from the bed. Karen sat up and watched Damian, the covers drawn tightly around her. "What time is it, anyway?" she asked, stifling a yawn. "It can't be close to 0800 yet."

"What never ceases to amaze you? Me taking a shower?" Damian asked smiling. "Or were you referring to the symbiote?" He walked over to the bed and sat down. "It's only 0530."

"The symbiote, silly." She giggled and fell backwards on the bed. "How come the other Talactians I've been with didn't have one? You're the first that I've seen to have one."

"I bet I'm the first to show you other things, too." He smiled as she blushed before continuing. "Actually, only the Shai'al have symbiotes. They help us in our work."

"And how you enjoy your work," she replied, watching as it was his turn to blush.

"Perhaps. You only wish that your other lovers were as dedicated to their work as I am," he said as he lightly kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Karen started to reply, but Damian was already heading through the door into the hallway. She looked up at the ceiling. "True," she said, sighing.
*         *          *          *          *

Though the Miranda was large, her systems required only a minimal crew for maintenance and monitoring during the night shift, allowing the majority of the crew to sleep and serve during the two day shifts. Thus, the halls were nearly deserted as Damian took his morning inspection tour, allowing him to feel and hear the ship's various parts and systems working together. He was able to determine which systems would need to be checked and monitored closely during the day.

It was also the time that he did most of his thinking. He had made many decisions walking the halls during the quiet of early morning, or during his morning training session in the holochamber. His dream would require a lot of thought and meditation before he would understand it.

"Good morning, Lt Baldwin," came a cheery voice behind him.

Damian turned around. "Morning, Cmdr Godwynn." He waited for her in the hallway. With her shiny blonde hair, vibrant blue eyes, and a face to match the enthusiasm in her voice, he was certain that she was the only one on the ship who was actually cheerful as she appeared. "Since you're late in joining me on the morning tour, how about I join you for some breakfast?"

"Sounds good to me," she replied, smiling as she observed him. "We can talk about what's bothering you over some food. I'm starving."

Damian raised an eyebrow curiously. "What makes you think that something is troubling me?" he asked as they walked towards the ship's galley.

"Your eyes."

"Is it really that obvious?"

"Please, Damian," she said as they entered the mess hall. "You might be able to mask your feelings from everyone else, but not me. I know you too well."

"I can't keep anything from you, can I?" He fixed himself his usual breakfast of assorted fruits.

"No," she said, sitting down. "We're like siblings, you and I, and you can't keep any secrets from your sister."

He nodded as he sat across from her, glancing briefly at her more traditional supper. "Very well, Erin. I had a dream this morning that troubled me." He took a bite and told her about the dream. "I am not certain as to its meaning."

Erin shrugged. "Well, I'm not an expert at dream interpretation, but I can guess that you'll find out what it means." She smiled. "So, today's the day, isn't it? Lt Cmdr Baldwin. You'll have my job before too long."

Damian took a sip of his coffee. "It's not official until the ceremony this evening."

"Please, Damian. Ceremony or not, you're a Commander now. I thought you'd be at least somewhat excited."

It's not that easy, Erin. Sure, I'm glad to be promoted, but despite the fact, now isn't a good time." He paused and looked up. "I thought that you of all people would understand."

A look of sorrow filled Erin's eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry, Damian. I forgot." Still troubled after five years.

"It's okay," he said, nodding. "Just don't tell if anyone notices that I am not my normal self."

"Usual self? I don't think anyone will notice, Damian. I mean, all Talactians, the Shai'al in particular, are quite mysterious to begin with, and with you and Ensign Black carrying on like you were in here last night, seemed pretty normal to me. I figure you were in her quarters by 0030 hrs at the latest, and got, what, an hour of sleep?"

"Actually, we were in my quarters by 2330, and I only got 30 minutes of sleep, though I'm not one to talk about such things."

"Good grief, Damian! How in the hell do you manage? I've never known you to get more than three hours sleep in a 24 hour period."

He shrugged and smiled. "Must be the Talactian in me. Being a Shai'al has its privileges."

Erin looked at her watch. "I bet. Anyways, I've got to finish my shift on the bridge. See you later this evening, okay?"

