"We've been underway for quite awhile now, and I have to say that she certainly looks better than she runs."

Iv'Oor turned around from Helm and glared at Rojc. "It's your security protocols that are messing her up..."

"The Fearless is doing just fine," Knight said, patting the command chair's arm, "Don't forget she's a fairly new ship--I'm sure the Phantom gave you a lot of troubles."

"Still is," answered Rojc succinctly. "It's been four months and Starfleet Command still isn't sure if they want to put her back into service," he added with a tone of disgust.

Knight chuckled lightly, but said nothing in reply.

"Wait a minute here--I'm reading something entering sensor range," reported Rojc.

"It isn't just another Tzenkath cruiser trying to get a look at us, is it?" asked Knight tiredly.

"No," answered Rojc. "Configuration unknown."

"Have they detected us?"

"If they have, they don't seem to be reacting to us," replied Iv'Oor.

"Take us to Red Alert, just to be on the safe side." Knight swiveled toward Tactical. "Details?"

"Three vessels, each roughly the size of a Defiant-class vessel. Shields and weapons are not powered up, though it doesn't look like either are even close to that of the Fearless," Rojc informed.

"Drop us out of warp and hail them. Mr. Rojc--get us a weapons lock."

"No response from the Unknowns," replied Ykinati.

"Any communications at all originating from those ships?"

"No sir," replied Ykinati, "They're just sitting there, doing absolutely nothing."

At that moment, an alarm sounded across the Bridge.

"The security protocols just went off--"

"Nicot here. They're attempting to link up with our systems."

"Is the security system keeping them out?"

"So far, but I don't know for how long."

"Acknowledged, Mr. Nicot. Knight out." He glared at the alien ships on the viewscreen for a moment. "Mr. Rojc, fire at will at the first two vessels; try to disable the third."

Rojc nodded. "Aye sir."

In that instant, the Fearless's weapon's systems flared to life and struck out against the alien ships. In one volley, two of the alien ships were destroyed. The third ran.

"Mr. Iv'Oor--pursuit course. Mr. Rojc--I want that ship."

"They're too fragile, sir. I can't disable them--knocking out one major system starts a chain reaction that destroys the rest of the ship," advised Rojc.

"Very well, Mr. Rojc. Destroy the remaining vessel."

With the press of a button, a barrage of quantum torpedoes slammed into the last alien vessel, sending it up in a brilliant explosion.

"They are destroyed. Security protocols report that system invasion has terminated."

"That's not what I expected from such a technologically advanced civilization," asserted Ykinati.

"So you can confirm that those were the aliens we were looking for?" asked Knight.

"They were," affirmed Ykinati.

Knight rubbed his chin in contemplative thought. "Resume original course and cloak us. I think we've revealed too much about us already."

"Course engaged," reported Iv'Oor.

"What's our ETA?" asked Knight.

"Estimated time of arrival to the Ildari system is two hours, forty-nine minutes."