STAR TREK-THE NEXT GENERATION
'The Dauphin'


1 SPACE


ENTERPRISE

Captain's log, Stardate 41173.6
We are investigating a Romulan attack on the U.S.S. Dimension. Captain Josh Weise has reported that his ship is now functional, and able to warp. We are examining the ship logs of the Dimension to try and make sense of the attack. Picard out.

'Captain, unidentified ship decloaking off the starboard bow' reported Lutennant-Commander Geordi LaForge.
'On screen' Said Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
'Captain, the ship is much smaller than ours, but I can't identify it or the design.'
'Romulans, probably, sneaky bastards. Shields up, ready weapons!' Picard said. 'Open hailing frequencies! This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Please state your business here.'
'We're being hailed,' said the Lt-Cmdr, 'But it's the Dimension.'
'On-screen' Said Picard.
'What the hell is going on!?' Yelled Captain Weise. 'I'm supossed to be out of here in less than an hour!' He said.


DAUPHIN

'We're being hailed by the Enterprise!' Said Commander Ross Meyer.
'Fire Phasers seprately, full power, aim for the sensors.' Said Captain Kris Johnson of the Dauphin. 'Let's show them what this baby can do.'


ENTERPRISE

'The ship is firing at us!' Said Lutennant Worf. The Enterprise rocked with the explosions. 'We've been hit with 790 gigowatts of power!' He added.
'Damage report' Said the captain.
'We've lost forward Photon Torpedos and our scanners!' Said LaForge.
'Turn the ship around, come to 130 mark 3, then fire with full Phasers and Aft Photon Torpedos.' Said the Captain.


DAUPHIN

'Ha! They're running away!' Said Commander Derek Engelking. Then the Enterprise fired 14 Photon Torpedos and multiple Phaser blasts.
'What the hell was that?' Asked the captain.
'They hit us,' said Lutennant Rachel Meyer, 'Forward Shields at 50% power.'
'That's it? Ha! What a bunch of loosers! Tombers and Marshall, take the first shuttle. Rieman and Berg in Engineering to the second shuttle! When you're just close enough, hit the engines of the Dimension with full phasers. We'll get the Enterprise.' Said the Captain.


ENTERPRISE

'They've launched two shuttles at the Dimension. Captain Josh Weise is taking evasive action.' Said Commander Data. 'And the other ship has disappeared.'
'They're cloaked. Come around to previous heading, do a complete long range sweep of all...'
'Ship decloaking directly ahead!' Said LaForge.
'Fire when ready' Said the captain. But before the Enterprise could get a shot off, the Dauphin fired 10 Photon Torpedos at the warp drives, disabling the ship. Then the Dimension fired at the Dauphin, and inflicted extensive damage.


DAUPHIN

'Captain! We've taken a direct Photon blast to the warp engines by the Dimension. We have a maximum warp of 7 remaining.' Said Ross Meyer. All warp on the Enterprise disabeled.'
'Shuttles report Dimension has left the sector, out of range for the phasers.' Said Ensign James Brue.
'Damn!' Said the Captain. 'What is the maximum warp of the Dimension?'
'Warp 27, but due to unfinished repairs, approximately warp 12.'
'Still too fast. Alert me if they return. Cheif O'Brian, report on the shuttles!' Said Captain Johnson.
'They're secured, crew heading up to bridge.' Reported Cheif Rory O'Brien from the Shuttlebay.
'Captain, we're being hailed again by the Enterprise. Should I respond?' Asked Lutennant Rachel Meyer.
'Make it so.' Said the captain.


ENTERPRISE

'Open Haling Frequencies.' Said the Captain. 'This is the U.S.S. Enterprise. What provoked that attack of yours?' Picard asked. An image of Captain Johnson appeared on the main screen.
'This is Captain Kris Johnson of the Federation ship U.S.S. Dauphin, NCC-2024. Why did you assume an attack posture when we approached your vessel?' Johnson asked.
'We thought you may have been Romulan, or another hostile ship. Why are there no records of your ship in our logs? And why do you have a cloaking Device?'
'Does my ship look Romulan to you? The Dauphin has not yet been registered, that may be your reason. I've had many relations with Romulan technology, and built this device myself. And no, it's not for sale.' The bridge on the Dauphin broke into laughter, as though it was funny in some way.
'And aren't you a bit young to be a captain of a starship?' Picard added.
'Look, why don't we tow you to Starbase 263, and we can discuss it while our ships are repaired. Ok?'
'Agreed.' Reported the Enterprise. The Dauphin locked its tractor beam onto the Enterprise, and traveled to Starbase 263. They arrived two days later.

_______________________________________________________________________________
2 STARBASE 263


The Dauphin released the Enterprise from its tractor beam, and both coasted into the docking bay on impulse power and secured their ships. The Enterprise hooked up to a boarding arm, wheras the crew of the Dauphin simply beamed off their ship. Captain Johnson and Captain Picard walked in together with their bridge crew. The other occupants of both ships stayed aboard. One of the station officals halted Captain Johnson at the mechanical wing entry.

'Excuse me son, but what is your business here?' The offical asked Johnson firmly.
'I'm captain Kris Johnson of the U.S.S. Dauphin, registry NCC-2024, Light Cruiser class Federation starship. Is there a problem?' The official didn't answer, and he was apparently scanning through the names of all the registered ships in the Federation on a small PADD.
'Sorry son, nothing of a Dauphin in here. You said your registry was 20 whatist?'
'NCC-2024.' Johnson said. The man walked toward a window on the far side of a hallway where Picard and Johnson were standing, then he came back with an electronic form in his hand.
'Sorry 'bout all the confusion, I saw your vessel outside there. You may enter, and fill out this form to register your ship with the federation, and we'll get it right next time.' He told Johnson, handing him a glowing black pad. 'Hiya Picard!' He exclaimed when Jean-Luc walked by. Picard responded with a breif 'hello,' and the crews walked toward the door marked MECHANICS 78, as Kris filled out the form. The door opened, and a man took the pad from Johnson as the people sat down at the mechanic's desk.
'Hello Captain Picard, and...' he began, and turned his attention to the pad. 'Captain Johnson, welcome. could you explain the problems with your ships please?' He asked them, feeding the pad into a slot on the side of his desk.
'It seems,' Picard said, 'That the scanners and warp drives were destroyed on my Enterprise, thanks to the Dauphin.' He said, smiling.
'The, the Dauphin?' the mechanic asked.
'My ship, the U.S.S. Dauphin.' Johnson said.
'Ah. and what's up with your ship?'
'Warp drives. Two of three were fried.' Johnson said.
'Ok, I'm estimating you'll be here for at least 3 days.' said the mechanic. 'If you'd like, the forward lounge is located just outside to your right, then left.'
'Ok, thank you.' said Picard. They walked out of the room, and to the lounge area.