"Sure. See you at training." He watched as she left before finishing his breakfast. He withdrew the chain from around his neck and stared at the ring on it, briefly glancing at the similar one he wore on his right hand. After a brief moment, he replaced the chain underneath his uniform and left the room.
*         *          *          *          *

Captain Kate Marsh entered the bridge at 0755 hrs, surprised to find that Lt Baldwin wasn't at his post. Her surprise was short lived, however, as she spotted him sitting over at tactical, talking to the Ensign on duty and Cmdr Godwynn. She walked over to them. She looked briefly into Damian's eyes, catching a spark in him that she hadn't seen before. Does he have some sort of premonition about what happened? she wondered. "Cmdr Godwynn, L. Baldwin, meeting in Conference at 0815." As they both nodded their response, she glanced briefly at the screen to see what they were working on. She couldn't tell exactly, but it appeared as if the entire emitter array was being reprogrammed to work with the sensors to broaden the sensor range, or to scan for something in particular.

As the three of them returned their attention to the screen, Kate walked towards the bridge's adjoining conference room. The rest of her staff was already inside, talking amongst themselves.

Commander Mark Dupree sat in his customary chair to the right of the head of the table. As her first officer, he had performed his duties and kept her well apprised of everything when she needed his assistance. It wouldn't be too long before he would be offered his own command of a ship, she supposed.

Dr. Alan Kurtis was the anomaly of the staff, wearing civilian garb and the traditional light blue cloak of all the medical staff. His thinning hair was white with age, and in seemingly holding on to old times, he still wore corrective lenses, instead of having his eyes surgically repaired. He had given up his post as the head of Medical HQ, preferring to be out on a ship. Kate had gladly welcomed his experience and expertise when she appointed him as her chief medical officer.

Lieutenant Commander Blair Blascome sat to his right, listening to Dr. Kurtis as he recounted one of his past exploits while serving on a ship in his youth. Blair was all that Kate was looking for in a chief engineer, having an innate ability to understand the operations of almost anything after the briefest of inspections.

Kate took her seat at the head of the table and nodded to everyone as the room quieted down. "As you were. We'll begin as soon as Cmdr Godwynn and Lt Baldwin join us."

Mark looked somewhat surprised. "Erin is attending this meeting? Must be something serious, indeed," he whispered.

"Indeed, it's very serious, Mark. I might not have told her to attend, but I suspect that Damian has some idea of what's going on, and has her involved in some project that might help us." She sighed briefly. "I only hope that he's right."

Mark nodded. "If Damian's involved, chances are almost certain that it will work." He realized the full seriousness of the problem if Damian had suspicions when only the captain knew the details. "Guess he's about to prove that he's command material after all."

Kate nodded her agreement. "Yes, there is something about him that makes him command material. They can't teach that sort of thing at the Academy. I wish the Talactians just weren't so secretive." No, not secretive. Something else. The Shai'al are definitely quiet and battle hardened, yet their entire civilization is similar, almost as if they were on a different plane of existence.

The hissing of the hydraulics as the doors opened interrupted her thoughts. The entire room became deathly quiet as Damian and Erin entered. Erin was still in her uniform, but Damian was now wearing Shai'al battle armor. Shit, he knows.

Erin took her seat between Mark and Dr. Kurtis, Damian sitting opposite her, between Kate and Blascome. He seemed either oblivious to the looks of everyone, or chose to ignore them. He typed a few commands into his console, and looked up at Kate, waiting for her to start the meeting.

"As some of you have guessed, we have a serious situation," she began, without the usual formalities. "At 2200 hrs yesterday, the medical frigate S.S. Esperanza reported unknown activity in the Davis system. Five minutes later, all communication was lost, with confirmation of it being destroyed. All last transmitted sensor and tactical readings failed to give any clue as to the cause." She paused briefly, and glanced at Damian. "However," she continued, "due to the amount of destruction in such a relatively short period of time, the Alliance suspects the Quinnjila and at 0745 today put the entire quadrant on alert."

"What are our orders, Captain?" Mark asked.

"Our orders are to patrol the area the Esperanza was last reported and search for survivors, as well as determine the possibility of invasion. At maximum speed, we're 10 hours away. The closest ship to us is still two days away. The Miranda is all that stands between this sector and the possible Quinnjila threat."

"Ten hours doesn't leave us with much time to prepare, does it?"

"There never is enough time to prepare against the Quinnjila, Cmdr Dupree," Damian replied. "You can not prepare for what you can't see coming."

