"Are we in an alternate universe from that of Betazed and Cardassia or was it by chance these humans possessed such mental abilities?" Gul Daecoen pondered from his command chair on the Bridge of the Cardassian ship. "If it were chance, could they possess a means to make the J'em Hadar telepathic? Something to think about."

Gul Daecoen had ordered the captured Betazoids taken to the Brig, but allowed the Earth telepaths to run free, at least for now. He was begining to have serious doubts on whether it was wiser to allow that or simply put them in with the others to be...” he grinned to himself, wolfishly, “studied, for it was unusual in his time-line for Terrans to possess such capabilities.

Suddenly he spoke to his helmsman.

"Lay in a new course back to Betazed." Gul Daecoen order.

"Yes, sir." His officer replied. "Turning ship back to Betazed."

*************************

On the Enterprise, repairs were still being made. She was still not ready to chase or do battle, which frustrated Picard. Upon hearing of the abduction, Picard assessed the state of his command then requested the loan of a fast warship to pursue the abductors. Sheridan agreed, but indicated that there could be a problem, as the ship would be crewed largely by Minbari. Picard, no clues to Minbari social etiquette, culture or command structure commented to Sheridan that he would wing it as best he could.

***********************************

“Take us out.” Commanded Sheridan. A Minbari crewman at the helm repeated the order in Minbari and the White Star eased from its B5 docking bay and cleared into free space.

“Why do they let you command, Captain Sheridan? The Minbari language seems impossible to learn.”

“I guess they trust me to do the right thing. Isn't that what being in command is about.”

“Quite true.” Picard said thoughtfully.

A Minbari, not of the crew, approached Picard. "Captain, you have no need to be uneasy around us. We are used to being with humans and will explain things as you require."

"You must be one of the telepathic Minbari?" Picard asked.

"No, I am Lennier, Aide to Ambassador Delenn. The Ambassador was one of those taken." The slender Minbari man stated with a slight bow of his head. "I just observe behavior and deduced feelings and behaviors that are typical of those who are curious about us."

"You are quite correct in your assumptions.” Picard said as he nodded his head in acknowledgment. “I must apologize if I have offended in any way."

"You have not." Lennier answered. "We are use to such things. I only wish we had met under less pressing circumstances, where there would be time to answer fully the many questions you may have."

"We will simply have to make do." Commented Picard.

"I do have one question."

Picard nodded his acknowledgment of his question.

"Who are these Cardassians and why have they taken our people as well as yours? Have they no knowledge of how much the Minbari dislike having our people abducted, especially our ambassadors."

"I strongly suspect that they don't, but I have no knowledge of your cultural norms either. The Cardassians are a war-like people, prone to taking what and who they want with little regard to the consequences."

"I understand. It will be explained to them when we catch up to them." Lennier answered. "We do not have time for lengthy explanations right now and I wish we did."

"As do I." Picard said.

"Sir, the Cardassian ship has changed direction. They are heading back to Betazed." The ensign at the conn informed Picard.

"Acknowledged." Picard answered. "Set coordinates to match theirs and then hail them when we are in range."

"Aye, Sir."

Then Picard turned to Sheridan sheepishly, "Sorry. This is your ship."

"No, go right ahead." Sheridan replied with a smile. "I would have ordered the same."

************************************

Bester sensed a change in direction and as well as the fact that the Cardassians were being deceptive with him. Angrily, he strode onto the Cardassian Bridge and approached Gul DaeCoen.

"You've changed direction from those that I gave you." Bester accused. "I want some answers and I want them now!"

"You're a telepath." Daecoen replied formidably. "You read our minds. Figure it out yourself."

"We will not be science experiments for you!" Bester replied menacingly.

"Oh, But I think you will." Gul Daecoen insisted. "Now, I suggest you keep quiet and cooperate or I may grow tired of you and place you in the brig with the Minbari and the Betazoids. I grew tired of her highness telling me what her people would stand for and not. Just as I'm growing tired of you also."

