The crews of the Osbourne, Phantom, and Defiant breathed a collective sigh of relief as the phasing effect on the three vessels came to an end.

"Report! Where are we?" demanded Knight.

"We're back where we started!" exclaimed Iv'Oor, relieved. "Position confirmed by the Osbourne."

Though the Federation vessels were through and free of the anomaly, it continued to fluctuate wildly. The Starfleet vessels' good fortune would not last.

Five Tholian vessels shimmered into existence at the edge of the anomaly as it continued to fluctuate. As the anomaly faded from sight, it became obvious that one of the Tholian Webspinners was disabled. The other four, however, were not.

"They're ignoring the other ships and coming at us," shouted Rojc above the alarms.

Knight didn't even bother to demand shields or weapons, as he already knew they were not operational; he doubted the trip through the anomaly had helped. Knight grit his teeth. "Brace for impact!"

Sparks shot across the room from consoles and the lights flickered as the Tholians relentlessly fired on the unshielded vessel. It wouldn't take too long before they would get through the ablative armor on the hull.

Knight gazed with contempt at the Webspinner he could see on the viewscreen when all-of-the-sudden it erupted into flames. The Phantom abruptly stopped shaking from weapons fire.

"What the hell are they doing!?" shouted Knight as he watched the Osbourne leading the Tholians away. He sat in his chair, mouth agape as he watched the ancient Defiant join in the battle as well.

The crew of the Phantom watched helplessly as the three Tholian Webspinners shifted the focus of their attack on the smaller Starfleet vessels. Maybe they'd take one or two with them, but it was clear to all that they weren't going to last much longer.

Rojc grimaced as he watched the Defiant take another critical blow. He desperately wished there was something he could do to help his wife.

The Osbourne fought valiantly, but it was clear to Fordall that this wasn't going to last much longer.

"The Defiant has been disabled by the Tholians, Sir!" yelled Lieutenant Perevoz from the Tactical console. "They're concentrating all fire on us."

Fordall shielded his eyes as the Engineering station went up in a fiery explosion--thankfully no one was manning it. "Evasive maneuver pattern Gamma One One Four. Engage! Concentrate all fire on the lead Webspinner!"

Another violent jolt shook the old Oberth-class vessel.

"Shields down to thirteen percent!" shouted Perevoz.

Fordall was out of options. The Tholians would not accept a surrender.

The Captains of both ships jumped to their feet as they watched weapons fire bathe the Tholians. The calvary had arrived. The Sovereign-class USS Endeavour engaged three of the Webspinners, as an Akira-class vessel fired on the Webspinner that had previously been disabled. The battle was no longer going well for the Tholians.

"Vrax you fool! We must surrender! They will destroy us!" shouted Nethrax, buzzing loudly enough to be heard over the numerous alarms.

"The Cerne has been destroyed, m'Lord!" reported Tethor, "Our shields are at twenty five percent!"

Vrax twitched as he watched the two treacherous Federation vessels fire on him and his comrades. "Then we shall go out in a blaze of glory! For the Assem--!"

Vrax's foolish bravery was abruptly cut off as he fell unconsciously to the floor, stunned by the a weapon--the same weapon Nethrax now trained on Tethor.

"Are you with me or against me?" demanded Nethrax of Tethor.

Tethor bobbed up and down. "You are now Commander."

"Then signal our surrender!"