July 13.

            "In the meantime, you are honoured guests.  You may explore the Betazoid cities as you wish.  However, the forests are extremely dangerous."

            "Thank you, Vice-Admiral Nechayev, for your hospitality," said Reshal.  "When should I transport to begin the negotiations?"

            "Whenever you're ready, Commander," Nechayev responded cordially.

            * * *

            Third-Earth.

            The Kazara, Enterprise, and Effugium entered into orbit around third-Earth.  The Feliner left the Enterprise shuttle bay and proceeded down to Cat's Lair.  Lion-O and the Thunder Kittens were piloting the small craft.  The time was 7.00.  Way past the Thunder Kittens' bedtime, but they were unaffected.  They were not even in a bad mood because of lack of sleep.  They noted Lion-O's concern, of course.  It was dismissed.  Lion-O felt he was getting a bit soft on them, but it was technically the job of Tygra and Panthro to discipline them.  Tygra had fashioned the Wilytwins well.  Lion-O had first-hand experience that Tygra was too darned modest.  No one in the Thunderian Empire had gone through what Tygra and the Wilytwins had gone through.  Lion-O knew that God had helped the three through it.

            In the control room of Cat's Lair, Lion-O explained the situation to Panthro.  The latter was greatly intrigued.  "This is wonderful," said Panthro.  "We actually have a nation again."

            "Yes," said Lion-O.  "The method of government that was on Old Thundera cannot be used this time.  It's got to be a one-race method of governing."

            "The Wilykats are the dominant race, by a landslide," said Panthro.  "I'm not complaining at all, but they're more powerful than all of us."

            "No, they aren't," said Wilykit.  "None of them is more physically or mentally powerful than Wilykat or I.  It is true; I am not being conceited."

            "Okay, okay," said Lion-O.  "Good point.  I have an idea.  Wilytwins, you train Gatito and Gatita.  You seem to be off to a pretty good start with them.  Panthro and I will ponder what exactly must be done with our friends up there, the citizens."

            "There's something we haven't thought of," said Wilykat.  "That ship they have."

            "Oh, yeah!" Lion-O exclaimed.  "Good point, Wilykat.  It's about as large as Ludwig's Warbird."

            "So, we already have a ship," said Panthro.  "That has the hyperdrive warp system, our gift to give."

            "According to Nekras, the chief engineer of the Kazara, Romulan and Klingon disruptor cannons are adaptable with the Thunderian design," said Wilykat.  "LaForge says a Federation cloaking device can be easily installed on the ship as well."

            Wilykit added, "We can upgrade the N-Team cloak-detection net as much as possible and give the ship access to it, as well."  She looked at Panthro.  "You and Worf would make an excellent pair."

            "Oh, really?" said Panthro.

            "Yes.  You both have the hearts of warriors.  I'd love to see you in his holodeck program, 'Worf's Callisthenics.'  It's a real workout, according to Cmdr. Riker."

            "Maybe I will try it.  Maybe I can get some pointers on how to make our holo-rooms from those on the Enterprise."  Tygra, looking extremely satisfied, came into the room.  "Good morning, Tygra.  How'd you sleep?"

            "Fine, Panthro," said Tygra.  He felt very sure about himself.  He was in an excellent mood.  "Hello, Lion-O, Wilytwins."

            "Good morning, Tygra," said Wilykit, smiling in a manner that slightly - very slightly - disconcerted Tygra.  "I felt the way you do twice, so you can't fool me."

            "Was I trying to?" Tygra asked her.  "It's not just. . . that.  Bengali and Pumyra finally came together."

            "Those two?" said Panthro.  "Welcome news, Tygra.  We've known for some time that the two're Amore Eternamente.  What did they do?"

            "Oh, Panthro!  That's gossip!"

            "Come on, Tygra.  We aren't going to tell anyone."

            "Oh, all right," Tygra said.  "They kissed.  That's all I know, for they left my quarters soon afterward."

            "How does Cheetara feel?"

