The Enterprise NCC-1701-E was truly a strange sight to behold. Once the flagship of the federation, it was now the lead ship in a rapidly growing flotilla of assorted New Republic ships. Directly in front of it, the massive Mon Calamari cruiser Battle of Endor came out of hyperspace. The sight still startled Picard. Actually seeing something decellerate into realspace so quickly still unnervered him. He continued pacing, restless.
“Mr. Data. Any progress on the analysis of the anomaly?”
“Yes sir. With the aid of Commander Skywalker I believe we will be able to recreate it and emerge at the same location as the Vindicator.”
“We’re just waiting for the Yavin Four to arrive and then we can get on our way Captain.”
“Thank you Mr. Riker. Engineering?”
“Captain?” Geordi’s voice broke onto the bridge.
“How is the technology exchange coming?”
LaForge was working with New Republic technicians in order to better learn how to exploit Federation and New Republic technology…and in addition how to defeat Imperial technology. In the meantime, Commander Skywalker kept telling everyone about something called The Force…Picard didn’t know what to think. He’d been from one end of the galaxy to the other and he’d never seen anything like an omnipresent force that controlled someone’s destiny….well except maybe for Kirk. Still, Skywalker had managed to do some incredible things that no one on the Enterprise could explain. Picard had ensured that everything was documented for later study, and Skywalker promised that once this crisis was over he’d go over Picard’s crew to see if any of them would be strong in the Force…all except for Troi. He’d sensed her right away, muttering something about the force being strong in her. Geordi’s answer broke Picard from his thoughts.
“We’re coming along nicely. These New Republic folk have a weird way of doing business. But it seems to work. We’ll have some nice surprises for the Vindicator when we’re ready.”
“Tell you crew we’ll be ready to leave momentarily.”
“Aye Aye Captain.”
“Captain…a large ship coming in.”
A Nebulon B Frigate leapt out of hyperspace and moved toward the Fleet. “We’re being hailed.”
“On Screen.”
“Hi. This is the Yavin Four. General Solo commanding. Where do we report in?”
“You’re late Han.”
“Luke! Old buddy…how’s it going?”
“Not so good. I’m glad to have you.”
“Hey no problem. I knew you wouldn’t call without a reason. Brought Rogue squadron with me. That’s why I’m late. Wedge can’t wait to share war stories with you.”
“Great! You should beam over and we can share some stories.”
“No thanks Luke….I haven’t lived this far by trusting my luck to some half-baked alien magic. Anyway Chewie’d rip my arms off if he knew I left without him. He’s helping Lando…I mean…General Calrissian work on the Falcon.”
Picard interceded. “Commander. I hate to interrupt but we really should be going on our way.” “You’re right of course Captain. I’ll talk to you later Han,” Han nodded on the screen and faded out, “Patch all ships’ communications to this one.”
“Done. All right, Commander Skywalker. Try to re-open the anomaly.”
Luke laughed. Riker looked puzzled. Luke explained.
“It’s something my old teacher used to say, ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’” Luke relaxed. His breathing slowed. “Captain…the way is open.”
“Warp Five. All Ships engage hyper-drive on my command. Three….Two…One…Engage.”
The New Republic armada, led by the Federation flagship leapt forward into the anomaly….