3 FORWARD LOUNGE


Captain's log, Stardate 41174.6
I have met up with Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise, and as a result, taken damage to my ship. While our ships are repaired, we are scheduled for a three day layover at Starbase 263. I am hoping to meet up with Captain Josh Weise of the U.S.S. Dimension, as I have some business to discuss. Johnson out.

Johnson and Picard sat down at a table near a window, while the other members of the crew went off to the holodecks, bars, game areas, and chatted among themselves.
'The Dimension also has a cloaking device, you know.' Said Picard suddenly as Johnson was gazing out the window. 'But at the time it was not operational.'
'Why were you so suprised that I had one then?' asked Johnson.
'Mainly because it's still in it's first phase of testing, and the Dimension is the first Federation ship equipped with one, or so it was thought.'
'Ah. So, for example, Weise could be cloaked out here, and we wouldn't know it?'
'Yes, and no. like I said, it still isn't perfect. It didn't fool the Romulans.'
'I must admit something to you.' Johnson said.
'And what's that?' Picard asked.
'My cloaking device, it's Romulan. I swiped it off a Romulan Warbird a couple of weeks ago.'
'Wow!' Picard said with suprise. 'Not only did you destroy a Romulan Warbird, you also configured it to work with Federation electronics. That's incredible.'
'Well, I didn't really destroy it. I took it by suprise, and locked it in my tractor beam. I boarded the ship and took the cloaker. It works better on my ship than a Romulan ship, I found out, because of the way they engineer the device for their Warbirds.'
'And how's that?'
'The Romulans could greatly improve their invisibility with the device, for the Scouts, at least, by engineering them all at a Warbird power. The only thing is that they're more powerful for the Warbird, because it's bigger. So by making a cloaking device for a bigger ship, it would eliminate the interference caused by the larger size! And it works three times as good for my ship, because the Dauphin is smaller than both a Scout and a Warbird.'
'So that's why we didn't detect you at all earlier.' Said Picard.
'And then there's the Klingons. Since their ships are generally the same size, the cloaking power is about equeal with Romulans, but a tiny bit better. When a Bird of Prey uncloaks, it appears instantly, whereas when a Warbird uncloaks, it takes a few seconds for it to appear.'
'Just enough time to get a shot off.'
'Exactly. My sensors are configured to detect early emmissions from a regularly uncloaked ship, so when a ship de-cloaks I can be ready. But then again there's the Klingons. I haven't figured out how to get the first strike off, but I noticed their ships give off an unusual amount of distortion just prior to uncloaking, but it's still not enough to get the phasers going. And the Torpedos would defenately take too long at any rate.'
'You'll have to show me your tactics. Is there any way we could get a look at the cloaking device you have?'
'Sure. It's stowed away very secretly. I'll need to bring it out. Only me and my crew know where it is. it's too valuable to leave unsecured.'
'Excellent.' Picard said. 'Excellent.'


4 DAUPHIN


Captain's log, Stardate 41174.8
I have met up with a most interesting young man named Kris Johnson, apparently in command of a Federation ship known as the Dauphin. It would appear the ship's tactical systems rival those of even the Defiant, and is equipped with a cloaking device as well. I am about to beam aboard the Dauphin as to see the layout of this magnificent ship. Picard out.

'I hear we only have a few hours before they begin repairs' Said Picard, as he and Johnson stepped onto the transporter in the Station. 'After that the ships will be off-limits.
'Okay, now you know that you'll need to stay on first deck, while I go get the device to examine in engineering.' Said Captain Johnson.
'Yes, I understand.' The transporter was engaged, and they appeared on the Dauphin.
'Welcome to the U.S.S. Dauphin Captain!' Johnson said with an enthusiastic voice. 'Would you like to see the bridge before we examine the cloaking device?'
'That would be excellent.' Said Picard. Kris led him through the crew quarters and the shuttlebay level access area into the bridge.
'It looks just like the Enterprise.' Picard said with astonishment. 'I assume you modeled it after my ship?'
'Yep. Except the only exterior door is directly back, and the entire wall area has computers and information systems.'
'I see you left out the chairs for the computer access banks.'
'They really aren't needed, we don't use them much.'
'What controls are available from the bridge?'
'Navigation, Communication, and Tactical, of course, and Mission Ops., Environment, and Science I and II.'
'What is your armnament, and maximum phaser output?'
'Uhh.... Two each Phasers and Torpedos Fore and Aft, and I think our maximum absolute output is 2,500 Gigowatts.' Said Johnson.
'How do you manage that kind of power?'
'Specially fitted coils. I can fire both sides as one, and reach that level.'
'How about your shields?'
'They can withstand up to 1,000 Gigowatts per hit.'
'And your maximum warp and Impulse speeds?'
'Impulse is .7 warp, maximum warp is 31.'
'Incredible. Now could you show me your Cloaking device?'
'Absolutely.' Captain Johnson said. He then called Lutennant Scott to the bridge. 'Lutennant Scott will help you find your way to Engineering while I retrive the device. It will only be a moment.' And Johnson disappeared off the bridge, with a screwdriver in hand.


5 STATION PARIMETER


LOUNGE

The lounge was busy, and unbeknownst to the occupants, the Starbase was located in an area of heavy fire, between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire. They had been fighting for many decades, and tensions were high in the base for those who knew of the situation, when suddenly the base went to full alert responding to the decloaking of three Romulan vessles.
'What the hell is going on?' Asked Commander Riker of the Enterprise.
'There's been a security breach.' Engelking said, standing by the window. He beckoned others to join him. 'Three Romulan Warbirds.'
'Oh shit.' Said Riker. 'The damage they could do is incredible.'
Suddenly the Romulans launched an attack on the base. People felt the shock of 5000 Megawatts into the station at once.
'Why are they doing this?' Asked Ensign Brue.
'They want control of this sector.' Said LaForge. 'They'll do anything to get it.'
'Where is captain Picard?' Asked Worf.
'On the Dauphin.' Ross Meyer told him. 'With Johnson.' He added, as the station shook with another hit from the Warbirds.


DAUPHIN

Captain Johnson ran back up to the bridge at the first shock. Picard and Scott were waiting there.
'Captain!' Said Scott. 'There's three Romulan Warbirds attacking the station!'
'Get back there.' Johnson said, pointing to the rear. 'Picard, please stay here with me. I'd like to demonstrate the defensive and offensive systems, at the least, to you.'
'Sure.' Picard said as Johnson slid into the Navagational seat.
'I'll just give them a little something to chew on.' Said Johnson as he cloaked the ship and left the docking bay, unknown to the Romulans who were sabatoging the station.


