Where did the Pegasus go?

Harry Lone Traveler, also known as Marek Ilumian, God of Free Will, arrived in the Engine Room on the Battlestar Pegasus. And he found a figure working diligently to sabatoge the large vessel. Q and Harry looked at each other and Q motioned invitingly: It was Harry's show.

Harry waved his hand. The man froze. Twisting him around, Harry said, "What in the hell do you think you are doing?"

The man tried frantically to activate his transponder but nothing happened.

"Yeah. No need really. You are Jonas Springer, Time Corps Division, United Federation of Planets, operating from 2947. You detected an anomaly in the time stream and you are trying to repair history. Do I have that about right?"

The man looked at him with shock. "How did you know?"

Harry pointed to Q. "Q." He pointed to himself. "God." He dropped his hands. "Any questions?"

"Then you know I must repair the time stream!"

"I know no such thing. Yes. You have Temporal terrorists who like to go back and muck up the timeline and your organization works to ensure no one destroys history. But this particular anomaly is because Idecided to act. And, regardless of your remit, Gods are beyond your operational parameters."

"But if this change is left uncorrected, there will be hundreds of new battles fought. Three galaxies will be embroiled. It will take centuries for everything to calm down."

Marek replied, "I am well aware. But do you know why I did it?"

"Why?" the man asked plaintively.

"Because it will allow two galaxies to be cleaned up from elements which would enslave all life. It will allow billions who would live in slavery and bondage to have a greater choice for themselves. In the millennia to follow your time period, humans and their allies will spread out to tens of thousands of planets they would otherwise never have reached. And, at its base, because it is the right thing to do."

Marek inspected the man's mind. His upset was far more personal than mere duty would explain. And Marek found it. He sighed. "Your wife's loss was a tragedy. There is such a thing as happenstance. But I am a God and I can be generous. Take my message back to your Starfleet Command. And you shall be rewarded."

"What is the message?" the man asked. He truly did not change his mind, but he did recognize he had no chance of changing the timelines back.

"When they try to find out why things happened, check for these energy signals," the man's tricorder lit up, "and consider whether you want to try to act against the will of a God or a Q."

The man nodded. Marek continued. "And because of your actions, I will go further than I originally intended with this ship. Witness." Concentrating, Harry spoke. And everyone on Pegasus could hear his voice.

"Colonial Warriors. This is Marek Ilumian. I was the God that brought you to this place. Please pause a moment and step away from whatever activity you are engaged in. Contemplate the brothers you are separated from for a moment."

After wandlessly nudging a person or two, Harry pulled his Wand and Cast a Reparo.

Suddenly, the nicks, damages, and wear and tear of a thousand yahren were suddenly erased from the Battlestar Pegasus. The launch bays were now fully operational and the outside lost all of its scars. The structural integrity of Pegasus suddenly went from 78% (still stronger than any frame in the Federation but not as strong as it could be) to 100%.

The Battlestar was now ready for Battle.

"Thank you. This I have done as a gift for your willingness to fight for your brethren from Earth and their fellow allies. That is all."

Harry then wandlessly returned the man to his ship, cloaked off the side of the Pegasus, and sent the ship back to the 29th century.

After Commander Springer returned and reported, the Council acknowledged that the change was now unchangeable and they altered their records accordingly. The signatures of the two entities was put into the database and changes made by these would be allowed to remain.

Commander Springer tiredly returned to his quarters. As he sat down, he was shocked to hear from the bedroom door a voice he hadn't heard in months. He was shocked to see his wife standing there. "Long day?"

Commander Cain looked around his bridge with wide eyes. Damage and wear he had long gotten used to was suddenly erased. It was as if it had just come from the assembly line. "Commander! Reports coming in from all over the ship! All stations now reporting 100% operational readiness!"

Cain remarked to his Second, "Hot damn. I'm going to have to do something nice for that boy." God he may be, but he looked like a youngster to the elderly commander. "Inform Fleet Command that we are now fully operational and ready to do our part."

"Yes, Commander!"

Q and Marek then arrived to the Klingon High Council. There was a Warrior who appeared to be arguing against the evidence they had coming in.