            "Great, Panthro.  I just. . . well, it just so happens that while we were, um, physically bonded, something happened.  Something, Thunder Kittens, that you shouldn't be too overly concerned about."

            "What kind of something?" asked Wilykat, suspicious.

            Wilykit was certain what had happened.  "Conception occurred, right?"

            "Nothing gets by you, Wilykit," said Tygra.

            "Well, since you physically bonded, what other possibility was there that deemed importance?"

            "Right.  Anyway, the conceived ones are twins, two girls."

            "Oh, please!" wailed Wilykat.  "I don't need two more sisters!"

            "That's what you've got," said Tygra flatly.  "There's no way to stop it, Wilykat, so try not to get upset about it.  It will do no good."

            "I don't see anything remotely bad about this, brother," Wilykit said.  "What's wrong?"

            "If anyone had told me that Tygra and Cheetara were really, honestly planning on having any natural children, it wouldn't have come as a shock to me!" Wilykat exclaimed.  "What in the hell's wrong with us?"

            "You watch your language, Wilykat!!" snapped Wilykit.

            "ANSWER IT!!!" shouted Wilykat above her.  "What's wrong with. . . with just Wilykit and me?"

            "Wilykat, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that," said Tygra.  "There's also absolutely nothing wrong with our not telling you we were planning on doing that."

            "How in God's name can you explain that?  I was much happier a few minutes ago!  Why in the world didn't you even say anything about it?"

            "We didn't think we had to, Wilykat," Tygra said.  He was inwardly crushed because his son was very unhappy with and shocked by this situation.  "Look, Wilykat, I'm sorry.  If I had known that it would make a difference,. . ."

            "Oh, for gosh sake, Tygra.  Why did you think you didn't have to tell us about this decision?  I don't mind your doing this without our consent, but you could at least have the decency to tell us that you were indeed planning this.  Don't you still think you're our father?"  Wilykit put a hand on Wilykat's shoulder.

            "Brother, calm down," said Wilykit gently.  She loved him so much.  She just could not understand why he was so blasted upset about this situation.  She was not.  She just was upset to hear him carrying on like this.  Her hand conveyed her love but also her authority.  She loved him, but she also led him.  Right now, hers was the only command he would follow.  "That's an order," she added.  Wilykat looked down at the floor.

            "Okay," said Wilykat.  He quietly asked, "Tygra, what gave you the notion that we thought you were planning to have natural children?"

            Natural children.  That did not have such a lovely ring to it anymore, thought Tygra.  "I just thought so, that's all," said Tygra.  "After all, I have been spending quite an amount of time with Cheetara lately."

            "Yeah, but. . . Tygra, you still. . ."  Wilykat shut up for a moment so he could organise his thoughts.  "This was entirely unexpected by me.  Sure, my concern was laid to rest when Panthro said you wouldn't love us any less than any natural children you might produce.  My God, Tygra, I actually liked the idea.  But this was such an unexpected surprise, after you had not told us that you were planning on having children you produced with Cheetara."  He had this way of getting himself out of calamity and back to his usual good humour.  He looked at Wilykit.  "Of course, if I discovered my nephew or niece were conceived without my knowing that my sister was planning on having any, I would feel lynched," he said with a grin.  Wilykit smiled.  This snapped him out of it.

            "You and Wesley would be the first to know of such a plan, I promise," said Wilykit.  "He would have to know, of course."

            "Yes.  Is there any possibility of more cousins?"

            Tygra almost laughed.  "I'd say so, yes," he said.  "What with Bengali and. . ."  One word that had almost escaped him returned to his memory.  " 'More'?"

            "Why, yes, Tygra," said Lion-O.  And they proceeded to fill Tygra in on the events that late night slash early morning concerning the Effugium.

            * * *

            Cheetara now knew of the events that had happened earlier that day concerning the Effugium.  She concluded mentally that it was logical that some of the people on-board might need a psychological counsellor.  Just her field of expertise.  The Astutus-twins were coming down in a moment.  Poor Wilykat; Cheetara had almost hollered at Tygra herself, but it would have done no good.  Wilykat was all right now.  He had not been several moments ago.  She loved him almost like a mother, and she was the closest thing to it that he and Wilykit had.  Tygra was actually a combined mother and father to them.