"And Delenn." Bester reminded the Gul. "They won't stand for the abduction of their ambassador, especially her."

"Bester, I suggest strongly that you shut up and not test me." The Gul told him. "My patience is wearing thin."

"One last point. My people won't stand for this either." Bester informed him. "You indicated that you would be allied with us in this matter of capturing the telepaths for Psi Corp. You are now going back on your word?"

Bester assessed his position and thought about exerting mental control over the Cardassian but realized there was no place to run to and he certainly did not know how to fly the Cardassian ship. Further, the Cardassians had their weapons and he had none since they relieved him of his shortly after boarding. Knowing full well that the right time would come, he allowed himself to be roughly manhandled as they escorted him to the brig, even though he put up no resistance.

“You now will have the Psi Corp after you as well as Sheridan and the Minbari. Trust me, that regardless of which you encounter first you won't win the battle."

“Get that idiot off of my bridge. He tires me with his prattling.” The Gul commanded as security dragged the apparently helpless Bester off of the bridge. Deacoen continued, "I could care less about them as I know our technology is far superior to theirs. If taking these prisoners benefits Cardassia, then so be it."

********************************

On the bridge of the White Star Picard turned to Sheridan.

"Captain?"

"Call me John." Sheridan replied. "After all we are of the same rank."

"I have one concern about this situation.” Picard explained. “The Cardassian's ship has weapons which I believe are far more powerful and sophisticated than yours. If we were to have to battle them, which I predict we will, we may be out gunned."

"I would understand your concern if we were aboard a standard Alliance destroyer, but we may have a surprise or two for them on the White Star." Sheridan replied.

"I'm not sure you understand." Picard stated. "These weapons are from another time and place."

"As we have encountered before with the Shadows." Sheridan answered.

Picard was leery of this man's confidence, but acceded to his judgment. "I appreciate you letting me command this vessel, but if we go into battle I will relinquish command to you. You know how to fight with this ship."

Sheridan's answer was a simple smile and nod.

"Still, I must advise you that some of these weapons may be of types you never encountered before." Picard informed. "I suggest that you should be ready for anything."

"Noted." Sheridan answered.

"We're within hailing range, Captain Picard." The ensign informed.

“Hail them.”

"Hailing the Cardassian ship."

"Cardassian ship. This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Heave to and prepare for boarding."

****************************

"Gul Daecoen, Picard is hailing us from a strangely shaped ship chasing us." One of his officers informed him. "We are being ordered to stop and prepare to be boarded.”

"Put him through." Daecoen said, annoyed. "This is Gul Daecoen. Your order is meaningless."

*You have taken our people as well as those from Babylon Five. We would like them returned.* The pause in Picard's voice was meaningful. "Peacefully.*

Gul Deacoen laughed. "So what? You are no match for us with that fish tank. I suggest you give up this folly and return to your puny little station."

Sheridan's voice overrode the conversation. *Unless you want a war with the Minbari and with us, I strongly suggest that you do as he says and return our people to us NOW!*

"You threaten us?" The Gul asked sarcastically.

*There are two Minbari war cruisers behind us.* Sheridan informed. Picard quickly looked at Sheridan questionly.

“So?” Daecoen asked defiantly.

*You are out manned and out gunned, and that is by us alone.*

"You're bluffing." Gul Daecoen answered cockily. "Our sensors show nothing of any other ships."

*Trust me.* Sheridan replied. *They are behind us and while we might be reasonable, the Minbari do not take kindly to their ambassador being abducted.*

“So I have been recently told.” Daecoen brushed off Sheridan's warning. "Still you are no match for us. If you try to fire on us, not only will we destroy your so called warships ships, but I shall take great pleasure in insuring that the ambassadors and everyone else we took joins you.. Daecoen out."

*************************

Picard looked at Sheridan questioningly. "The Minbari ships really are behind us and ready to back us up, if need be, but I doubt that that will be necessary."