Harry waved his hand and the room froze. Lifting the holographic camouflage, the Klingon was suddenly wearing a far different uniform. "Return to Time Corps Command. There are new orders regarding this situation." Harry activated the Klingon's transporter and the High Council was shocked to see the Warrior disappear into a beam much different than a Klingon one.

The High Council stood. "What is the meaning of this?" The Chancellor was enraged.

"My name is Marek Ilumian. And while the fact that I am a God is of little concern, the fact that the information sent regarding the treachery of Duras was the complete truth. I was the one who ensured the transmissions reached you so that you could act as you saw fit."

"How do we know that this is the truth? What proof do you have? I say it's all lies!"

Marek gave an unholy grin and transfigured his face and form to match the face and form of the Klingon he faced. This was one of Duras' followers and knew the information was true.

He quickly transfigured a station which looked like the Klingon's own even as chains appeared to hold the Klingon. His mouth was covered by a mask which prevented him from making a sound. He made a call. "Duras! What is the progress of the fleet?"

Duras' oily voice spoke from the screen. Harry had a screen visible to the High Council. "It is unfortunate that one of the Birds of Prey suffered a mishap which delayed us. Maximum speed is Warp 4. It is too bad but we will arrive just a bit too late to do anything regarding the attack at Wolf 359." Duras' smile was obvious.

"Good! The High Council received word that you had not arrived. I told them I would check on you. What should I tell them?"

"Tell those fools that we were delayed, but are moving with all possible haste. I will ensure that the blame is put on the Federation itself – the Enterprise. That is where that P'tak whose father I framed serves. Like he's some sort of Human!"

"Word was received that they suffered attack from this enemy – it might be difficult to put the blame on them."

"I will just point out that the P'tak serves as Operations Officer and it was his incompetence which caused the Enterprise to fail. The fools on the Council need me too much to listen to protests from the son of a dishonoured House."

"We just have to ensure your House's part is kept hidden. It would reflect badly on my House if yours was dishonored."

"Do not worry. My House still has power – those fools accepted naming the House of Mogh guilty even though they knew it was my House. Duras is still too important for them to move against me. By this time next year, I will be Chancellor. K'mpec even now is starting to feel the effects of the Viridium Six. Soon it will be at fatal levels and my greatest obstacle will be out of the way."

Harry, as Duras ally, took on a vicious grin. "Perhaps we can lay the blame on Gowron. He is currently your strongest rival for succeeding that old fool."

Duras looked thoughtful for a moment. "You have a point. Perhaps you shall start providing some evidence that it was Gowron who prevented me from reaching Wolf 359 to try to dishonor me in the Council."

"I will begin immediately. Q'Plah!"

"Q'Plah!"

The transmission ended.

Harry cancelled the transfigurations. He looked at the Council. "Satisfied?"

The entire council was enraged. K'mpec said, "Out thanks for uncovering this snake in our midst. The disease will be burned out."

"I am a God of Knowledge. Truth is important to me."

K'mpec nodded. He ordered the chained Klingon taken for questioning.

"If you will, I have an antidote for the poison introduced to you. If you will accept it."

One of the High Council members said, "Viridium Six has no antidote. It is the reason Duras chose it, I am certain."

"Let's just say I have access to a universal antidote."

K'mpec studied their visitor. Finally he nodded. "I will accept the antidote."

Marek walked forward. "Take a knife and make a small cut on the palm of your hand."

K'mpec did as requested – no minor would make a difference to any Klingon Warrior, even one as old as he.

"Place you hand palm up on the rail."

K'mpec did so. The High Council witnessed their visitor change into a bird. And most listened transfixed as the bird sang. Although there were one or two perhaps that felt uncomfortable. Harry landed next to the Chancellor's hand and dropped three tears into the cut and then retreated.

The High Council watched in wonder as the wound healed. K'mpec stood up straighter and said, "I feel the strength of years past returning! This was a mighty gift!"

Harry changed back. "Just do well by the House of Martok. It was a Warrior from that House which convinced me long ago of Klingon Honor."

K'mpec, almost reluctantly, nodded. There was no reason to protect Duras anymore. He would ensure the discommendation was ended.

"If there is a Klingon Bird of Prey nearby, I will ensure they arrive to Wolf 359, if only to observe cloaked. Actually being seen might tip off Duras which would be … unfortunate."