Kate glanced at Damian, presuming that all questions would be asked of him, since he was the only one of the crew who had likely even seen one of the Quinnjila. She had also noted that he was speaking formally, unlike the more familiar way that everyone usually spoke.

"Are we certain that it is the Quinnjila? Couldn't it be something else?" Blascome asked. "There is a war going on in that system."

"True, Chief, but I doubt that those fighting had enough power to destroy the Esperanza so quickly, if at all. And they would have signaled if they were under attack," Mark answered. "So, we're left with two possibilities: the Quinnjila or something new."

"If this is indeed a Quinnjila invasion, what can we do, Damian?" asked Dr. Kurtis.

"Quite simply, Doctor, we prepare."

Mark turned to Damian. "I thought you just said that you couldn't prepare for what you couldn't see coming. So how do we prepare?"

"First, I would suggest that we 'see them coming,' as it were." He stood and walked to the head of the room. "With your permission, Captain." After she nodded her assent, he began keying some program into the terminal. "The Quinnjila can't be seen because they don't travel by normal means. They travel through hyperspace by means of some unknown portal, generated by them in some manner. They 'pop' back into real space at the site of their attack, taking their victims by surprise. More often than naught, their victims are decimated before they even get a chance to defend themselves.

"This portal has nothing of interest in itself. However, sensor scans show a high level of ionized trilithium in the area following the attack. If it is generated from the portal, this could be the only weak spot the Quinnjila have, and our sensors are unable to scan for it under normal circumstances. If we modify sensors to scan for trilithium, it still won't give us an early enough warning. Thus, we need to find new ways to scan for them. I've worked with Lt Elkisen and Cmdr Godwynn on this, and we've come up with a possible solution."

He looked at the screen as the schematics for the sensor system showed up. "Normal sensors themselves are unable to scan hyperspace. However, if we were to re-route certain sub-systems and tie in here, here, and here," he said, pointing to the alterations as they showed up on the screen, "we could boost both the range and capabilities of the sensor array. With the addition of a phased-particle matter/anti-matter inducer, we hypothetically could scan hyperspace for a buildup of trilithium, and get some type of early warning system."

"Hypothetically, with those modifications, we could also wind up blowing ourselves to bits, Lieutenant, or some other unknown effect." Kate looked around the room. "However, it's the best idea so far. Does anyone else have any other suggestions?"

"Where are we going to get another phased-particle inducer?" Mark asked.

"We'll use the one off the Black Phoenix," Damian replied, "unless someone has another suggestion."

No one offered an alternative.

"Very well. We'll try to re-align the sensor array. Damian, you will work with Engineering on that. Dr. Kurtis, get Medical ready for heavy casualties. Everyone else, you know your posts. Let's do it. I'd like to see you for a moment, Lt Baldwin."

Everyone else left the room, talking quietly amongst themselves. "Damian, you had some idea of what's going on, didn't you?" She paused, and then continued. "I was informed of this at 0730, Priority One channel, yet when I get to the bridge; you're already working on a way to improve sensors so that we can get some sort of advance warning. How did you know?"

"Advance warning system," Damian replied, smiling and tapping his forehead. "Talactians, the Shai'al in particular, have a sixth sense at detecting danger, a sort of 'radar.' The Quinnjila have this vibe about them that alerts our senses."

"So you can sense them now? You know where they're at?"

"Yes." His voice was solemn. "They're out there, waiting for us. When they're ready, they'll attack." He walked to the window and looked out at the vast expanse of space. "I don't mean to sound so gloom, Captain, but I want you to realize what we're dealing with. The Quinnjila are like no other enemy encountered by the Alliance. They attack without fear, without cause, and without mercy. Sheer, mindless brutality. They can't be reasoned with, can't be dealt with peacefully. They have to be destroyed, there is no other option. It's kill, or be killed."

Kate knew enough about Talactians to know that while they were fierce fighters, they were primarily a peaceful race. For them to feel so about anyone meant that they were indeed dangerous. "I take it you've encountered them before."

"Encountered? Yes, I've seen more than I want to see. Killed not enough of them."
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1730 hrs

Erin sighed as she put on her uniform. She would have enjoyed a couple more hours of sleep, but with the entire sector on alert, she would have to do without. After confirming Damian's location with the ship's computer, she began walking down the hall towards the holochambers. He'd probably been in there since his shift ended.