The confidence exuded by Sheridan was visceral. Picard wondered just what kind of fire power this and the Minbari ships really had. Could they with stand the Cardassian ship's massive onslaught and give as well as take. Since Sheridan had taken over the command, Picard moved so as to stand next to Lennier on the other side of the Bridge.

Lennier was looking over the computer's current information on the status of their position to the Cardassians as Picard stopped next to him.

"Lennier, I was wondering about your people's ships. I'm concerned they won't be able to hold up against the Cardassian's firepower as I know it."

"Our ships' weapons should be sufficient for this." Lennier said enigmatically. "From the information I have just received we should be able to both overtake and take them without any undue problems."

"I'm not sure that you understand the technologies we have in our time." Picard stated.

"Your timeline may be a hundred years into the future and even an alternate universe, but time, universe, and technology are all very different things." Lennier said in a philosophical manner. "I'm sure that you will find that our weapons and technology are quite sufficient for rescuing our people."

"I hope you're not being overly confident."

"Once the Cardassians come to understand our position and strength, I am sure they will return our people unharmed. We may not have your ability to transport people from one place to another instantaneously, but we will all come to an understanding shortly. Hopefully, without firing weapons."

"The Cardassians," Picard stated. "They don't give up easily."

For the first time in his life he saw a fellow Psi Cop kicking and screaming with horror at what was to come. The P12 telepath was completely overcome with fear from what he sensed and Bester felt the fear painfully. Bester looked at the Betazoids and saw that they too sensed the officer's impending doom.

Bester was roughly shoved into the Brig with the others, including Delenn and the Betazoids.

"I apologize for discounting your truths." Bester sent telepathically to Deanna and Lwaxana. "I knew you were telling the truth, but I had no idea these people were going to go back on their word, nor did I know this was going to happen. If you can make contact with your people, now would be a good time."

"I sense your sencerety, I will try, but I am only half Betazoid." Deanna sent back. "I can try my best."

Lwaxana was still a little miffed.

"You are a P12 not a 5." Bester sent with regret of how he treated Lwaxana. "I know you can, if you will."

"I'll try, but not because you asked me too." Lwaxana thought back at him. "Only to save the rest of us and not to feel the painful deaths of your people."

"Imzadi." It was a simple mind send to her beloved, but she knew, if they were close enough he would hear her.

Lwaxana sent to Briana, who was much like Deanna. Ian's brother had married a daughter of another house, which made her half human also. She only hoped Briana could sense her thoughts and tell Riker or Picard what was happening.

***************************************

"Imzadi."

Sitting in the captain's chair on the Enterprise, Will's mind snapped to attention. "Deanna, are you alright?"

"For now, we're in the Brig and the Cardassian's have turned on Bester and his people." Deanna informed. "One is begining to be experimented on now."

A cold chill went down Will's spine. "Engineering, how long until repairs and diagnostics are finished?"

*About another hour, Sir.* Geordi informed.

"We don't have that kind of time!" Will said with urgency. "I haven't a clue about that Minbari ship's ability to fight a Cardassian ship."

*Weapons are online.* Geordi continued to inform. *External communications and warp will be next.*

"Do we have impulse control?"

*Yes, Sir. We do.*

"Ensign, take us out of here." Will ordered. "Full impulse."

"Aye, Sir."

"LaForge, let me know when we have warp and get the transporters up next."

*Aye, Sir.*

"Riker out."

**************************************

"NOOOOOO!" Screamed Briana in terror. "Not again!"

Beverly had return to her quarters to check on the two children, when she heard Briana's scream. She was looking after the sixteen year old and little Baron. Beverly knew Lwaxana or Deanna must have contacted her. With alarm in her voice, she asked, "What's wrong?"

In emotional horror of past memories, Briana cried. She had seen first hand what her mother had went through during the Cardassian occupations. Frantically, she grabbed at Beverly and held her in an embrass as if her life depended on it.