LOUNGE

Everybody was looking out the windows at the grim situation outside. The Romulans surrounded the station, and, much to everybody's suprise, they witnessed a fourth ship, much smaller than the others, de-cloak behind the Romulans.
'It's the Dauphin!' Said Commander Mike Tombers.
'They do not have a chance against the Romulans.' Worf said matter-of-factly.
'Just you watch.' Chad Marshall said.

DAUPHIN

One of the Romulan ships detected the decloaking of the Dauphin, and, thinking it was another Romulan ship, hailed it.
'They think we're one of them. Heh.' Said Johnson. 'Let's just say hello.' And blasted one of the opossing ships with a phaser blast at full power. The ship simply disenegrated.
'Wha- what, how did you do that?' Asked an astonished Picard.
'2500 Gigowatts can do alot of damage.' And fired another, less powerful shot at the other Warbirds. The remaining two ships left the area, as one hailed them.
'Answer them.' Picard told Johnson.
'You may have won this time, but we will be back. With more of our allies, the Borg. Have a nice day.' Said the Romulan.
'Since when do you get along with the Borg?" asked Johnson. But the Romulans simply left the area at high warp, much too fast for the Dauphin at the time.
'They will be back.' Said Picard.
'And we'll be ready.' Captain Johnson replyed.
And the Dauphin went back into the repair dock for the next three days.


THREE DAYS PAST

The three days while the ships were repaired passed quickly. The Captains and their ships left together, and were traveling through space at warp 6 when the Enterprise picked up seven oncoming ships.
'Captain, I'm reading seven ships coming toward us at high warp. Three appear to be Romulan, and the other four, Borg.' Said Worf.
'Dauphin, do you read the oncoming ships?' Asked Picard to the other ship.
'Yes, we do, I'm engaging the cloaking device now. You keep them busy while I try to get the Borg ships. After that-' Picard cut Johnson off abruptly.
'We'll take on the Romulan ships, you get the Borg. agreed?'
'Yes, that was my idea, but I'll be ready.' And they had less than 12 minutes to prepare for the confrontation.


6 CONFRONTATION


Captain's log, Stardate 41178
The Romulans and Borg have launched a combined attack on the Enterprise and the Dauphin. Their previous attempt on Station 263 was unsuccessful, thanks to the Dauphin. I can only hope this confrontation will go as well. Picard out.

'Open haling frequencies.' Said Captain Picard. 'Romulan ship, what is your business in this area?'
'This is Mendak of the Warbird Devoras. We warned you to stay clear of us, but you did not listen. prepare to do battle!'
'Picard out.' He said. 'Dauphin, what is your position?
'Bearing 154 mark 12 from your current position.' Said Johnson.
'Good. Hold course and speed. Keep frequencies open.'
'They think you're the only ship around.'
'That's good. You take care of the Borg.' And Picard began the attack upon the Romulans while the Borg ships attempted to defend. Johnson decloaked behind a Borg ship.

DAUPHIN
'Fire full phasers and photon torpedos, don't give them time to react. Then cloak again.' Johnson ordered. The Dauphin made a successful attack on the Borg ship, causing it to explode within seconds.
'One down, three to go.' Johnson said.

ENTERPRISE

Meanwhile, the Enterprise was having a tough time with the Romulans, due to the fact they were continously cloaking and hiding.
'Johnson reports one Borg ship destroyed, sir.' Said LaForge.
'It's nice to hear they are having a better time then we are.' Picard said.
'Three Warbirds decloaking aft of us.' Worf reported.
'Fire full weapons.' Picard ordered, destroying one of the ships and crippiling the second.

DAUPHIN

'This time we'll do the same thing, except approach from the front.' Johnson laid out the plan.
'But that will give them a chance to attack us!' Lutennant Meyer said.
'That's the idea. They won't think we would do that, so when we get in front of one they'll be watching their backs. Engage.'
And the Dauphin reported another successful kill.

ENTERPRISE

The crew of the crippled Romulan ship were transfered to the other one, and it self-destructed. The Borg had turned their attention from the Dauphin to their allies who were getting smashed.
'Two Borg ships approaching, firing!' Commander Data told the captain. The Enterprise was hit with the full force of the attack, as the Romulans came at them from the side.
'Deck 26 decompression; deck 25, deck 24, it's spreading through the hull!' Worf said.
'Seal off affected areas, and let's hope the Dauphin is around here somewhere.' Said Picard.
'Captain, another ship decloaking between the Borg, it's the Dauphin.'
'Oh my god, they'll be destroyed!'

DAUPHIN

The Dauphin manuvered between the two attacking Borg ships and decloaked, facing backwards, turning their attention from the Enterprise. The Borg ship behind began to turn around as the Dauphin launched another strategy.
'Fire full weapons against the ship in front of us, then full aft weaponry. Then get the hell out of here.' Captain Johnson instructed his crew. The Dauphin destroyed the ship in front, then the one in back, and warped a safe distance before they exploded.
'I just hope Picard knows to get out of there.'

ENTERPRISE

'Captain, the Borg ships remain immobile, and the self-destruct sequence has been activated.' Data said.
'Get us out of here, warp 8.' The Captain ordered. The explosion resulting from the attack on the Borg destroyed the Romulan vessel, while the two Federation ships were a safe distance away.
'Dauphin, I must commend you on your excellent strategies in combat. You would be a great help to the Federation.' Picard said to Captain Johnson.
'Thank you Picard, and I must say the same to you.'
'We were thinking of proceeding to Earth, wish to join us?' Asked Picard.
'Great. Last one there is a rotton egg!' And the ships headed to Earth.


7 EARTH


Captain's log, Stardate 41178.2
I have been involved in two conflicts with the Romulans and Borg, both of which myself and Picard have been the victors. We are now on our way to Earth. Johnson out.

APPROACH

As the ships neared the Milky Way Galaxy, Johnson sensed there was something wrong.
'Enterprise, I'm reading a very peculiar orbit of the Earth.' Said Captain Johnson.
'Dauphin, we're reading the same thing.'
'I've also picked up the Earth's moon in orbit around Mars.'
'MARS?!! What the hell is going on?'
'It would appear as though we've traveled forward in time somehow. judging by the brightness of the sun, I'd say sometime in the 26th century.' Data said.
'What the hell...' Said an astonished Picard.
'I have no idea.'
'I've pinpointed the current date; July 7, 2532.'