            The Astutus-twins arrived by molecular transportation.  The effect was similar to the Enterprise transporter and N-Team transporter.  Gatito was further in front than his sister.  Wilykat envied that Gatito, the brother, was the elder of the Astutus-twins.  The male Wilytwin much preferred being involved with his sister in decision-making rather than her simply telling him what to do.  She generally preferred this, too, but she gave orders when she deemed it necessary.  This was a preferable relationship.

            However, the male Astutus-twin almost always dominated his sister.  His sister usually had no problem with this.  He usually gave orders, but in the kind of life they had been leading, this was deemed necessary by both.  Of course, she had say - good Lord, all senior and junior officers did - when the good of the ship was concerned, especially since she was first officer.  She was not rebellious.  When he gave her an order, she carried it out.  She just obeyed.  She did not need him to be sore at her.  She was no one's yes-man by any means, but she was obedient to her older brother.  She was always used to this relationship and therefore had no problem with it.

            The Wilytwins, however, were not raised on this kind of relationship.  Wilykat did not 'just obey' when Wilykit gave him an order, unless he agreed wholeheartedly with it.  This was about half the time.  He loved her, but he wished to God he had been born first.  At least she never called him 'squirt.'  'Li'l bro,' that little expression Wilykit had picked up from Steelheart, was just as annoying, however.  Even because of all this, Wilykat did not wish to change the fact that he was younger than Wilykit.  He loved being able to annoy her, and he felt that since she was the stronger, she actually deserved the seniority that being the elder twin gave her.

            "Welcome to Cat's Lair," greeted Wilykit.  "Everyone, this is Astutusgatito,. . ."  She indicated Gatito.  ". . .and this his younger twin sister, Astutusgatita."  She indicated Gatita.  "Wilykat's and my cousins.  Astutus-twins, this is Lion-O, Lord of the Thunder Cats."  Lion-O bowed his head slightly and shook hands with Gatito.  "This is Tygra, Wilykat's and my father."

            "I'm delighted," Tygra said.  Gatito nodded politely.

            "This is Cheetara."  Cheetara nodded politely.  "And this is Panthro."  Panthro outstretched his hand and shook Gatito's firmly.

            "A pleasure to meet you," said Panthro.

            "It's good to meet you all," said Gatito.  "I assume Wilykit has related our shipboard history to you?"

            "Yes," said Lion-O.  "Rataro is in prison for life for having killed most of your race."

            "Well, I admit to you, I am glad to hear that," said Gatito.  "You can't believe what it was like when our parents died.  Poor Gatita - we usually leave off the 'Astutus' part - and I felt awful the rest of the week and still. . ."  He did not go on.  It was needlessly dragging up awful memories for him.  "Well.  We are ever grateful for what our parents did.  Not just Gatita and I, but everyone else on our ship.  What will happen to my people?"

            "To be perfectly truthful, I don't know yet," said Lion-O.  "Have the Thunder Kittens told you about New Thundera?"

            "Yes."

            "Well, do you want your people to populate third-Earth or New Thundera?"

            "I honestly would prefer to leave it up to them."  Lion-O nodded his agreement.

            "I assume you mean you would let each person choose individually where she or he wished to live?" asked Lion-O.  Gatito nodded.  "Well, I agree.  However, Gatito, there are some things to be considered.  Presently, only about half of Thundera is suited for Thunderians.  Each of three areas is under influence from one of three Moons of Plundarr.  Also, there is one area that is totally uninhabitable.  It will make one younger.  To survive in the three areas over a long period of time, either certain equipment will have to be worn at all times, or some permanent internal changes will have to be made to a person living in that area."

            "Ugh," Gatito said.

            "That's right.  However, in certain respects, New Thundera is much safer than third-Earth.  Here exist a silent forest, an acid lake, a Plundarrian base,. . . all manner of dangers that don't exist on New Thundera.  New Thundera is more beautiful and safer than third-Earth."