"True." K'mpec made a call and informed Harry that there was a warship waiting. "They will beam you aboard – and then you can do what is necessary."

Harry nodded. Q, as an observer, just watched.

Harry was soon beamed up and Q snapped his fingers and disappeared. Understanding the young God, Q – instead of meeting up with Harry – sent a mental message and went to the next invitee.

And so, soon, a Romulan Warbird and Klingon Bird of Prey watched from a distance as the Federation prepared to meet the Borg.

And both watched as the Federation harassed and led the Cube until it appeared at Wolf 359. Facing over thirty ships, this new enemy did not react to the weapons that were fired. They were confused as any Federation ship which was hit by the large cube's tractor beam turned off their shield before they were hit. And while this caused much damage, the immediate draining of each ship was much reduced. Suddenly, the ships moved away and a huge ship suddenly was visible behind where the Federation ships had gathered.

Neither recognized it. The large ship sent a powerful but out of date particle laser beam. This seemed to draw the Cube away from the ships it had been toying with. Suddenly, five that had been held were let go. The Cube hit the large vessel with a tractor beam but nothing happened. The sheer thickness of the plates prevented the Borg Cube from causing damage.

And, as if that had been a signal, the particle lasers from the behemoth suddenly intensified a thousand times. Old technology it might have, but the power it had was obvious. Suddenly, the cube, which had been operating at will, suddenly jolted. It tried to attack but the large ship was unaffected. As the Cube tried to retreat, that large vessel, larger than any either had seen gracefully followed and continued its assault. Explosions were occurring all over the Borg cube. And just like that, with one last massive explosion the Borg cube was dead in space, its killer hovering over it like a raptor, ready to attack at the slightest move.

The Klingon and Romulan commanders had the same question. "What was that?"

Q and Harry answered the same way. "That is a Battlestar. These are visitors from a far-off Human civilization. Brought here by a higher power to assist in preventing the destruction of Earth, it is a new ally. It could have been a new Klingon or Romulan ally if they had fought beside it but currently one allied with the Federation alone. Perhaps, if your Empire acts honorably, they might become an ally to you as well. Just remember – they are a Warrior culture. Do not expect them to act as the Federation would."

The two foreign warbirds quickly retreated under cloak to report their observations to their respective governments.

Harry and Q watched as the Enterprise met up with the task force. Data and the Enterprise computers, the most powerful of the available Federation computers available determined first that the Pegasus didhave the same quantum signature.

The star charts were immediately given over so that the tedious process of figuring out exactly where the Colonial Fleet was began in earnest even as Cain returned to Earth as a guest.

Q and Harry then popped off to the neighbouring space that contained the Galactica and its fleet. They were met by the local higher powers.

"What is your purpose in coming here?" one of them asked.

Harry was a bit overawed at the crystalline ship on which these beings traveled which existed on a higher plane. And so Q answered. "I am Q. My people exist on a higher plane much as you exist in this area. We came to look in on the Colonial Fleet to see what progress they've made."

John, one of the higher beings, asked, "And why do you do so? These are not yet your responsibility."

Harry had finally gotten over the new experience and replied, "We know that. You might recognize but I am not tied into a particular dimension. I allowed the Pegasus to survive and gave its people an option to help their fellow humans or not. Even now, the humans and their allies in the greater Milky Way are analyzing the data from Pegasus. There will soon be a meeting."

John asked curiously, "Do you plan on interfering? Perhaps sending them on as you did the Pegasus?"

Harry sighed. "No. I recognize that the trip is, in this case as in many, almost more important that the destination. I only wish to ensure that they are allowed their Free Will – as is my responsibility."

John nodded in acknowledgement. "Their travel continues. They will reach a time of crisis and one of theirs must choose. If he chooses well, we will assist them. If he chooses poorly, then the Colonials will take much longer to reach their destination and lose much more on the way."

Harry and Q looked at each other. Harry asked, "So your recommendation is that I not interfere."

John nodded. "They will soon face ultimate temptation. By their actions we will know them. By the ancient rules we will guide them. You can do nothing else for them at this time. They face one which you have met before and, as all mortals must, they must choose to be free."

Harry nodded. "As long as they are given a true chance at Free Will according to the fundamental law as set down by the Creator, I will not interfere."