LANDING

The two ships both sent shuttles down to the planet while in orbit. Picard, Riker, and Data from the Enterprise, and Johnson, Engelking, and Commander Meyer from the Dauphin, approached the United States.
'Would you like me to access and brodcast in both shuttles information on this time period?' Asked Data.
'Yes, indeed.' Picard Said. The computers on both ships received the information.
'Period data for January 1, 2532, to December 31, 2532; January-Unfortunate crash of the HyperTransit shuttle kills 35,000 people. February-President of the United States Assinated. March-Russia declares peace with the U.S. April-Production of the Heavy Transwarp shuttle 'Ephilion' Started. May-'Epehilion' makes first test flight. June-'Epheilion' and 'Enterprise' destroyed while defending Vectus IIV against Romulan and Borg encursion. July-Near-Earth asteroid collides with North America, causing catastrophic effect worldwide. August-World War 5 breaks out due to accidental launching of Russian Missiles against South america. September-United States economy destroyed; Russia claims. October-Computer systems worldwide fail; total internet catastrophie. November-Autonomus SKYNET III project becomes self-aware. Launches available missiles against Russia. Popluation frantically tries to pull the plug; to no avail. December-Data unavailable or destroyed.' The computer said, unending.
'Computer; More information on April 1 through July 31.' Picard commanded.
'April; Heavy Transwarp shuttle 'Epheilion', experimental model 82001, begun production. Warp coils experimental, after failed 'Excelsior' experiment. Construction successful; 'Epheilion' reports full warp capability at Warp 46.6 during mid May test run. Federation ships 'Dauphin', 'Enterprise', and 'Epheilion' begin three-way manuvers for the next month. While assing-'
'Computer; more information on the three ships mentioned.' Johnson said.
'U.S.S. Dauphin, Federation Nova class starship, NCC-2024-D, Warp 38, total crew 249, quarters, 5,500, Cloaking Device, Holodeck, Photon Torpedos, Phasors, standard. U.S.S. Enterprise, Federation Galaxy class starship, NCC-1701-H, Warp 17.8, Total Crew 355, quarters, 6,390, Cloaking Device, Holodeck, Photon Torpedos, Phasors, standard. U.S.S. Epheilion, Federation Universal class starship, NCC-3522-B, Warp 46.6, Total Crew 4,202, quarters, 24,900, Cloaking Device, Holodeck, Photon Torpedos, Phasors, standard.'
'Continue previous'
'While assigned to protect the M-Class planet Vectus IIV against Romulan and Borg combined attack, strategic records indicate Epheilion and Enterprise were destroyed immedatly; Dauphin held off attackers for 51 hours before rescue by Federation. No survivors were found except for those on Dauphin. July; near-Earth asteroid falls out of orbit on July 9, collides directly with Minnesota on July 14 at 3:27:39 CDT. Four-Fifths of earth's population destroyed. End of data record.'
'Looks like we'll need to hold off that asteroid.' Said Picard.
'But that would change the future!' Riker intervened.
'Yes, but it will also save humanity.'
'I wish I could have seen the Dauphin D.' Said Johnson. 'Wait a minute-' he added. 'Computer; search for records on Dauphin ships NCC-2024 through NCC-2024-D.'
'Dauphin NCC-2024, commanded by Captain Kris Johnson, in service from 23 March 2371 through 9 November 2392, destroyed by Klingon Battlecruiser. Killed-Captain Kris Johnson; Commander Mike Tombers; Ensign James Brue; Lutennant Aaron Scott. Dauphin NCC-2024-A, commanded by Captain Derek Engelking, in service from 24 April 2417 through 2 Jan 2450; decommisioned at Utopia Planita Fleet Yards. Dauphin NCC-2024-B, commanded by Captain Yohito Nakitami, in service from 5 July 2455 through 31 October 2509, decommisioned at Utopia Planita Fleet Yards. Dauphin NCC-2024-C, commanded by Captain Sean Fahtwe, in service from 7 August 2521 through 18 September 2522, lost to self destruction due to Cardassian capture. Dauphin NCC-2024-D, also known as the 'Destiny', commanded by Captain Greg Tobias, in service from 24 May 2529 though today.'
'How can a ship have two names?' Asked Commander Data.
'Greg Tobias, that's my man. Computer; pinpoint location of the U.S.S. Dauphin NCC-2024-D.' Johnson said.
'Specified ship is in the Murata sector, 13 minutes at warp 22.'
'Okie-Dokie, I'm going back to the Dauphin, you guys have a look-see around here, I'll be back soon.' Said Johnson. "Computer, what happened to the Dimension?'
'U.S.S. Dimension, Commanded by Captain Josh P. Weise, Destroyed on 3 April 2371 while defending U.S.S. Dauphin NCC-2024 and U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D.'
'Oh my.' Said Picard.
'I'll be back.' Johnson said, and proceeded back to his ship.


8 NCC-2024-D


Captain's log, Supplimental
The Enterprise and I have somehow traveled forward in time on our way to Earth. I have read historical logs on this time period, and found that the Dauphin-D now exists. I have gone to find it, while the Enterprise explores the surface. Johnson out.

'We're nearing the coordinances given as to the location of the Dauphin-D.' Commander Ross Meyer said. 'And there she is.' The Dauphin-D was over 30 times larger than the first. The characteristic 'saucer' was absent, and instead was a octagional-shaped forward hull.
'They're powering up weapons.' Said Ensign Brue.
'Shields up, Red Alert.' Johnson said.
'They are firing.' Lt-Cmdr. Chad Marshall reported. 'Minimal damage.'
'Return fire' The Dauphin-D sustained heavy damage.
'The ship has been immobilized.' Said Brue.
'I just don't get it; you'd think in 200 years they would have IMPROVED the shields and weaponry, but no, they're degrading them.' Captain Johnson said, somewhat puzzeled.
'They're powering down weapons, lowering shields.'
'Do the same, and hail them.' And suddenly the Dauphin-D disappeared.
'They've engaged their cloaking device.' said Marshall. And suddenly 'something' fired at the Dauphin, and disappeared.
'Hull breach in shuttlebay, repairs underway now.' Brue said.
'Raise shields, weapons ready. So that's how they make up for their low powered weapons. Firing while cloaked, I like it.'
'Ship decloaking bearing 289 mark 2.'
'I thought you immobilized them! Fire full power!' Johnson ordered. But before the phasors even powered up, the Dauphin-D left at warp 38.
'Damn it! Lutennant Meyer! Can you track them on sensors?'
'No sir, they've engaged cloaking.'
'Finally met our match, I will find him if it's the last thing I do. Commander Meyer, engage cloaking device, set course for Earth. Warp 31.
'Course laid in, sir. ETA is 2 minutes 42 seconds.'
'Engage.'

