CHAPTER TWO:

Deep Space 9: Tracyn's quarters 0730 hours

Tracyn was finishing a light morning workout before the briefing with Commander Sisko. He was currently in his red fatigue pants without his shirt hanging from one of the archways in his quarters doing pull-ups when his door chimed. "Come in." He said as he kept doing his pull ups. The door opened and Jadzia came in. "Hello Captain Tracyn? I thought I would walk all of you to…" She started but stopped as she stared at Tracyn while he was doing his workout.

"Can I help you Lieutenant?" He asked as he finished his pull-ups and dropped down from the archway and grabbed a towel. Dax shook herself before starting again. "Yes, I was going to say that I would walk all of you to the briefing this morning." She said as she tried not to stare at Tracyn's back. It was hard not to since it was extremely well muscled.

"You know, if you really want to get a workout, you should talk to Quark about using one of his holosuites. I have a Klingon workout program of my own that I use." She commented. "Holosuites?" Tracyn asked. "Yeah, do you not have holotechnology in your universe? It uses holographic images contained inside force fields to give the images mass and make them tangible."

"We have holographic tech, but nothing on that level. Our communications are based on holograms, but they are all one color and we don't have the ability to touch them." Tracyn explained as he finished drying off. "You will have to show me those holosuites sometime. Let me get changed." He said as he went into his bedroom, leaving Jadzia in the main room with Tarfull and R2-Z4. A few minutes later Tracyn came out of the bedroom in his full armor and holding his helmet under his arm. "Let's go Lieutenant." He said as he put on his helmet and they went out into the corridor. At the same moment they exited Tracyn's room the other rooms opened and the rest of the Wreckers and Arya exited their rooms as well. Jadzia walked up to all of them and smiled as they began walking to the Ward Room. The Wreckers immediately formed up around Arya, Z4, Tarfful and Jadzia, and the whole procession took on a military parade feeling.

It took the group a few minutes to get to the Ward Room and they all went in. "Welcome, have a seat." Commander Sisko said as he motioned for all of them to sit down. "You met Major Kira and Constable Odo yesterday, and this is my Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien." He said as he introduced another officer. "Pleasure to meet you all." O'Brien said.

Arya decided to begin the meeting. "Commander Sisko, we have had time to think about our situation. Since we seem to be stuck in your Galaxy and have no idea how to get home we are more than willing to cooperate with you and give you full access to all of our technology, in exchange for access to some of yours." She said.

Sisko and his officers were pleasantly surprised to say the least. "I think we can arrange that, and it will make Starfleet very happy to say the least. Chief, I'd like you and Dax check out the ship. Major, you and Odo have a look at the weapons that have been left at security. General Kess, you can divide your men how you see fit."

"Actually Commander because we are not in our galaxy any longer and have no idea on how to get back, I am giving up my military rank of General. We have all decided to give up our ranks. I am still a Jedi Knight, but I am no longer a General." Arya said.

"Jester, Blitz, the two of you go with Tarfful and Gen… I mean Arya to the security office and teach Major Kira and Odo about our weapons and kit. Ghost, you come with me and Zee and we'll show them how the Talyn works." Tracyn said as all the Wreckers stood up. "Also Commander, I have a sensor log of the anomaly that we entered in our galaxy that brought us here." He said as his droid rolled over to Sisko and handed him a small data stick.

Sisko took the offered data and he and his officers stood. "Thank you for this data. I will have some of our techs analyze it. Everyone please keep me informed as to your progress." He said, effectively dismissing everyone.

With Arya, Blitz, Jester and Tarfful

Arya, Blitz, Jester and Tarfful followed Kira and Odo to the nearest turbolift. "Promenade." Kira said and the turbolift took off. "So General… I mean miss Kess. You said that you are still a Jedi Knight, what pray tell is that?" Odo asked as they waited.

"Before we took command of the Grand Army, the Jedi were the peacekeepers of the Galaxy. We are an ancient order of Force wielding warriors that have been guardians and peacekeepers for over a thousand generations. I am the rank of Knight, which means that I have passed a series of trials and am no longer an apprentice, known as a Padawan. Now that I am a Knight I would be able to take on a Padawan of my own, although I have no idea if there is anyone in this galaxy that is Force sensitive." Arya explained.