"They will have the chance, regardless of the Deceiver's attempts to prevent it."

Harry and Q bowed before the beings they faced. "Then you have my thanks for keeping an eye on them. Here's to hoping they make the right choices."

The beings bowed in response. John said, "Once the choice is made – assuming they choose well – we will contact Q here and he may act as he sees fit then, for the mortals shall soon fall under his people's authority."

Q nodded in acknowledgement. "Thank you."

Harry shook Q's hand. "Maybe I'll see you – or one of your counterparts – around sometime. I think you'll like the Colonials. They're a bit more mature than the humans you're used to dealing with. Try not to be such an arse when you meet them."

Q gave his customary smirk. "I'll withhold judgment until I actually speak with them. Right now I'm used to humans needing their hands held to keep them from destroying themselves."

Harry shrugged. "One reason why there are higher powers – all part of the plan."

At that, Harry turned and Q and the beings on the Ship of Lights watched as Harry disappeared onto the next dimension.

War of the Gods Part II

The three returned Warriors were eating dinner with Adama and a few others. Iblis had apparently been overcome and miraculously the three lost Warriors were returned.

During the discussion, Adama mentioned Earth.

Suddenly, the three Warriors, had sudden knowledge pop into their heads.

Sheba began, "Earth. Quadrant alpha, 19 million sectars by Epsilon vector 22 …"

The other two stood and looked at each other. Starbuck continued, " … on a circular reckoning course of 000.9 …"

Knowing that it was important, Apollo finished it, "… in a star system with nine planets and one sun."

Suddenly, a new figure popped into the room. All of those present turned and looked at the new arrival. He was a handsome man, with dark hair, and he was wearing an odd looking uniform – one they had never seen.

Adama immediately stood, motioning for the others to be silent. "Hello. I am Adama, Commander of the Battlestar Galactica and currently acting President. To whom am I speaking?"

The man's face registered some surprise. "I was told that you were more mature than your Earth counterparts. I find myself shocked that such is the case."

Adama looked at their visitor curiously. "You've been to Earth?"

The man nodded. "I am Q. Whereas you previously were under the auspices of the beings which inhabit what you refer to as 'the Ship of Lights', now that you have passed your test and rejected Iblis, you will now fall under the auspices of my people, who keep an eye on the greater galaxy wherein Earth resides. Due to particular circumstances, I was made aware of you far sooner than otherwise due to the intercession of a different higher being."

Adama processed that. "I see. And you are here to guide us?" he asked with some mild disbelief.

Q smirked. "No. Those who watch prefer you mortals to learn by doing for yourselves. I am just here to meet you. And perhaps give you a piece of advice."

"And what advice do you have?" Adama asked.

"Follow the information that John gave your Warriors – once you travel back across the great divide which brought you from your place to this area. That is where you will find at least an Earth. You would find, in your travels, that there are actually several of them. But this one has a feature which I believe will interest you."

"And what feature is that?" Adama asked.

"It is where your fellows on the Pegasus were sent to prevent their destruction."

Sheba gasped. "My father? He's alive?"

Q nodded in the affirmative.

Adama looked at their visitor. "You have our thanks for that news. If I may ask: Who sent the Pegasus there?"

Q replied with some aplomb, "A being on the same level as your 'Lords of Kobol' took notice that they were to be destroyed in the battle with the two Basestars. That being, by the name of Marek Ilumian, felt their continued existence might have value elsewhere. And so he sent them to a place where they could help prevent the destruction of Earth by an enemy much like your Cylons. Even now Earth and your fellows search their combined databanks so as to locate you and bring assistance. However, it would behoove you not to wait for them for that would take many yahren; better for you to make your way closer until you Humans can meet. It seems you are not a people to wait for others to save you but act to save yourselves – I approve."

Adama nodded in acknowledgement. "Well, I and my people are glad to meet you. Is meeting us your total goal today?"

"No." Q took on a serious look. "Leave Baltar behind – and soon. He belongs to Iblis – you cannot afford to take one such as he. You have a few more things to pick up – but when you find the Gift, immediately make way for the divide. Your path has been given you once you appear on the other side. Except for this, this journey rests on you and your people. I may drop in … from time to time …"

Q disappeared before them. Adama considered the conversation and started making plans.