ENTERPRISE

The Enterprise shuttle landed in a barren wasteland, of what used to be California.
'I sense no lifeforms within 500 kilometers.' Said Data.
'What happened? It looks like World War 5 here!' Exclaimed Picard.
'According to historical records, this is a nuclear destruction site from the late Earth-Romulan war of 2531.' Data said.
'Well, what exactly are we looking for?' Asked Riker.
'A reason as to why we have arrived in this time period.' Picard told him, walking toward a blown-out building.
'My god.' Riker said. Picard turned around.
'Oh my god.'

DAUPHIN

'The Dauphin-D is in orbit around the planet Neptune.' Commander Mike Tombers said.
'Raise shields, weapons systems to cold. Hail the ship.'
'We're receiving an emergency transmission from the Away Team on Earth.' Commander Ross Meyer said. 'Secured channel.'
'On screen.' Johnson said. 'Close Hailing frequencies.'

ENTERPRISE

'What the hell is that?' Picard asked, scared stupid.
'It would appear to be a 26th century starship with the ability to land on planet surfaces. I am reading armnament consisting of heavy Photon-Torpedo like projectiles, and Standard phasors.' Data answered him.
'Let's get the hell out of here.' and they ran for cover inside a small house. 'Radio the Dauphin, emegency transmission.' Said Picard.

DAUPHIN

'There's a quite large ship down here, I'm not sure if we can make it to the shuttle. Can your ship land on planet surfaces?' Picard reported to Johnson.
'No, but I'll stay in orbit and try to get a torpedo lock on the ship. I'll also send two shuttles down.'
'It would appear to be automated, I'm suggesting that you... oh my god.'
'What? Picard? Picard, do you read me?' The signal was lost. 'Cloak the ship, get over there, warp 31. Scan for the Team and the ship. Open Hailing Frequencies. USS Dauphin, NCC-2024-D, this is Captain Kris Johnson. We require your assistance. Another Federation crew is under attack.'
'This is captain Greg Tobias, I'll be right behind you.'
'Thank you. Brue, notify the Enterprise to rendezous with us and the Dauphin-D in orbit around Earth.'
'Sir, we've arrived at Earth.'


9 RENDEZOUS


Third officer's log, Stardate 41178.6
Captain Picard, Commander Riker, and Commander Data all seem to have been taken hostage by some alien force. Myself, the Dauphin, and the Dauphin-D have joined forces to locate them. LaForge out.

The Enterprise and Dauphin-D were wating for Johnson when he arrived.
'I'm not reading the Team or the Ship' Said Commander Engelking.
'Enterprise, Dauphin-D, take up positions approximately 50,000 kilometers away from each and our position. Notify us when you arrive. Do a long-range sensor sweep of all surrounding areas. I suggest you cloak, Tobias.' Johnson instructed.
'I'd like to talk to you later.' Captain Tobias said to Johnson.
'As would I. I predict this mission will be a success. Johnson out.' The two ships proceeded to their specified coordinances. 12 minutes later, the Enterprise found the ship on its long-range scanners.
'Dauphin, this is Lutennant-Commander Geordi LaForge in command, I'm reading a ship about half our size in orbit around Codis MuIV. I'm notifying the Dauphin-D, and will proceed to the planet.'
'Yes, I will be there as soon as possible. Johnson out. Set course for Codis MuIV, warp 31.'
'Course set, ETA is 3 minutes.'
'Engage!'

CODIS MUIV

The Dauphin arrived only minutes after the Dauphin-D. The Enterprise, which was already in the area, hailed Johnson as he neared the planet. Both him and the Dauphin-D were cloaked.
'Johnson, I was looking at maybe you and Tobias take out their propulsion and tactical systems, while I try to get in touch with the captain and get them out of there. Agreed?'
'Johnson here, I'll do that, sure. You try to hail them to see what's up, okay?'
'Tobais here, I read you.'
'Yes, Dauphin, I'm opening frequencies now. I'll patch you two through if we get in.' There was a short pause. 'It doesn't seem like there's any response, you're cleared to go ahead.' LaForge said. The two ships decloaked and launched an attack on the ship. It didn't even fight back, and the team was easily beamed up. The ship exploded minutes later.
'That was too easy. You guys okay?' Asked Picard.
'I'm fine.' Johnson reported.
'Okay here. Gotta run, I'll talk to you guys later, okay?' Greg said.
'Yeah, I'll see you later, oh, in about 200 years.' Said Johnson. 'Have a good one.'
'Same here, thanks for your help.' Captain Picard said.
'No problem.' And the Dauphin-D warped off at warp 35.
'Now what are we going to do about that asteroid?' Johnson asked.
'I have no clue.' Picard said, stumped.
'Wait a minute!' Johnson exclaimed. 'What if the Enterprise fires an antimatter stream from the main deflector, while it launches all of its shuttles with weaponry, and fire all available weapons at the asteroid while my shuttles and the Dauphin do the same thing?'
'It's worth a try, but we'll need more than a standard stream to do enough damage. I'll have Geordi route all available power. And keep your shields up.'
'We've still got a week to wait, remember.' Johnson reminded him. The week passed, and soon they were ready to attempt the strategy.
'We've only got one shot at this, remember.' Picard said.
'How long?' Johnson asked.
'About five minutes.' And soon there it was; over fifteen miles across. 'Ready; FIRE!' Picard gave the order. It suddenly slowed, stopped, and shot backwards at an amazing speed.
'Due to thie fact we have altered this time's future, our future will have been changed as well.' Data said.
'Looks like we got that done well.' Johnson said, as the Shuttles returned to their motherships. 'Now how do we get out of here?' Asked Johnson. Suddenly there was a bright flash. A wormhole appeared.
'Best chance we've got.' Said Picard. Both he and Johnson went into the wormhole. Picard arrived less than 200,000 kilometers from the Deep Space Nine space station, but the Dauphin was nowhere to be found.
'Where the hell is Johnson?' Picard said.


10 PARALELL UNIVERSE

Captain's log, Stardate 41185.4
Somehow Captain picard has arrived in one part of the universe through a wormhole, while I have arrived in another. Long range scans show only one inhabited planet. We are going to investigate. Johnson out.