She glanced at the monitor, checking the program that was running. As she suspected, Damian's training program was in progress. You're ceremony's in 30 minutes, Damian, and you didn't even wait for me, she thought as she entered the chamber.

A blur shot past her side. She dived, hit the ground rolling, and landed in a crouched position, her gun drawn and ready to return fire. Why didn't you tell me that you changed the program's parameters?

"Don't move!"

She heard the command and recognized the speaker, but she failed to see him. However, she did as he ordered.

The blur flashed by her several times before coming to a stop in front of her, humming softly. She glanced at it, barely making out the shape of the rotating disc as one of Damian's weapons. The air in front of it shimmered, and Damian appeared. He placed his arm under the disc and pulled it upward, snapping the K'Lathe securely to his wrist. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting you until later," Damian apologized. He offered her a hand and helped her to her feet.

"What happened in here?" Erin asked, looking around. The area was a complete disaster. "Looks like there was a war in here."

"There was. Between the Quinnjila and I. I removed the safety parameters for a more realistic session. What are you doing here anyway? You usually don't join me until 2100 hrs."

"Yeah, normally, but this isn't normal circumstances. You're ceremony is in about 20 minutes, in case you've forgotten."

"No, I haven't forgotten. In fact, I was…"

Klaxons rang out, interrupting him. "Red alert! All hands to battle stations! This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill. All hands to battle stations!"

Damian and Erin looked at each other momentarily before Damian began running down the hallway. "Follow me!"

Erin followed. "Where are we headed? This isn't the way to the bridge."

"Engineering. The modifications we made to the sensor array will need to be monitored now that it's in full use. It could overload and cause a reactor failure. I want you to go to the hangar and join the fighter squadrons. They'll need all the good pilots they can get, and with your training, you're one of the best. Pilot the Phoenix. Now go!"

He relayed his plans to the bridge as Erin broke off and headed to Docking Bay 2. He arrived in Engineering to find everything in chaos.

"Check the plasma converters!"

"System running at 85% and dropping!"

"Total power loss estimated in 15 minutes!"

"Chief! Number 3 inducer redlining! System loss in 45 seconds!"

"Re-route all systems through the remaining inducers," Damian called out. "Bypass Number 3 and lock it down. I want all non-essential personnel out now!"

Everyone looked at Damian momentarily before scrambling out the doors.

"Warning! Core meltdown in thirty seconds. Core meltdown in twenty-seven seconds. Core meltdown in..."

"Turn that warning down," Damian said to one of the two engineering techs in the room. "Finish re-routing all other systems through the remaining inducers. I'll lock down Number 3."

He began shutting down the inducer and securing the plasma core.
*         *          *          *          *

Kate glanced at the view screen skeptically. They had managed to get their fighters out, but would it be enough? Had the warning system given them adequate warning to the incoming Quinnjila attack? "Lt Davis, weapons status."

"All primary lasers charged, Captain. Ion pulse cannons primed and ready. Missiles loaded, on standby."

"Lt Hawkins, status of fighter wings."

"All Phalanx fighter wings are deployed, Captain, as well as being joined by the Black Phoenix."

The Phoenix?" Mark asked. "I thought Damian was in Engineering. Who else would be able to handle the reaction time needed to pilot a Talactian fighter without the psy-link and telepathic abilities?"

"My guess would be Cmdr Godwynn. Erin's been training with Damian lately."

"Captain, sensors report two unidentified ships on an intercept course, bearing 284 mark 53. Unknown origin, fighter class, heavy weaponry and armament."

"Any chance that they're friendly?" Mark asked.

"They're not Quinnjila," Kate replied. "Let's hope that they're enemies with the Quinns."

The old 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' tactic?"

"Captain, course modifications from unknowns. Now heading for…the Phoenix."

Kate let out a sigh of relief. "If they're headed there, then their definitely friendly. I had no idea that there was Talactians patrolling the sector." She turned towards the communications officer. "Send a message informing them that Cmdr Baldwin is aboard the Miranda. Amend that, D'Shaolith is aboard the Miranda."

As he began transmitting the message, the red alert began flashing.

"Warning! Core meltdown in 30 seconds."