            "Would there be any real 'incentives' to third-Earth other than what you've mentioned?"

            "Well, here is where the Thunder Cats' base of operations is located," said Lion-O.  "We designed Cat's Lair as a permanent location."  He had a certain tone that indicated some sort of 'however.'

            "However?" prompted Gatito.

            "However," Lion-O continued, "there's really no one other than us to govern New Thundera.  Also, it's in a better position to provide assistance to the United Federation of Planets if they request it from us Thunderians.  The trajectory angle is more convenient.  Anyway, as soon as possible, you might want to ask the people on your ship where they would like to go."

            "Well, I can do that right now, if there is nothing else that I have to do."

            Gatita suggested, "If you'd like, brother, I could do that."  Gatito thought about that.

            "All right," he agreed.  "You want to?"

            "If I didn't want to. . ."

            "I understand.  You may get to it."

            "Certainly."  She tapped a button on her belt.  "Gatita to the Effugium.  Beam me up to the ship, please."  She was transported there.

            Gatito whispered to himself, "I love that sister of mine."  More loudly, he added, "I don't know what I'd do without her."

            "That makes two of us," Wilykat said.  Gatito nodded.

            Cheetara asked, "Gatito, will a counsellor be necessary for the people aboard ship?"

            "It's possible," answered Gatito.  "They are all older than when they entered suspension 200 years ago.  They are - we are - ten years older.  True?"

            "Yes.  Anyway, if they need a psychological counsellor, see me.  I'm one."

            "Thank you, ma'am.  It's good to co-operate with the Romulans and the Starfleet officers, right?"

            "Of course," said Lion-O.  "Co-operate with them, by all means."

            Gatito responded, "Certainly, our lord."  Lion-O smiled.  He had emphasised that no one was to call him that, but the Astutus-twins would not know that.

            "I don't like to be called that, Gatito," said Lion-O.  "It is entirely too formal.  Just call me 'Lion-O.' "

            "Yes, Lion-O," Gatito said.  "I'll make sure to tell everyone that."  Lion-O nodded.

            "Were your parents able to train your sister and you physically to be Thunder Cats?"

            "A little, just the bare necessity.  Not much, but simply enough."

            "Wilykit?"  The female Wilytwin suppressed a sigh.

            "Yes, Lion-O?" she said.

            "Can you and your brother train your cousins physically to be Thunder Cats?  The bare requirements are hardly enough for what we have to do."

            "I believe so, yes."

            "Would you do it, then, please?"

            "What do you say, my brother?"

            "Oh, why not?" said Wilykat.

            "Okay.  We'll do it, then, Lion-O," said Wilykit.

            "Thank you, Wilykit," Lion-O said.

            "Excuse me," Gatito interrupted.  "Who's going to govern my people?"

            "It's no longer simply your responsibility," explained Lion-O.  "It's the Thunder Cats who govern them.  The question is who'll execute the governing."

            "Me," Tygra said.  "I'm your executive officer.  Besides, I was actively involved in the government of the town where I lived."

            "Yes," said Lion-O.  "I know.  Very well, Tygra.  Gatito, do you have any objections?"

            "No," Gatito replied.  "Will you use the Thunderian Democratic Monarchy System?"

            "Of course.  Eighty percent of those who vote at a particular time vote for a bill before it becomes law.  The obvious exception, of course, is the Code of Thundera.  The first thing we should do is bring up the Constitution and Bill of Rights of the Old Thunderian Empire, make appropriate revisions, and draft a new Constitution and Bill of Rights."

            "I agree," said Tygra.  "Gatito, I'll do my best.  You have my solemn word."

            "I know," said Gatito.

            * * *

            Betazed.

            Three Romulans, one of whom was Commander Reshal, arrived in a park in the capital of Betazed.  Three Starfleet officers, one of whom was Vice-Admiral Nechayev, were waiting for them.  Nechayev greeted, "Welcome to Betazed, Romulans."