'Captain, I'm picking up radio frequency signals.' Commander Ross Meyer said.
'Audio.' What was heard was origionating from the planet. Among much static, the crew could pick out human voices. It sounded like cries for help.
'Sir, I'm reading a large pyramid shaped structure, and other than itself, nothing else outside a 40 mile radius surrounding it. Only that, a small city, and people.' Ross added.
'Get us over there, maximum warp. Take us into a low orbit. Cloak the ship.' Johnson ordered.
'Yes sir, ETA is 12 minutes 31 seconds.' When they arrived, they saw an endless desert dotted with people and civilizations. And a huge pyramid, from which were launched two small fighter craft.
'Red alert.' Johnson instructed. 'Engelking, Berg, and Commander Meyer to the shuttle. Tombers, you have the bridge.' Johnson said. 'We're going in.' Johnson entered the shuttle, and launched it. They were less than fifty feet behind one of the small craft when the ship decloaked.
'They're turning around.' Engelking reported.
'Come to heading 312, Mark 3, fire Phasers.' The ships simply exploded. The people below cheered.
'We've destroyed the ships, but the pyramid structure has launched four more.'
'Cloak the ship. Full impulse to the Pyramid structure, decloak, and fire full phasers.' Kris ordered. The attack was no good.
'No damage on the structure. Ships firing, minimal damage.'
'Turn the ship around, and cloak. When they pass, come to an opposite heading and fire full phasers.' The attack was once again successful. Three of the ships were destroyed, the other entered the pyramid.
'Cloak and follow that ship. go into the port on the structure.'
'There's a door closing in front of us!' Meyer exclaimed.
'Warp one, engage!' The ship just cleared the door. 'Full stop!' Johnson ordered. They were successfully inside the pyramid among the other fighters, and being cloaked, no one was aware of their presence.
'We just made that opening.' Lutennant-Commander Alex Berg said with relief. 'Another three inches and we'd be unlucky toast.'
'Looks like we're stuck here for a while.' Meyer said.
'No, not at all. Engelking, take us into that large room on the adjacent side to us.' Said Johnson. 'Then scan for life signs.'
'I'm reading five, just forward and below us. And more-at least 30-about 200 yards to our rear.' Said Meyer.
'Okay, land the ship next to the area where you spotted the five below us. Meyer and Berg, you're coming with me. Set your phasers on heavy stun. Engelking, keep the ship cloaked, turn her around. Any trouble, you have permission to fire heavy stun setting and get out of here. Don't worry about us.' Johnson made up a plan. As the team stepped out, forgetting the ship sat two feet off the ground, Meyer tripped and fell.
'You okay?' Johnson asked, helping him up.
'Yeah, sorry.' Meyer was laughing. 'Let's get going.'


11 DEEP SPACE NINE

Captain's log, Stardate 41185.4
We have arrived at Deep Space Nine, but alone. The Dauphin has evidently traveled to a different area of the galaxy. I hope to find something that may help about the wormholes, possibly from Quark. Picard out.

The Enterprise docked at the nearest boarding arm and came aboard. Picard quickly found Quark and went to discuss the problem with him, when Commander Benjamin Sisko walked in.
'Well, hello Picard, what brings you here?' Sisko asked.
'A friend of mine has been 'lost' in the wormhole, hopefully Quark could help me.'
'A ship?' Quark asked.
'Yes.'
'I know enough, but I'll need the size, crew, and anything else you can give me about the ship.' Quark informed Picard.
'Yes, I'll send that down to you soon. Ben, any ideas?'
'Well, I think Quark here is a little overreactive. You need a ship the size of the ship lost to go where it went. The wormhole is based on size when transporting ships. Certian sizes go somewhere, others smaller, etc..'
'Okay, well, the Dauphin is a Light Cruiser, about 85 feet long...'
'85 feet? Well, the only real ship that could do what you need is the Defiant, but...'
'Ah, yes, the Defiant, a fine little ship, but I'll be needing to be on board with you.' Quark said.
'Don't mind him, I'll send Lutennant Dax with you. She knows how to pilot that thing, and will show you everything you need to know. By the way, I think you'll find the cloaking device quite nice.'
'Cloaking device? Why wasn't I aware of this?' Picard exclaimed.
'Just our special secret. Well, I'll let you get on your way. Dax will be with you on the bridge shortly.' Sisko told Picard.
'Thank you. I'll inform my crew of my absence.' Picard was escorted with Lutennant Dax to the U.S.S. Defiant.
'Captain, would you like to command the ship?' Asked Dax.
'Yes, thank you.' Picard said. 'Set a course for the wormhole, warp 13. Engage.'

DAUPHIN

Captain's log, Supplimental
I have apparently eliminated an alien threat to a desolate sparsley populated planet. My away team and I are now investigating a large pyramid like structure where we have found five apparently captive humans. Johnson out.

'Lutennant-Commander Berg,, what are your readings here?' Johnson asked.
'Five humans, male, about 30-45 years of age. They appear to be members of the military or other warfaring orginization.' He said.
'You sound just like Data.' He called down through a metal grate to the people below. 'Hey you guys, want some help?' Johnson asked.
'Who are you?' One of the men asked.
'I'm captain Kris Johnson of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Dauphin. Who are you people?'
'That doesn't matter, could you just get us out of here?' He said, sternley.
'Yeah, hang on.' He then signaled to the shuttle. 'Engelking, beam these people outside the structure.'
'Yes sir.' Engelking said. They were then transported.
Meyer said, 'I'm reading three life forms moving toward us.'
'Come on, into the shuttle! Engelking, shields up, ready weapons.' The three people moved toward the ship.
'Man, who the hell are these people?' Asked Berg. Two of them who were wearing some type of headdress armed a hand phaser sort of weapon, and fired it at the shuttle.
'No damage.' Engelking reported.
'Fire heavy stun at all of the people.' The two with the weapons fell, but the third didn't as much as flinch.
'Okay, fire phasers, full power!' The third person rocketed backwards into the wall, and suddenly was surrounded by more of his assumed 'followers.'
'Captain Johnson!' Commander Tombers said over the intercom. Johnson tapped his communicator.
'Johnson here.'
'Captain, we've recieved a transmission from the U.S.S. Defiant on a secured channel.'
'I'll be up as soon as I can. Johnson out.' He turned to Engelking. 'Can we make it through that opening over there?' Johnson asked him.
'Yes, but barely.'
'Okay, cloak the ship. Set a course for the Dauphin, Warp three.'
'Course laid in, sir.'
'Engage!' And the shuttle docked with the Dauphin.
'I'm here, what's that message?'
'I think we found some help.'

12 DEFIANT


The Defiant entered the wormhole and arrived at the same location as the Dauphin. Picard hailed the ship.
'Hello Picard, nice to see you here. Can you help us?' Tombers asked.
'That is why I came here.' Picard said. 'Tell Johnson when he comes aboard to hail me. I'll give him specific instructions then. Picard out.'
'Just wait until Johnson gets this. Lutennant Meyer, hail the shuttle, tell Johnson he has a message from Picard waiting.' He said.

