“Cross-currents”
Part one of a crossover trilogy with Stargate: Atlantis

By: Ed Rhoades

“STAR TREK”, “STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION”, “STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE”, and “STAR TREK: VOYAGER” are the property of Paramount Pictures and CBS. “STAR TREK: HIDDEN FRONTIER” is the intellectual property of Rob Caves.

“STARGATE: ATLANTIS” is the property of MGM Studios and Gekko Entertainment. 

Prologue

USS Avenger NCC-74215, transiting through a Briar Patch current 

Captain’s log, Stardate 59836.1, Cmdr. Jonathan Price commanding:
The Avenger is returning to DS-12 following our year-long patrol of the Briar Patch.  We’ve had a few run-ins with Breen and Tholian ships, but nothing we couldn’t handle.  The crew is shaping up to be a fine one.  They’ll be an asset to whoever relieves me at this posting.

	“Bridge to Captain Price...”
	“Price here…  Go ahead, Lieutenant.”
	“Incoming message from DS-12… Admiral Knapp.”
	“I’ll take it down here, Lieutenant.”  He activated the bulkhead monitor, bringing up the image of Adm. Ian Quincy Knapp, the sector commander and CO of DS-12.  “Admiral, what can I do for you?”
	“Commander Price, you’ve done an outstanding job out there.  What’s your ETA at the station?”
	“At our current speed, it’ll be about six hours, sir.”
	“Once you dock, you’re to turn over command of the Avenger to Commander Luko, then report to my office once you’ve transferred your belongings to the station.  I have new orders for you.”
	“Aye, sir…”
	“Nice work, Commander.  Knapp out...”
	When the monitor reverted back to its original screen, Price exited his quarters and made his way to the bridge.  Once there, he activated the ship-wide announcement system.  “All hands, this is Commander Price.  This is my final day aboard this ship as your commanding officer.  Tomorrow, you will be under the command of Commander Luko, formerly of the USS Ranger.  During the past year, I couldn’t have asked for a finer crew, and I know that you will continue to excel under Luko’s command.  Thank you for your support.  Price out.”  He took a long look around the Defiant Class ship’s cramped bridge.  “XO, you have command, let me know when we’re about to exit the current.”
	“Aye, sir...” 

	Six hours later, the Avenger exited the current and approached the massive station and the ever-present swarm of starships and support craft surrounding it.  Price turned to his tactical officer.  “Open a channel to docking control.”
	“Channel open, sir.”
	“DS-12, this is USS Avenger requesting docking clearance.”
	“Avenger, you are cleared to dock at Bay 8.”
	“Bay 8, aye, DS-12...  Avenger out...”  
The Avenger slipped smoothly into the dock and spun on its vertical axis, easing the starboard docking port up to the station’s airlock.  A muffled “thunk” was heard and felt throughout the ship as the docking clamps locked into place.  Price picked up the duffel bag that contained the few belongings he’d actually brought on board a year ago and walked to the turbolift.  He turned to look at the bridge one last time and addressed the officers still on station.  “Well, fellas, it’s been fun, but I’m afraid it’s time for me to go.  Make me proud.”  He met Cmdr. Luko just inside the airlock.  “Commander Luko, this is a good ship with a fine crew.  You treat them right, they’ll always bring you home.  Good luck.”  They shook hands and went their separate ways… one to a new ship and new adventures, the other to see what his mystery orders were.