            "We thank you," replied Reshal.  The two shook hands.  "I would have preferred the circumstances to be better."

            "The Klingons are sending one of their captains to participate," said Nechayev.  "Is that good?"

            "Certainly.  The more, the merrier.  These are my assistants:  Centurion Kalesta and Centurion Jarova."  Both were male.  Kalesta was the one to Reshal's right, Jarova the one to her left.

            Nechayev said, "These are my assistants:  Captain Edward Jellico and Commander Julia Maria Romanus."  Jellico was definitely a human.  Romanus appeared to be one, as well, though there was something a little 'off' about her, Reshal noted.  "Shall we go inside?"

            "Certainly," said Reshal.  She indicated that Nechayev should go before them, and Nechayev did so.  Nechayev's group and then the Romulans entered a building just inside the park.  The first room of the building was decorated with Betazoid art.  The Romulans found it beautiful.

            "Betazed is considered one of the most beautiful planets in the Federation," said Nechayev, leading them to a door on the other side of the room.  "For its history, for its art, for its people, and for its nature.  However, the forests are quite dangerous because of certain beasts and natural traps.  They decorated this outer chamber with some of their art at the Federation's request."

            "The Betazoid are a peaceful people, correct?"

            "Yes.  Some of the greatest telepathic minds come from this planet.  The Betazoid are not dishonest.  They dislike hurting other people.  The planet actually needs Federation help to protect them from enemies like the Cardassians."

            "I think I recall Captain Jellico's name associated with the Cardassians."

            "Yes," said Jellico, speaking up.  "I was involved in negotiating a peace treaty between the Federation and the Cardassian Union.  After that, I negotiated a Cardassian withdrawal from the Federation border.  Since the armistice was signed, the Federation has signed several treaties to keep from having another war with the Cardassians."

            "I fail to understand why they would declare war on us Romulans for initiating a more peaceful relationship with the Federation," Reshal said.  Nechayev agreed.  What was the logic behind it?  "Until a few years ago, we attempted to ally with the Cardassian Union.  The Cardassians continually gave us the notion that this was acceptable.  A few years ago, border skirmishes began.  I am not lying when I tell you that most of the time, the Cardassians were the initiators."

            "I see," said Nechayev.  Now, she understood.  It did indeed sound like the Cardassians to do something like that.  The Cardassian military was quite aggressive.  Maybe she should contact Commander Sisko on Deep Space Nine.  The Cardassians might try to seize it, in the process violating the Demilitarised Zone.  She had confidence in the abilities of the crew there.  However, a station had some major disadvantages that a ship did not.

            In the room, there was a triangular table in the centre.  There was a viewer behind each angle.  The one on the far wall had the emblem of the Federation on it.  On the viewer behind the nearest angle of the table was the emblem of the Romulan Empire.  The viewer behind the middle angle showed the symbol of the Klingon Empire.  "Please, have a seat," said Nechayev.  At the end of the table that was headed by the Romulan emblem, the Romulans stood behind their seats.  Nechayev and her assistants stood at their chairs at the end of the table headed by the Federation symbol.  All six sat down at the same time.  "Is there a certain reason for which you are requesting this now?"

            "Yes," said Reshal.  "I trust you are recording this?"

            "Of course."

            "Very well.  First of all, the Romulan Empire is actually impressed by the achievement of former Admiral Presman when he captained the U.S.S. Pegasus.  Now, though the Federation cloaking device is technically in violation of the Treaty of Algeron, the Romulan Empire in fact currently approves of your achievement.  If you wish, we can drop the provision.  The Romulan Empire knows that the Federation is not in the habit of sneaking around.  It would provide an excellent advantage, on the other hand, if the Cardassians were to begin aggressing against the Federation again."

            "I see your point," Nechayev said.  Cmdr. Romanus made a note of this, as did Cent. Jarova.  "Thank you."