"Their doing it again!" She sobbed into Beverly's shoulder.

"Who is?"

"The Cardassians!" Briana stated loudly. "They've started their experiments!"

Beverly knew what those experiments were and had saw the results of those experiments. The thought made her shiver. She could not save several Betazoids who had sever damage to their brains. Those who did survive had permenent damage to their metacortexes and were never the same again. Briana was one of the lucky ones who was not experimented on, because she did not have what they were looking for. They wanted the stronger telepaths of Betazed and Briana was only empathic. However, her mother was not so lucky and she was left to live with her aunt.

"Crusher to Bridge."

*Bridge here.* Came Riker's voice.

"I have reason to believe Ambassador Troi and Counselor Troi maybe in danger."

*We're on it.* Riker informed. He heard the screaming child over the comm. *Briana told you?*

"Yes." Beverly stated firmly. "I'm assuming Lwaxana contacted her."

*Understood. Riker out.*

Beverly informed Sickbay that she would be delayed and she stayed to comfort Briana. She craddled the older child and Baron approached her to wrap his arms around her, alos afraid. Beverly freed one of her hands from Briana and hugged Baron back.

"Will Mother be OK?" Baron asked worriedly. Though not yet telepathic or empathic, fear exuded from Baron's body and mind. Beverly could feel it from him and hear it in his small voice.

Briana sniffed. "She's fine. For now."

******************************

On the bridge, Will was pacing the deck anxiously. He wanted to help get his Imzadi and the others back safely. He had no idea how to assist, except the Enterprise had the means to beam them off the Cardassian ship at a moments notice. Trouble was, Geordi still had not gotten the transporters back on line and he needed the warp drive up and going too, so they could haul themselves out of danger at a moments notice.

Will's mind wandered to what he would do if anything happened to Deanna. They were to be married in a few days. Now, being in a different universe and her in the hands of the Cardassians, he wondered if it was going to happen. His anxiety grew as he thought about not having his Imzadi.

Will suddenly hit his combadge, "LaForge, do we have warp yet?"

*We will in approximently five minutes.* LaForge reported.

"Transporters?"

*That maybe a bit longer, Sir.*

"We're going to need them as fast as you can get them up and running."

*Aye, Sir.* Geordi answered.

Suddenly, Will felt a shock of fear run through his body. He felt Deanna was scared, not for her own safety, but rather someone else's. He could only guess, for now, who's safety was in danger. He had to wait until Deanna sent to him again to know for sure.

*We have warp!* Geordi announced.

Will turned to the man at the con with urgency, "Warp eight now!"

****************************

Daecoen was in the Brig. His anger grew as he heard Lwaxana again recite who she was and how her people would not stand for this. Deanna also sense his wrath.

"Mother." She warned.

"My people, as well as the Federation will be."

Daecoen dropped the force field, roughly grabbed Lwaxana's arm and threw her to the floor of the Brig. "Shut up, you Betazoid Bitch!" He ranted. "I have had enough of you!"

Deanna ran to her mother only to be kicked down to the Brig floor as she knelt beside her mother. Daecoen was quick to put the force field back up so the others did not rush out also.

Then he growled, "Don't touch her!" as he abruptly yanked Lwaxana up to her feet and started to drag her out of the Brig.

Deanna lifted herself up to her elbows painfully and asked, "Where are you taking her?"

"To where I should have in the first place." Daecoen answered evilly. "And compare her brain with the telepathic human's brain!"

Deanna got up quickly. "No!" She shouted as she angrily tried to attack Daecoen, only to be shot unconscious by his phaser before she landed any blows to him.

"Lock her back up!" He ordered.

Another Cardassian went to Deanna's lifeless body and dragged her back to the cell with his phaser in hand. He lower the force field long enough to unceremoniously throw Deanna back into the cell.