"Force sensitive?" Kira asked. "Jedi are able to use the Force, which is an energy field that connects all living things in the universe. I can still feel the Force, but I don't sense anyone powerful enough to utilize it." Arya explained.

"So what sort of things are you able to do with this Force?" Odo asked. "The limits of the Force are still not known. Not even Jedi Master Yoda knew everything about it, and he is over eight hundred years old." She said, not noticing the astonished looks on Kira and Odo's faces. "But for the most part the general abilities of Jedi are different telekinetic abilities, we can enhance our own physical abilities for short periods of time, we can sense things that are far away and sometimes even in the future or the past, although those abilities are rarely reliable and some Jedi can even heal themselves and others. Also our extensive training with our lightsabers as well as our Force senses allows us to block or deflect most blaster bolts." Arya explained.

Kira looked extremely skeptical of what she had been told. "That is a very extensive list of abilities miss Kess." She said.

"I would be more than happy to demonstrate all of my abilities." Arya said as the turbolift stopped and they exited onto the Promenade. As they were walking Arya saw a small object hit the top of Blitz's helmet. Looking up she saw a pair of young males laughing while one of them tossed things at the group. Sensing Blitz tense up she put her hand on his shoulder. "Don't Blitz. I'll take care of this." She said as she used the Force to make a great leap to the second level, landing right behind the youths, who were both too stunned to move. "You know, you really shouldn't throw things at people." She said as both boys stared at her. "Not everyone will be as nice or as forgiving as I am." She said as she used the Force to pull a small bag away from the smaller of the boys.

She jumped down from the upper level, ignoring the astounded looks on the faces of Odo and Kira. "Shall we continue?" Arya said as they all went to the security office. The small group went into the back of the office where they kept the checked weapons. Jester and Blitz immediately went over to the four Deeces and began checking them over.

"So we've agreed to share all of our technology, and that includes our kit." Blitz said as he walked over to a worktable and laid out his Deece for Kira and Odo. "This is the DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System, or Deece as we call it. It is the standard issue weapon for Republic Commandos and can be configured for multiple purposes at any given time. It is currently in the standard full auto blaster configuration. It can fire up to fifty rounds before the power cell needs to be replaced." Blitz explained before he changed it to sniper mode. "This is the sniper configuration. It has a two-stage electromagnetic targeting scope and fires these quarrels encased in plasma energy." He said, holding up a quarrel. "The standard sniper magazine holds five rounds."

Jester held up his own Deece in another configuration. "And this is the anti-armor grenade configuration, my personal favorite. It shoots a single dumb fire anti-armor grenade that is very effective against vehicles and heavily armored targets." Jester changed his Deece back to the standard blaster configuration and added an attachment to the front of the barrel. "This is the Pulsed Energy Projectile or PEP attachment. This makes this weapon non-lethal for crowd control situations and is effective at stunning most humanoids, even Wookiees with enough shots."

Kira and Odo took notes on everything the two commando's had shown them, while also scanning the weapons with their tricorders. Arya walked up and held up her own blaster pistol. "This is the DC-17 heavy blaster pistol. It is usually issued to ARC troopers and a few other elite trooper types as a side arm, it has a high rate of fire and low recoil and has a stun and kill setting. It is extremely effective against droids while still being lethal against organic opponents. It uses a standard blaster pistol power cell that is able to fire forty shots before the cell needs to be replaced." Arya explained.

Kira held up her hand to stop the explanations. "Can you show us your power cells?" She asked. Arya shrugged before popping out her blasters power cell. "This is a blaster pistol power cell. It contains concentrated Tibanna Gas, that when heated turns into plasma." She explained as Kira scanned the small cell with her tricorder. "Interesting. Odo do you think that our replicators could synthesize this?" She asked the security chief. "Possibly. Chief O'Brien will have to experiment with it. The gas seems relatively stable." He pointed out. "In our galaxy it is usually mined from gas giants. The planet Bespin has several huge cities floating in the upper atmosphere that mine a large portion of Tibanna for the galaxy." Jester said. "Although the Tibanna in those packs is slightly different than most, since it is spin-sealed. Non spin-sealed Tibanna can be used for a wide variety of things too, from heating fuel to Hyperdrive coolant."