Kate sighed. It was not turning out to be a good day.
*         *          *          *          *

Blascome looked again at the readouts on his monitor. Even though Damian had managed to bypass the inducer, and shut it down, the containment grid had failed, and radiation was seeping into the chamber. As Chief Engineer, he should be there instead of the head of security, but he knew that he could do nothing on account of the radiation levels. He would die from radiation poisoning first. Damian, on the other hand, stood a better chance of saving the ship despite the radiation exposure. Blascome watched as he worked furiously, trying to repair the containment field before he succumbed to the high levels.

"What's the situation down there, Chief?"

"Not good, Captain," Blascome replied. "We've managed to shut down Number 3, but the containment system failed and we have a reactor leak. Damian's inside, trying to re-route the plasma." He checked his display again. "Commander, pressure building up rapidly. Better hurry up and get out of there so we can eject the core."

"Negative," Damian replied. "Eject the core and it will still explode, sending shrapnel that will rupture the hull. I've just about finished here. Stand by with a containment field around the chamber."

Blascome glanced at the readout as he readied the field. Sure enough, the grid was stabilized, though the pressure was reaching critical. "Roger, Commander. Containment field on your mark."

"Transporter, stand by to beam Cmdr Baldwin out of Main Engineering."

Damian stepped back from the plasma core. "Stand by…"

The plasma core exploded, unable to contain the pressure anymore. Damian was flung across the chamber, and slammed hard against the wall. He felt a sharp pain in his side and stars exploded in his head. He barely heard Blascome yelling to get him out of there now, as his hearing faded and vision dimmed. He had saved the ship, but at what cost?
*         *          *          *          *

"Transporter, did you get him?"

"Negative," came the reply. "We had him, and then he just…disappeared."

Disappeared? "What do you mean, 'disappeared?' Where did he go?"

"We don't know, Captain."

"Acknowledged." Kate sighed and looked at Mark. "Computer, what's the current location of Cmdr Baldwin?"

"Cmdr Baldwin is not aboard the Miranda."

"Could he be aboard the Phoenix?" Mark asked. "Perhaps his ship transported him."

"Unable to comply. Black Phoenix is not within sensor range."

"Not within range?" Kate yelled. "Where the hell is it?"

"Unable to comply. Please restate request parameters."

Kate looked at the officer at Tactical. "Give me the last known position of the Phoenix, readouts of everything. I want some answers."

"Docking Bay 2 to Bridge. I have two Talactian delegates who wish to speak to you and Cmdr Baldwin."

"Send them to the Bridge," Kate replied. "Escort is en-route." She collapsed into her chair. "What about the Quinnjila?"

"Sensors report no trace of them, Captain. They just disappeared."

Along with everything else, Kate thought. "Call back the squadrons. Have one out at all times, on a rotating shift. Take us down to yellow alert."

"Captain, I have the data you requested."

Kate walked to the monitor and looked at the readout. "Show me what you've got."

"We have the Phoenix's position here, just prior to the explosion in engineering. Moments later, nothing, like it was never there."

The doors swished open and Kate turned around and observed the two Talactian Shai'al as they entered. Dressed in the same armor that Damian had worn, she could have mistaken either one of them for him, were it not for their solid metallic silver hair and eyes and being shorter than him. She briefly noticed that they seemed more reserved than Damian.

"Welcome aboard the Miranda," Kate greeted them. "I would have met you in the docking bay myself, but we've sort of had an emergency here."

"Yes, we've been monitoring your situation," the male replied. "Where is D'Shaolith?"

"Damian, D'Shaolith, is no longer aboard the Miranda."

"We were told that he was," the female said. "Was that information in error?"

"No, he was here, repairing the plasma core, and then just disappeared when we tried to transport him out. We have no idea where he or the Black Phoenix is. He is at this time, missing." She didn't say it, but everyone in the room thought the unsaid. Missing and presumed dead.

"I see. May we adjourn to talk with you in private, Captain?"

Kate motioned to the entrance to the conference room. "You have the Bridge, Number 1. Let me know immediately of any change in the situation, and inform Command of our status. Otherwise, we are not to be disturbed."

"Aye, Captain."

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A/N: First chapter done. Future updates might be a bit slow, as I might have to change the way I'm writting this. Coding it the long way, and that's just too much work.

Will probably delete this, and start over, given it will be easier to do that than try to re-edit everthing.