            "You're welcome.  Next reason.  Romulus and Remus are facing a disaster.  On Romulus, elements 119 and 120 exist in forms where the proton number equals the neutron number.  We have named these romulum and romulon, respectively.  Romulum, a highly reactive element, combines both with metals and with nonmetals.  Romulon is a noble gas.  Both are hazardous to a Romulan's health.  We have so far found no way to eradicate that problem, as both elements are quite widespread on the planets."

            Nechayev believed Reshal, with the obvious caution of course.  "I'm sorry.  What exactly can we do?"

            "I'm not entirely sure."  Something flashed on Jellico's panel.

            "Klingon Bird of Prey, Vor'cha-class attack cruiser, decloaking above Betazed," Jellico said.  "Identifies itself as the Hek'ta.  Captain Kurn is hailing."

            "Respond," ordered Nechayev.  Jellico nodded and complied.  The viewer with the Klingon insignia changed to show Captain Kurn.

            "I am Captain Kurn of the Hek'ta," announced Kurn.

            "I am Vice-Admiral Nechayev."

            "I am Romulan Commander Reshal," said Reshal.  Kurn noticed they did not waste time with certain pleasantries.  He liked that.

            "I shall beam down immediately," Kurn said.  "I shall bring two aides."

            "Very well," Nechayev replied.  "Qapla'  {Khah-plah.}  [Klingon]  (Farewell.)"

            "Qapla'."  The viewer returned to the Klingon insignia.  Moments later, three Klingons, one of whom was Captain Kurn, arrived.  "These are my aides:  Lieutenant Commander Qoreq {kó-rehkh} and Lieutenant Qel {khehl}."  The aides were both men.

            "These are my aides, Centurian Kalesta and Cent. Jarova," Reshal said, indicating her two officers.  Kalesta was to her left now, and Jarova to her right.

            Nechayev said, "My aides are Captain Edward Jellico and Commander Julia Maria Romanus."  Kurn nodded, then the Klingons took their seats at the Klingon end of the table.  "Kurn, the Romulans request at least a minor alliance.  What are your views on this?"  Kurn thought carefully.

            "Romulan Commander Veral honourably saved my ship from a most dishonourable Cardassian attack," said Kurn simply.  "The assault from those Cardassian patakh heavily crippled the ships.  Veral's Warbird blasted the Hu'tegh {çú-tehg} [Klingon]� out of the Cardassians, who fled like cowards.  He then escorted us back to Klingon territory to fend off any other Cardassian assaults.  To say the least, I appreciated it."  Suddenly, sirens sounded.  Panels on the walls shone red.  "Red-Alert?"  [�-This is a Klingon epithetical curse, so it needs no translation.]

            Cmdr. Romanus was investigating.  She gasped.  "A Galor-class Cardassian warship is decloaking!"

            "A CARDASSIAN SHIP?!?" exclaimed Reshal.  There was no need to hide her surprise.  Everyone else was just as surprised.

            "Those Cardassian yIntagh {yihn-tahg} [Klingon]� aren't supposed to even have cloaking technology!" exploded Kurn.  He smashed a communicator badge on his arm.  "Hek'ta, take a defensive posture!  Don't attack the Cardassians until they attack first."  [�-This is a Klingon epithetical curse, so it needs no translation.]

            "Until they attack what first?" asked the first officer.

            "I don't care what!" shouted Kurn.  "If they so much as fire a BB gun at a star, attack!!"  Cardassian Gul Ra Natt and Gul Se Dek materialised in the room.

            "Called a meeting of the hostile nations, Admiral?" asked Se Dek.  "We weren't invited, so we thought we'd crash your party."

            "Gul Se Dek!" growled Kurn.  The tohzah had been causing trouble all along the Cardassian-Klingon Shared Zone.

            "Right you are, Kurn," said Se Dek.  "The Letal is up there.  We had an encounter with the Koopa empire."

            "The who?" asked Nechayev, faking ignorance.

            "Oh, come now," Se Dek chided her.  "Don't tell me you don't know what the Enterprise is doing.  Or the Kazara.  We all know of the Evil Koopa Kingdom, which is beginning the Third Koopulan Empire.  They quite sensibly chose to ally themselves with us Cardassians."