Delenn and Lyta rushed over to her quickly, but Deanna hit the floor before either one could get to her. Delenn saw the phaser wound left behind by the Cardassian's weapon and felt for a pulse. She was relieved Deanna was alive, but she felt helpless to do anything for her or her mother.

Bester angerily leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "Unlike our weapons, their's can not only kill but also knock people unconscious. Leaves a bad burn, but she will revive here soon."

Delenn stood and turned on Bester. "You stand there and do nothing when you could be using you great abilities of your mind to get us out of here. Unless you are going to help, don't say anything."

Bester stood up straight. "If I did, where would we run to on this ship? How would we over take them when they out number us? And if we did, then what? We can't run this ship."

"No, but we could try!"

"Besides you and me." Lyta began. "There's four other P12's in this Brig. Surely we can do something together."

"Lyta, we're still out numbered." Bester informed her.

"Delenn is right." Lyta stated. "We could at least try something."

**********************************

A sudden panic came over Will and he stared at the view screen on the Enterprise Bridge. He felt fear, anger, and rage from her. Then suddenly, there was nothing. He felt she was still alive, but other wise their link to each other was a black empty void.

***********************************

"We've waited them out long enough." Sheridan said on the Bridge of the Whitestar. "Hail them again."

"What do you want?" Daecoen rudely addressed. He was now back on the Bridge of his ship and was none to happy.

"We want our people returned now!" Sheridan informed. "Or we will start firing on your vessel."

Daecoen laugh and defiantly replied, "No. We need all of them for a special project of ours."

"Beam them to our ship or I will blow your starbird wing off your bird!" Sheridan threatened.

Daecoen laughed harder. "If you want the tenticles intact on your stingray, I suggested you leave now!"

"FIRE!" Ordered Sheridan.

Before Picard could blink an eye the Cardassian ship had sustained damaged to it's starbird side. His eyes grew wide as he saw that the damage was just as great as the Enterprise would have done."

"Now, do you want to keep your other wing?" Sheridan taunted.

The response was the Cardassian ship firing back upon them. The White Star rocked in it's wake.

Something was said in Minbari and translated, "Sir, the two Minbari warships have arrived, but there is a third ship?"

Picard heard Minbari words then the one name he understood. "Enterprise."

Picard smiled. "Captain Sheridan?" Sheridan turned to face Picard. "May I address the Enterprise?"

Sheridan smiled just as the ship rocked again from Cardassian phaser fire. "By all means yes."

"Picard to Enterprise."

*Enterprise here.* Came Will's voice.

"Do we have transporters?"

*Sorry, Sir.* Will informed.

*We have transporters!* Geordi interrupted gleefully.

"Get a lock on." Picard grabbed the nearest thing he could as the ship shook violently again.

"Understood, Sir." Will answered.

***********************************

Will was amazed by the Minbari ship, but he knew he had no time to stand on the Bridge in awe. "Transporter room. Get a lock on the Ambassadors, the Counselor and whoever else you can!" Then he silently thank Geordi for his last minute timing.

*I have a lock.* The Transporter officer stated. *Beaming them aboard.*

Will smiled with thankfulness.

************************************

Deanna had revived and as fast as they beam aboard she saw her mother was missing. "Get a lock on Ambassador Troi and hurry!"

The officer scanned for a Betazoid reading. "Can you give me and idea where she maybe localed?"

"Medical lab."

"I have a lock on her." The officer informed. "And one human signature also, only." His face became ashen as he paused.

"Beam them aboard, now!"

Lwaxana and the Psi Cop materialized, as ordered. They then felt the ripple effect of the Cardassian ship blowing up in space.

Deanna rushed over to her mother who was sedated and she heard the others around her gasp. Then she looked over to the Psi Cop and gasped herself. His skull had been cut openned just like the Betazoids she saw that were beamed up from the Cardassian station orbiting Betazed.

Deanna tapped her combadge. "Sickbay, we have a medical emergency!"

*On my way.* Beverly replied.