"Remember the Rishi Moon outpost?" Blitz added. "They used liquid Tibanna to heat the base, and then blow it up when the Seps captured it."

Holding up her Lightsaber she continued. "This is a Jedi lightsaber. It emits a blade of pure plasma suspended in a containment field and is powered by a special Kyber crystal. The blade is able to cut through nearly any substance, and is even able to deflect blaster bolts. At least in the hands of a Jedi or skilled Force user." She said as she activated her green blade. "I made this lightsaber myself as part of my Jedi training." She explained before deactivating the blade.

Tarfful held up his Bowcaster and growled several times, pointing at different parts of the weapon. ""I'll translate for Tarfful." Arya said. "This is Tarfful's Bowcaster, it is the signature weapon of the Wookiee people. It uses two polarizing orbs on the end of the bow arms to create a powerful magnetic field, which fires large quarrels enveloped in plasma energy. It is extremely powerful, far more so than a Deece's sniper rifle, and holds a clip of six quarrels."

Kira and Odo finished their notes and scans before Kira stepped forward. "These are extremely interesting weapons. Now what about your armor?" She asked the commandos. "Like I said yesterday it is Katarn MKIII Armor, best stuff ever manufactured for any GAR troops." Jester said, taking over the explanation. "The plates are made of heavily reinforced Duraplast and features an internal deflector shield. The bodysuit is made of a plastoid fiber composite that is blaster resistant up to extreme close range. Who was it from Omega Squad that told us about getting shot in the neck with a blaster pistol at point blank range and it only burned a hole in the suit?" The description of the scene made Kira and Odo wince at the thought. "I think it was either Darman or Niner." Blitz said. "My own clothing is made from the same material as the Katarn bodysuit, and I speak from personal experience that it works." Arya added.

Jester continued his explanation. "The armor is rated for weaponry up to light cannon fire, Verpine Shatter Gun rounds, and even EMP blasts. It is designed for easy Bacta injection, as well as survivability in extreme heat and cold, and even hard vacuum for up to twenty minutes, longer with an external Oxygen tank." He explained. "What is Bacta?" Odo asked. Jester reached into one of his pouches and held up a small package. "This has a Bacta soaked bandage in it. Bacta is a gelatinous substance that is applied both topically and via injection that helps promote extreme healing in most life forms. I've used bandages like these to help keep my brothers stable when they were injured in the field until we could get back to a hospital. Most hospitals tend to have large Bacta tanks that patients are submerged into until all but the most grievous of injuries are healed, most without leaving any scars, if the Bacta is applied quickly enough." He explained.

Kira and Odo both perked up at the description of the Bacta. "Doctor Bashir will be most interested in running tests on this substance. We should get him a sample to analyze." The security chief suggested. "I'll show it to him and help him with running his tests as well as show him the rest of our medical supplies. As team medic I am the most qualified." Jester said, before continuing his armor explanation. "Our helmets have an integrated HUD system that shows constant tactical data as well as the status of all squad members hooked up through the suits internal computer systems. It also has a built in filtration system that can pull oxygen out of most toxic environments, as well as thermal, night vision and electrobinoculars." Jester said as he held up his right hand and ejected a blade from the knuckle plate. "The armors gauntlet holds a retractable vibroblade for CQC situations. This armor is very modular and can be customized for different situations as well as personal preference."

Jester took his helmet and handed it to Kira. "Put this on Major." He instructed. She did as she was told. "See that yellow light in the top right corner of the HUD?" He asked. "Yes." Kira responded while sounding slightly muffled from the helmet. "Look at it and blink twice." "Holy hell." Kira yelled moments later as she yanked off the helmet and tossed it onto the floor, looking somewhere between dizzy and nauseous. "What the hell was that?" She asked, breathing deeply. Jester chuckled a bit sheepishly as he picked up his helmet. "Sorry about that, I forget how hard that is for some people to get used to that. That was the tactical HUD in our helmets."