            "You are Gul Ra Natt," Jellico said.  "You've been stopping by Deep Space Nine lately on most unfriendly visits with Gul Du Kat."

            "Yes.  You must be the Captain Jellico whom Commander Sisko mentioned.  Must be an idiot for allowing a Ferengi to hold a business there."

            "You'd better not make any false moves," Se Dek said.  "The Letal is quite lethal.  It has great warp speeds and a cloaking device, not to mention powerful disruptors."  She smiled.  "I'll demonstrate."  She had an evil look in her eyes.  A purely evil look.  She tapped a device on her left wrist.  "Gul Se Dek to the Letal.  Blow away the Imperial Romulan Warbird Remanus."  Reshal's eyes widened.

            "Yes, ma'am," came the reply.  Above Betazed, the Letal blasted powerful disruptor energy at the defenceless Remanus, one of the three unarmed Warbirds.  It blew up in a manner that it lit up the sky like a nova for several seconds.  Out a window, the group could survey the exploded ship.

            "You will pay for that," said Nechayev.  "Jellico?"  The captain tapped his communicator.

            "Jellico to the Cairo," Jellico said.  "Retaliate on the Cardassian ship."

            "It doesn't stand a mere chance," said Ra Natt.  The Cairo retaliated.  The Letal blasted it with such a powerful blast that three quarters of the shields went out.  When the Letal was busy with the Cairo, the Hek'ta came in.  The Letal's shields kept it safe until it could come to and blast the Klingon ship.  The attack left the Cairo and the Hek'ta crippled.  The two Guls smiled.

            "You have not won yet," said Reshal.  She might regret this, but. . .  She tapped her collar-communicator.  "Reshal to Sub-Admiral Tebok.  I'll explain; just help out now!"  The Imperial Romulan Warbird Cassius decloaked.  It was more massive than each of the other ships.  The ship cut through the Letal's shields before the Cardassian ship knew what had hit her.  The Cardassian Warcruiser had wasted the necessary second.

            "A fourth Warbird?" demanded Jellico.

            "Backup protection against the Cardassians," said Reshal.  "Sub-Admiral Tebok suspected the Cardassians would do this."

            "I believe it," said Nechayev.  There was dismay on the Cardassians' faces now.  "Do you Cardassians know that an act such as you committed is an act of war?"

            "We are at war!" exploded Ra Natt.  "With these blasted Romulans!"

            Reshal said, "In that case, I'm sure Tebok won't mind finishing off your vessel."

            "Please don't push it, Commander," warned Nechayev.  "We're grateful you brought a loaded Warbird for defence."

            Se Dek shouted, "Don't any of you know that it is an act of. . ."

            "So's what you did!" screamed Jellico.  "You Cardassian daughter of a. . ."

            "Captain," said Nechayev.  Her tone indicated that she wanted things to get more civilised.

            Gul Ra Natt said grudgingly, "We'll be back."  The Cardassian Guls were transported up to the Letal, which left for the Cardassian Union at maximum warp.

            "Hope we've got a trigger-happy captain out there," snapped Jellico.  Nechayev agreed.

            "Battle of Betazed," said Reshal.  "I like that.  First time a Romulan saves a Federation world.  It'll look good in the history books."

            "Yes," agreed Nechayev.  "First order of business.  We can turn the Neutral Zone into mutual Romulan-Klingon-Federation territory; how does that sound?"

            "Sounds good," said Reshal.  Kurn nodded.

            "Yes," he said.

            Nechayev said, "Good.  Then we'll make that part of the treaty."  She nodded to Romanus, who jotted this down on her computer padd.  "Now, let's find a name for this treaty."

            "Romulan-Federation-Klingon Treaty of Betazed," said Kurn.

            "That's good," said Nechayev.

            "Yes," Reshal agreed.  Romanus wrote on her computer padd 'Romulan-Federation-Klingon Treaty of Betazed.'