DAUPHIN

Johnson got the message, and hailed Picard.
'Picard, I need you to assist me in something.' He said.
'And just what is that?'
'There is a large pyramid-type structure on the planet, and I need your help to destroy it. I need one of your shuttles with Photon capability.' He said.
'Okay, I'll meet you on the surface. Picard out.' And they landed behind the Pyramid structure. Johnson's shuttle was cloaked, but Picard's was visible.
'Captain, two humans are under attack, one of them is a member of the five we helped. There are two attackers.' Engelking said.
'Okay, Engelking, beam Berg, Meyer, and me down into the pyramid. Set phasers on kill.' They walked into the Transporter room. They were beamed down one by one. When they arrived they took cover behind some pillars. The threat was attacking the two people.
'Captain!' Meyer whispered loudly, 'There's an atomic bomb over near that large circular structure over there. For some reason it didn't register on the resident area scans.' He said. 'It has a timer, about 3 minutes 34 seconds remaining.'
'Terriffic. Berg, go over to the other side. Meyer, get back near that circle. Fire at will.' Suddenly Johnson jumped out, and zapped one of them. Meyer got the other attacker. They noticed that they were wearing the same headdress as the others on the pyramid. He then signaled to Picard. 'Johnson to Picard.'
'Go ahead.'
'You have clearance to attack the pyramid.' He said.
'Ah, there might be a slight problem with that.'
'What?'
'They've launched about ten small craft. I'll need your help.'
'I'll be right there. Johnson out.' Johnson noticed that both the men were staring at him. One was large and muscular, and the other was smaller, and wore glasses. He was the first to speak.
'Who... who are you people?' He asked, looking astonished.
'I'm Captain Kris Johnson of the Federation Starship Dauphin. I really need to be going, can you take care of yourselves?'
'Well, that bomb over there seems to not be able to turn off, er, can you get rid of that thing?' The other man said.
'Sure. I know the perfect place to put it.' Said Johnson. 'Engelking, three to beam up.' As soon as he was aboard, Johnson told Engelking to beam the bomb directly onto the pyramid ship. The ship had already started to lift off, and would soon be a safe distance away. However, Johnson and Picard still had to take care of the ever annoying fightercraft.
'Picard, I think we can nip these things easily in the bud.'
'I agree, stay close.'
'Yep.' And the pair successfully destroyed all but two, which retreated into the other ship. Then suddenly the ship exploded incredibly, which literally blew the shuttles over ten meters backwards. Neither one was harmed.
'Now lets get out of here.' Johnson said.
'Good idea.' Picard agreed. And they docked on the ships and went back into the wormhole to the home they knew.


13 UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS


Captain's log, Stardate 41185.6
For some reason I have traveled to a different part of the galaxy and gone through memorable events, after which I was rescued by the U.S.S. Defiant and Captian Picard. We are now on our way to Deep Space Nine. Johnson out.

Picard docked the Defiant, then boarded the Enterprise, which had been repaired after their encounter with the Borg. Johnson thanked Dax for her assistance, and left with Picard when he recieved a transmission from the Federation command.
'Captain Kris Johnson, I have a transfer notice here for some members of your crew.' Said Admiral Gene Roddenberry.
'Some? Who? And who's going to replace them?'
'Well, two actually, Commander Ross Meyer, and Lutennant Aaron Scott, both of which will be taking command of their own ships. Meyer will be replaced by an android much like Commander Data of the Enterprise named Lor, and Lutennant Scott's post will be taken over by Divok, a Klingon medical officer.'
'Now wait a minute, Klingon you say?'
'Yes, the transfer will be taking place within the hour. The Sharships Oso and Terminator are on their way for command of the two officers.'
'Okay, we'll hold our position.' Johnson notified Picard of the delay, and Picard proceeded to Starbase 81. Johnson waited.

ARRIVAL

'Captain, the Oso and Terminator are taking us port and starboard positions, and are ready to transport.' Said Marshall.
'Okay, notify them we are prepared as well.' Johnson followed the two officers to the transporter room.
'Energize.' Ordered Johnson. The android and the Klingon were beamed aboard, as Meyer and Scott were beamed to their new ships. Johnson showed the new crew members to their new positions.
'Captain,' Lor said, 'There is a B'rel class Klingon Bird of Prey de-cloaking bearing 143 Mark 63.'
'Shields up, ready weapons. Red alert.'
'They are firing, minimal damage to port shields.' He said.
'Geez, always seems like that. Fire Photon spread, 50 meter variance.'
'Opposing ship's shields to 27%.'
'Open hailing frequencies. Klingon ship, what is the purpose of your attack?' Asked the Captain.
'Admiral Korris of the T'Acog, we see no reason for your presince in this area-' The Oso suddenly fired on the T'Acog, and the Terminator followed. The Dauphin fired at both of them before the Klingon ship was destroyed, not causing any damage, but making them stop.
'I apologize for the attack, my collegies seem to have overreacted. I will talk to them.'
'We are tired of your excuses.' The ship then left the area. Johnson hailed the Oso.
'Meyer, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!?' He yelled at him, obivously angry.
'I was... uh, sorry Captain, I guess...' Meyer said, not totally sure of himself.
''I guess' isn't enough. You need to learn more before you become a decent captain. I'm going to join the Dimension at Starbase 198, won't you two join me?'
'Sure, I'll tell Termie to follow. See ya there.' Said Ross.
'Okay, yep.' The three of them left. On their way Johnson recieved a disturbing message from starfleet command. Admiral Berman spoke.
'There's been a buildup of Klingon, Cardassian, Romulan, Borg and Ferengi ships near the nuteral zone. I've put the entire fleet on Red Alert. All available ships are heading over there, I wanted you to go too. This could mean the future of Starfleet.'
'Okay, yes, I'll notify the Oso and-'
'I already did. Check, they're already on their way. Cloak before you get there.'
'Okay, I'm on my way. Johnson out.' He turned to Lutennant Meyer. 'Lutennant, plot a course for the nuteral zone, warp 31.'
'Course laid in, sir.'
'Engage.'

14 FACEOFF AT THE NUTERAL ZONE


Captain's log, Stardate 41186.2
I have arrived at starbase 81 where I have recived news of a possible attack on the Federation near the nuteral zone. I am now proceeding there. Picard out.