"An impressive list of capabilities." Odo said. "Well now that we have finished with all your equipment, I can begin my report for Commander Sisko." Jester and Blitz looked at each other before chuckling. "Is there something amusing?" Odo asked. "That was not all of our equipment." Blitz said. "This is just what we brought onboard the station. Arya didn't want us to come in with anything too heavy or intimidating. We have a decent sized arsenal onboard the Talyn. We can bring them onto the station if you want to inspect them as well." He said. Odo and Kira looked shocked by that fact before looking at Arya. "The Wreckers don't understand the concept of overkill." She stated simply.

Before they could continue Major Kira's comm. badge beeped. "Sisko to Kira." Came the station Commander's voice. "Kira here." She responded. "I know you're busy inspecting our guests equipment, but I'm afraid it will have to wait. Can you please bring them to my office? The Bajoran Provisional Government and the Vedek Assembly have sent representatives to meet with our new guests." Sisko explained.

Kira felt a sense of trepidation at this news. "Who did they send Commander?" She asked cautiously. "The Provisional Government sent Minister Kaval and the Vedek assembly sent Vedek Bareil … and Vedek Winn." He said after a long pause.

With Tracyn, Ghost, R2-Z4, Dax, and O'Brien

The five exited the wardroom and headed for a different turbolift. "Landing Pad D." Dax said as the lift took off. O'Brien glanced at the two commando's and their droid before speaking. "So you and your fellow commando's are clones?" He asked somewhat delicately. "That's right Sir. Bred from the finest genetic stock and trained by the best in the galaxy to fight for the Republic." Ghost said. "Oh don't call me Sir. I work for a living." O'Brien said with a chuckle.

Tracyn and Ghost chuckled at this comment. "He sounds like Sergeant Skirata." Ghost said. "Who is that?" Jadzia asked, extremely curious about the clone's lives. "He was one of the Mandalorian Cuy'val Dar training sergeant on Kamino. He helped train another group of commandos, as well as the Null ARC's." Tracyn explained.

"So what is the difference between regular commando's and ARC's?" Dax asked. "ARC stands for Advanced Reconnaissance Commando. We are a more specialized type of commando that is often sent out alone or commanding other troops for covert operations. Republic commandos are always deployed in our four man squads for other special assignments. Both groups can be deployed in scenarios where regular ground troops are not practical as well as spec opps assignments ranging from sabotage to assassination. Really either group can usually handle any given situation but it's up to our superiors to decide which group would be sent into a given situation." Tracyn explained.

"What was that one word, Cuy'val Dar?" O'Brien asked. "It's Mando'a, the Mandalorian language, it means 'Those who no longer exist'." He explained. "Our genetic template Jango Fett was a Mandalorian bounty hunter and he brought in one-hundred soldiers and mercenaries to help train the clone commandos. Most of them were Mandalorian, just like Jango himself, and they were extremely well paid for their service, but they had to completely disappear from the galaxy, hence they were Cuy'val Dar." "And what are Mandalorians?" Jadzia asked. "We are." Ghost said. "We were raised Mando by our training Sergeant Wad'e Tay'haii. He taught us the language and culture of our heritage." He finished as they arrived at the Talyn.

Dax and O'Brien immediately pulled out their Tricorders and began scanning the ship. "My tricorder can't identify the metal that the ship is made of." O'Brien reported. "The Talyn is made of a special combination of Durasteel and Beskar." Ravage explained. "She's a Kom'rk class fighter/transport, a bounty hunter special, that was created by the MandalMotors Company. I equipped her with a class point-seven Hyperdrive, as well as a class eight backup. Ghost helped me upgrade her twin Ion engines so she's now capable of speeds exceeding 1/7th the speed of light in atmosphere, and close to 1/6th in vacuum with no loss of maneuverability. She has two high-powered assault blaster cannons mounted into the front wing tips, a pair of Proton Torpedo launchers, a seismic charge launcher aft, and a high powered Ion cannon mounted under the cockpit. There's a troop bay in the main body that can normally hold twenty-four people, with a rear hatch for rapid deployment. However since this ship was only used by myself and my brothers on some missions, we converted the troop bay into living quarters and an armory." Tracyn explained as he pointed out the weapons mounted into the upward facing wings, under the cockpit and in between the two ion exhaust ports. "We managed to get a shield generator from a Separatist assault ship and install it in the Talyn, so her defensive capabilities are far superior to basically any other ship in her size category." Tracyn finished with a grin.