'Captain, I'm reading approximately 51 different ships; seven appear to be Cardassian, Fourteen are Romulan, ten are Klingon, twelve Borg, and the remaining eight are Ferengi.' Said Engelking. 'I'm also reading several Federation starships, The Lantree, the Excelsior, the Sutherland, the Yamato, the Enterprise, the Galaxy, the Horatio, the Stargazer, Hathaway, Reliant, Nebula, Saratoga, Brattain, Phoenix, another Phoenix, the Oso, Terminator, Yukon, Intrepid, and the Voyager. The Raven, Dimension, and Defiant are cloaked.'
'Ah, twenty-three ships versus fifty-one, I like those odds. Notify all federation ships we are holding our position.' Johnson said.
'Captain, a Klingon Bird of Prey has fired on the Lantree. Lantree returning fire, Romulan ships decloaking bearing 146 Mark 46, firing. The Lantree has been destroyed.' Reported Lor.
'The war has begun. Uncloak the ship, fire Photon spread and maximum phasors at every ship besides Federation vessels.'
'We've destroyed three Klingon ships, and eleven others, I can no longer make out the ships destroyed. Defiant and Dimension decloaking, firing. Three more Romulans destroyed. Borg firing at Defiant, Defiant has cloaked.' Said Lutennant Meyer. 'Dimension has been hit, disabeled. Now Evacuating.'
'Target the ship that fired on the Dimension and fire full weaponry.'
'Sir, it was a Borg vessel...'
'I don't care, do it.'
'Yes sir. Borg vessel retreating, Destroyed. there are 27 ships left.' Lor said. 'Seven Romulan Warbirds decloaking directly aft of our position, firing. We've taken damage to the aft phasers.'
'Fire aft Torpedos, full range.'
'Three, five, six ships destroyed, seventh firing on Oso, Oso has destroyed the ship.'
'There's more than we thought, hmm. Take the ship bearing 182 Mark 24, Warp seventeen. Decloak after we take up a position on the other side of the Nuteral Zone, then fire on all enemy ships within range.' The Dauphin arrived at the specified coordinantes, and fired its weapons. 'Hold position for ten seconds, then get us back.' The Dauphin destroyed five more Ferengi and Klingon ships, and another Borg.
'The USS Oso is haling us Captain.' Brue said.
'On screen.' The frantic Captain Meyer appeared.
'Our ship has to be evacuated, our shields are almost gone. Can you give us some help?' Meyer pleaded.
'Yeah, well, sure, I'll extend our shields around you. What's the problem?'
'Warp core breach, in about five minutes.'
'Just eject it.'
'I don't know how!'
'Who's idea was it to make him captain?' Johnson said in disgust, turning to Tombers. 'Mike, get control of the propulsion systems of the Oso and eject the core.'
'Core has been ejected, but I'm still reading dangerously high levels of matter containment stress...'
'Then eject the pods too!'
'I can't, there's something wrong...' Johnson turned to the screen.
'Meyer, get the hell out of there now.'
'I'm going!' And he left the bridge.
'Oso has deployed all shuttles and escape pods. Ship will explode is approximately five seconds...four...three...two...' Lor said. The ship then exploded.
'Klingon ship decloaking, firing on shuttle of Oso. Meyer has ejected the shuttle escape pod. Heh, look at that.' Johnson looked. Meyer had imprinted Shuttle as Shcuttle on the pods. He laughed.
'Meyer always did have a sense of humor. Now where did the other ships go?'
'It would appear that they have all been destroyed. The Dimension's crew and the Oso's crew have gone to the Enterprise and the Galaxy.'
'Great. Set course bearing 167 mark-'
'Fourteen Warbirds decloaking directly ahead, firing!' Marshall shouted. The Dauphin was hit repeatdly.


15 LEGACY GONE


Captain's log, Stardate 41186.6
The Dauphin, Oso, and the Dimension have all taken heavy damage. The crew of the Dimension has arrived, and the Oso has gone to the Galaxy. I hope Johnson's crew will make it to my ship as well. Picard out.

'Ja..obso.. ..o ..rid..e!' The signal was weak.
'Bridge, Johnson here, what's the problem?'
'Th.. Warp co..e too.. a..ot .... dam..age!'
'I can't hear you, your signal's too weak, what about the Warp core?'
'..he core i.. goi.... to brea..h in two minu..es!' He yelled. The Dauphin was fired upon again.
'Cloak the ship!' Johnson yelled.
'I can't, it's all screwed up back there-'
'Capt..in! Eje..t the core! It'.. go..ng to-' and suddenly the core exploded, along with half the ship. Sparks flew on the bridge, and Lor flew backwards. The door to the bridge was sucked backwards, along with Ensign Brue. A forcefield aft of the lower access area sprang up just in time to save the rest of the crew.
'What the hell happened?'
'The warp core blew up! We've only got three minutes of life support left!' Marshall shouted.
'How many casualties and injuries?'
'Everybody in engineering, Ensign Brue, and Cheif O'Brien were killed. Lor is smashed beyond repair.' Marshall said.
'That leaves us with five, what is the status of the shuttles?'
'There's one left, but I don't know how long the clamps will hold, and there's decompression in the shuttlebay, and no forcefields!'
'Everybody get a suit!' Johnson said, pointing to the far wall of the bridge. The crew ripped off the panels and grabbed the suits. 'Put them on, we're going into the shuttle!' The crew headed to the access area, where Johnson punched a sequence into the keypad because it had locked due to the decompression. The door opened, and they were almost sucked down to the shuttlebay. They all got into the shuttle.
'The antimatter pods are still active! The whole ship is going to blow in less than fifteen seconds!' Engelking yelled.
'Okay, release the docking clamps and get us out of here, warp three!' Johnson yelled.
'I can't release the clamps, the mechanism's not working! Somebody will have to get out and-' Suddenly the ship was pulled forward by something. Johnson didn't know what it was until he activated the viewscreen. It was the Enterprise.


16 THE FINAL FRONTIER


Picard helped the crew out of the shuttle, and they were escorted to ten-forward, where Weise was waiting.
'Josh Weise, how are you?' He asked him.
'Hey Kris, nice to see you again.' The two began talking, when Picard called Johnson to the bridge.
'I'll be right back.' He said, and left. When Johnson arrived, he was greeted by Admiral Rick Berman.
'Captain Johnson, as Admiral and second in command of the United Federation of Planets, I grant you with the command of a new ship.'
'What is it?'
'You'll see soon enough. The ship will be arriving tomorrow. Congatulations.'
'Thank you.' And Johnson went back to the lounge, where he was greeted by Meyer.
'Hey Kris, thanks for your help with the Romulans and everything.'
'No problem.' Then soon it was tomorrow, and Johnson was escorted with his old bridge crew, now with Meyer back, to his new ship. He was beamed aboard it without even seing the exterior. When he opened his eyes, he thought it was still the Enterprise. Then he looked up on the wall of the bridge to see a plaque with small letters and numbers imprinted on the surface. It read:

U.S.S. Dauphin
NCC-2024-A
Second to bear the name
Excelsior class
Commanded by Captain Kris Johnson
Launched Stardate 41187
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Mars
United Federation of Planets