Dax and O'Brien both took down carful notes at their explanations and almost continuously scanned the areas Tracyn and Ghost pointed out. "What should we show them next Ner Vod?" Ghost asked. "Might as well go with the swoops." He responded as he pressed a button on his gauntlet and two speeder bikes dropped out of hidden compartments near the ships ramp. "These are Balutar-class swoops. The MandalMotors Company also developed them, just like the Kom'rk Class ship. They are repulsor powered speeder bikes that despite their small size are capable of traveling at over five hundred kph and still have great handling because of the high end gyro-stabilizers Ghost and I installed. They also each have a pair of front mounted blaster cannons." Tracyn explained as he pressed a few more buttons on his gauntlet and the speeder bikes ascended back into their hidden compartments and the boarding ramp for the ship lowered.

As everyone went inside Tracyn turned to the Starfleet Officers. "What would you like to inspect first?" He asked them. "Why don't we check out the engines?" Dax suggested. As the group walked through the ship Tracyn and Ghost pointed out interesting things. As they passed the armory Dax and O'Brien looked with some surprise and trepidation at the sizable number of weapons stored in the small ship. Jadzia noticed another suit of armor on a stand in the back. "What's that?" She asked.

Tracyn walked up to the suit of maroon armor with black accents. "This is my personal suit of Beskar'gam." "There's that word again, Beskar?" Jadzia asked. "It's Mando'a for Iron, or Mandalorian Iron. It's the toughest stuff in our galaxy, capable of stopping blaster bolts and even deflecting lightsabers. Armor is called Beskar'gam, which means Iron skin. Mandalorian smiths know how to refine to any shape or color they want." Tracyn explained as something behind his armor caught his eye. Grabbing it he turned to his brother. "Hey Vode, weren't you looking for your this before Mygeeto?" He asked as he held up a charcoal colored cylindrical item with a sharp point that he tossed to Ghost.

"What's that?" O'Brien asked. "It's a Bes'bev. A Mandalorian flute." Ghost explained as he twirled the instrument with a flourish and put it to his lips and played a few notes on it. "Our training Sergeant was a very skilled player and I took to it like a Kaminoan to water. He gave me this as a gift before our first mission and I've kept it with me ever since." He said as he held the instrument tenderly. "That was a very nice gesture of him." Dax said.

They continued to the engine room where the Starfleet Officers scanned the hyperdrive and the Ion drive. "The ion drive uses internal fusion reactions to create a stream of highly charged particles that are then forced out through the exhaust port to create thrust." Ghost explained. "The hyperdrive is what allows the ship to travel at faster than light speeds and traverse the galaxy by entering hyperspace."

"Hyperspace?" Dax asked. "Hyperspace is an alternate dimension that overlaps realspace. When we activate the hyperdrive we jump into hyperspace and traverse the galaxy at hundreds or even thousands of times the speed of light, but hyperspace travel isn't without risks. Every object in realspace with a sufficient gravity well, like stars or planets, has a shadow in hyperspace. Without precise navigation your ship can hit one of those gravity wells. Best case scenario the gravity well violently pulls you back into realspace, worst case your ship is obliterated." Tracyn explained.

Before either Dax or O'Brien could respond Dax's comm. badge beeped. "Sisko to Dax." Came Sisko's voice "Dax here." She responded. "Lieutenant I know you and the Chief are busy inspecting our guests ship but I need you to bring them to my office. The Bajoran provisional government and the Vedek Assembly have sent representatives to meet with them." "Understood Benjamin, we'll be there shortly." Dax said.

"Well as much as I would love to continue the tour of this amazing ship, but as you all heard Commander Sisko has some visitors for you all in his office."

END CHAPTER TWO